Dean B Ellis Library serves as the central academic hub for Northern Arizona University, connecting students, faculty, and the surrounding community with curated collections, expert research support, and modern study environments. Its evolving role emphasizes digital access, collaborative learning spaces, and data-informed decisions that strengthen teaching and scholarship across campus.
Designed to align with institutional priorities, the library integrates information literacy, open educational resources, and technology-enhanced services that respond to shifts in enrollment, funding, and campus culture. The overview below highlights core functions, stakeholders, and outcomes that illustrate how Dean B Ellis Library supports both strategic goals and everyday academic workflows.
| Stakeholder | Primary Role | Key Services | Success Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students | Active learners and library users | Study spaces, research consultations, borrowing, tutoring support | Course success, satisfaction scores, retention |
| Faculty | Curriculum design and research partners | Course-integrated instruction, digital reserves, dataset access | Assignment alignment, resource availability, time savings |
| Library Staff | Service delivery and collection stewardship | Reference, acquisitions, technology support, assessment | Response times, collection depth, process efficiency |
| Administration | Strategic oversight and resourcing | Budget planning, policy guidance, campus partnerships | Cost-effectiveness, alignment with mission, impact data |
| Community Partners | Collaborative outreach and shared resources | Public events, access agreements, joint programs | Civic engagement, expanded reach, co-created value |
Information Literacy And Student Success
Information literacy programming at Dean B Ellis Library focuses on helping students evaluate sources, manage research projects, and communicate evidence effectively. Workshops, course-integrated sessions, and online tutorials are tailored to discipline-specific needs, ensuring that learners build skills that transfer across their academic and professional paths.
Collection Development And Digital Access
The library balances print and digital collections to reflect curriculum demands, support innovative teaching, and respond to usage analytics. Open educational resources, licensed databases, and locally created digital archives increase affordability and provide diverse perspectives that align with both disciplinary standards and community interests.
Research Support And Technology Integration
Dean B Ellis Library offers research consultations, data management planning, and software training that enable faculty and students to adopt appropriate methodologies and tools. Emerging technologies, including visualization labs, collaborative platforms, and secure storage solutions, are evaluated for scalability, usability, and alignment with institutional research priorities.
Assessment And Continuous Improvement
Systematic assessment guides service enhancements, space redesign, and resource allocation at the library. Surveys, usage statistics, and advisory group feedback are synthesized into dashboards and reports that clarify where interventions are most effective and where further investment is warranted.
Community Engagement And Future Direction
Dean B Ellis Library extends its reach through public programs, school partnerships, and collaborative projects that showcase university expertise and foster lifelong learning. By aligning collections, services, and spaces with evolving user expectations, the library positions itself as a resilient, forward-looking center for discovery and innovation across campus and the broader region.
- Leverage information literacy sessions to build core research skills for all students.
- Expand open educational resources to lower course material costs and increase access.
- Integrate assessment data into planning to align services with strategic priorities.
- Strengthen technology infrastructure to support collaborative and data-driven research.
- Deepen community partnerships to amplify public value and campus-community ties.
FAQ
Reader questions
How can I request a research consultation with a subject librarian at Dean B Ellis Library?
Submit a request through the library’s online form, specify your topic and preferred timing, and a librarian will schedule a one-on-one session tailored to your research needs.
What are the borrowing limits and loan periods for students and faculty at Dean B Ellis Library?
Loan periods vary by user type and item format, with students typically having shorter cycles and faculty enjoying extended terms; current limits are listed in the borrower agreement available at checkout and on the library website.
Does Dean B Ellis Library provide access to open educational resources and affordable course materials?
Yes, the library curates open textbooks, course supplements, and adaptable materials to reduce student costs while maintaining academic quality, supported by partnerships with faculty and campus affordability initiatives.
How does the library measure its impact on teaching, learning, and research outcomes?
Impact is tracked through course integration records, assessment results, usage analytics of spaces and collections, and feedback from instructors and students, enabling evidence-based decisions that strengthen services each semester.