Earlham College Library serves as the intellectual center of campus, supporting research, teaching, and creative inquiry across disciplines. Students, faculty, and staff rely on its collections, spaces, and expert staff to explore ideas and collaborate.
Designed to evolve with digital scholarship while honoring deep print traditions, the library offers integrated technology, quiet study zones, and dynamic learning commons. Its layout encourages both focused individual work and community-based projects.
Overview at a Glance
| Core Service | Key Feature | Typical Access | Support Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Collections | Books, journals, media, and special archives | Open stacks and browsing | Access Services & Reference Desk |
| Digital Resources | E-books, licensed databases, open educational resources | 24/7 off-campus via Shibboleth | Digital Initiatives & Help Desk |
| Study & Collaboration Spaces | Group study rooms, quiet zones, makerspace tools | Room reservations required for some spaces | Library Events & Operations |
| Instruction & Research Help | Course-integrated sessions, one-on-one consultations | By appointment or drop-in hours | Instruction Librarians |
Collections and Special Holdings
The library curates robust print and electronic collections that align closely with Earlham’s Quaker-informed liberal arts priorities. Emphasis is placed on primary sources, peace studies, and interdisciplinary materials that support engaged learning.
Beyond general academic titles, holdings include locally digitized archives, regional oral histories, and curated digital collections. These materials reflect the college’s commitment to access, transparency, and community storytelling within a scholarly framework.
Information Literacy and Instructional Programs
Librarians partner with faculty to design course-integrated sessions that build research, citation, and critical evaluation skills. Workshops often include data literacy, source analysis, and ethical use of information tailored to specific assignments.
The library also supports capstone projects, senior theses, and independent research through scaffolded instruction and consultations. These efforts aim to empower students to navigate complex information landscapes with confidence and integrity.
Study Environment and Technology Support
Flexible study spaces range from silent carrels to collaborative rooms equipped with screenshare technology. Makerspace offerings include 3D printing, audio recording, and prototyping tools integrated with library staff guidance.
Technology lending services, reliable campus Wi-Fi, and on-demand software support help ensure equitable access to digital tools. Environmental design balances natural light, quiet areas, and collaborative hubs to suit varied work styles.
Library Hours and Services Overview
| Service | Monday–Thursday | Friday | Weekend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reference Desk Hours | 8:30 AM–10 PM | 8:30 AM–6 PM | 12 PM–8 PM |
| Study Floor Access | 24 hours | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Instruction Room Booking | Available by request | Available by request | Limited availability |
| Tech Lending Services | 10 AM–4 PM | 10 AM–4 PM | Closed |
Getting the Most from Earlham College Library
- Use the library catalog to identify both physical holdings and licensed e-content across subjects.
- Schedule instruction sessions early to align research support with major project milestones.
- Reserve study rooms and group spaces in advance to secure ideal collaboration environments.
- Leverage tech lending and digital labs to experiment with new tools without upfront investment.
- Engage librarians for personalized research consultations and literature discovery.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I borrow books or request items from other libraries?
Use your college login to place holds through the library catalog, and visit the Access Services desk to borrow or arrange interlibrary loan with clear pickup instructions and timelines.
Can guests use the study spaces and computer labs?
Guest access varies by space; most study rooms require prior reservation by current students or staff, while select areas may allow limited visitor use with prior coordination.
What support is available for citation and formatting questions?
Librarians offer one-on-one consultations and workshops covering major citation styles, source documentation, and academic integrity tailored to your assignments.
How can I get help with digital resources and off-campus access?
Connect with the help desk or digital initiatives team for VPN, proxy settings, database troubleshooting, and guidance on off-campus authentication using your college credentials.