University Library
The recently renovated and expanded University Library houses a collection of over 1,000,000 volumes of books, periodicals, and documents and maintains approximately 3,900 periodical and newspaper subscriptions and offers online access to hundreds of databases. The University Library also has a significant microform collection of 1,331,000 items which include long periodical and newspaper runs, as well as large sets of education research reports, early English and American books, presidential papers, and other manuscripts. The library is a selective depository for U.S. and Michigan government documents and maps. Research materials not available in the library can be obtained from other sources around the world through the library’s Interlibrary Loan office.

More than just a collection of books and periodicals, the University Library is also the center of a large array of library services and study areas which are open 94 hours/week. An extended hours study room offers additional hours of study space.

The Libraries’ integrated system is a cornerstone of library services. It consists of CENTRA II, the online catalog of books, periodicals, music scores, maps, and audio-visual materials -- and provides access to online selected periodical articles and documents in arts and humanities; social and behavioral sciences; health, physical, and life sciences; business; and education. The libraries have over 300 workstations with high-speed Ethernet connections that provide access to the wealth of information resources available through the Libraries' website.

Reference Librarians are available every day of the week to assist students and faculty with reference questions and research projects. In addition to offering personal assistance from the reference desk, librarians also respond to inquiries via telephone, e-mail, and online interactive chat. They also offer library instruction to classes and teach LIB 197, a one-credit course in basic library research skills. The Library has a wide variety of general and subject-specific indexes, abstracts, and other research materials, some in print and some in electronic format. Reference Librarians and staff will be glad to assist users in selecting and effectively accessing all of these resources.

Photocopy machines, including those for microforms and printers are available throughout the library for the convenience of patrons. Visually impaired patrons may use equipment and materials located in Student Disabilities Services on the first floor. Individual study rooms are also available.

Hours of service are posted in the library and at the entrances, but patrons may call 774-3294 any time for current library hours.
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Clarke Historical Library
The Clarke Historical Library collects print and manuscript items regarding Michigan and the Old Northwest Territory. The Library’s holdings are extensive. Over 65,000 printed items, 3,500 manuscript collections, 10,000 reels of microfilm, 16,000 visual images, and 2,100 maps document all aspects of life in Michigan. In addition to this main area of concern, the Clarke Historical Library has also developed a variety of "special" collections. These include the Lucile Clarke Memorial Children’s Library, one of the finest collections of children’s literature in the country, the Class of 1967 Presidential Campaign Biographies collection, Native American material, the Central Michigan University archives, and the Wilbert Wright Collection of Africana and Afro-Americana. Because of the uniqueness of much of the material in the Clarke Historical Library, items in the Library are not available for circulation but must be consulted in the Clarke Historical Library’s reading room located in 142 Park Library. Hours of service are posted, but patrons may dial 774-3352 for Library hours or 774-3864 for reference assistance.
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