In the University Libraries by Year

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Library staff bring library services to students, faculty, staff and the community in a variety of ways, including lending books and other materials, providing access to thousands of electronic journals, sourcing articles and books from libraries internationally, answering basic information questions and in-depth research questions, and sharing library and special collections via workshops and events.

This dashboard illustrates library materials and services usage on an annual basis.

Ask Us Service

Librarians and library staff provide 55+ hours of assistance via the library's Ask Us service each week via chat and in-person at our Information Desk. They answer thousands of questions each year, with undergraduate students as the most frequent customers.

Questions Answered at the Circulation Desk (1st Floor)

One of the library's most important functions is answering questions from students, faculty, staff, and community. Library staff at the circulation desk answer questions about borrowing library materials, course reserves, media and equipment, they give directions and provide maps, and facilitate guest computer accounts.

Instruction Sessions

Librarians conduct library instructions sessions throughout the academic year to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, and community members. The sessions range from library introductions to in-depth research skills.

Manuscript Collections Used for Research

Researchers from all over the world visit to use the renowned collections housed in Special Collections and Archives. In addition, archivists use these collections to answer reference questions from students, faculty, staff, and community members. Over 1,300 boxes were used in 2023.

Special Collections & Archives Presentations

Archivists welcome students, faculty, staff, and community members to the Archives for scheduled formal presentations, workshops, reading room orientations, tours, and more.

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Total hours of room usage since January 2021

Study Room Use

The Dunbar Library has 4 group study rooms, 2 media studios, and 7 individual silent study rooms available for students, faculty, and staff to reserve. The rooms are available approximately 90 hours per week, to accommodate student schedules.