Giving to the Libraries

As faculty assign more team-based projects, as mobile computing becomes more ubiquitous, and as the universe of information continues to expand, Alden Library is in need of more technologically-diverse spaces for student collaboration, and alternate choices of study and instruction, in today’s busy interactive classroom.

Ohio University librarians collaborate with faculty to enhance students’ research-gathering skills for self-discovery and intellectual growth. Librarians provide over 1,200 hours of instruction to students about navigating today’s overwhelming information environment. Through their teaching efforts, and with enhanced library study and learning spaces,  students develop critical skills to find quality information and successfully complete classroom assignments.

In this age of information, an increased emphasis is placed on the most up-to-date access tools and delivery systems, while at the same time, recognizing the importance of developing notable collections and preserving recorded knowledge for future use.

Also, most of our Libraries subscriptions to scholarly journals are now acquired online, but that doesn’t mean they are free of cost. In fact, 80 percent of today’s acquisitions budget is for online publications. Because University Libraries pays for these subscriptions, students and faculty are able to engage in their everyday classroom study and deeper research.

But regardless of the medium—paper, microfilm, the web, or digital collections—University Libraries is committed to acquiring and maintaining a comprehensive array of information that is accessible to students, faculty and scholars worldwide.

The proliferation of electronic information—full-text documents, electronic journals, datasets and multimedia files—has transformed the way that the libraries around the world acquire, organize, store, preserve and deliver information.

Digitization is a multifaceted process that involves many steps, from selecting materials to capturing images to ensuring copyright clearance. To date, University Libraries has digitized some of its collections with one great goal in mind: making them available online to students, faculty and the world beyond.

Providing high-quality digitization and care of more of these Libraries’ resources will extend our reach, showcasing OHIO’s resources to global audiences. As more students and scholars from around the world are able to search our collections remotely, our notoriety and reputation will increase.

More about Digital Initiatives giving opportunities

The Libraries isn't just a place for students to study and research, it's also a vibrant workplace for student employees. Our student workers gain valuable work experience and real-world skills that support their success as scholars and graduates of Ohio University.

Give today to support the Libraries' student employment, engagement and success!

It's a great environment to be around. You're working with a group of really qualified educators and researchers, and you're going to be doing something different every time you come into work.

--June Meehan, Class of 2025