Library

In many ways, the library is the heart of a university. It serves and is a part of every department or program of NDSU. The stronger a resource the Library is, the better it can support all of NDSU's endeavors. A good library is essential in recruiting students and faculty, attracting research funds and providing access to useful information to all North Dakotans. Libraries, like knowledge, grow and change. The current library was constructed in 1949 when the style of learning was often a solitary activity between students and their textbooks. Today, student assignments are often a collaborative project. However, whether a student needs a space for individual or small group learning, the Library is still the place they come.

Students today rely on information in a variety of formats. The electronic resources of full text digital periodicals and databases have been a huge success with both students and faculty. Although the NDSU Library provides 24-hour a day access to a host of digital resources, the need for traditional library resources including books, maps, archives, microforms, and videos remains. Both the electronic "virtual" library and the print collections must continue to grow to meet the information needs of a modern, growing, research university.

Ongoing funding concerns, however, present challenges to that growth. Like the rest of the University, the Library functions in a continuing environment of fiscal austerity. The NDSU Development Foundation encourages alumni and friends to consider the establishment of named endowments to provide a permanent resource base for library acquisitions. Current funds are also needed for the purchase of materials in every subject area from Agriculture, Business and Economic Development, to Communications, Education, History, Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Nursing and a variety of other topics.

For more information about supporting the NDSU Libraries, contact Jason Wohlman, Associate Executive Director, (701) 231-6800.