University Libraries
Kathy Irwin, Dean
The University Library in the Charles V. Park Library building offers a wide range of collections and services in support of CMU students, faculty, and staff. Its collections contain more than 1,000,000 books and other print items, more than 300,000 electronic books, 125 electronic databases, electronic access to the full-text content to approximately 70,000 journals, and more than 15,000 multimedia items. Electronic collections are accessible around the clock, both on and off campus. Additionally, the Park Library is a selective federal and state government document depository library, providing access to items published by the United States Government and the State of Michigan. Items not owned by the library may be obtained from other institutions through the library’s Documents on Demand service.
More than just a collection of materials, the University Library provides a wide array of library services and study spaces. Librarians are available to assist students, faculty, and staff with research projects and to help users effectively access library resources. Users may consult with a librarian in person, by email, chat, or telephone. The librarians also provide formal, course-specific library instruction to classes upon request by a faculty member.
More than 300 computer workstations, including both Windows and Macs, are available within the building, and wireless access is available for laptops and mobile devices. Printers, photocopiers, and scanners are also available. A variety of study areas exist including individual study rooms, group study rooms, open study tables and carrels, and collaborative study areas. Group rooms and collaborative study areas offer marker boards and digital display monitors. During the fall and spring semesters, the building is open more than 100 hours per week and the extended-hours study room is open 24/4. Building hours are shorter during break weeks and the summer semester.
Academic support services located in the Park Library include the Writing Center, the Mathematics Assistance Center, the Presentation Skills Center, the Statistical Consulting Center, Student Disabilities Services, the OIT Help Desk, and the combined Online Exam Proctoring Center and Certified Testing Center. Also are located in the building is the office of Curriculum and Instructional Support, which includes the Academic Senate office.
Students enrolled in CMU’s online and off-campus programs have full access to the library's services and resources. Librarians will provide virtual research assistance and instruction. Documents on Demand will deliver electronic copies of journal articles and book chapters and will mail print books to students upon request. There is no charge for this service, and electronic requests are typically filled within 24-48 hours.
For more information about the library, visit us online at library.cmich.edu or call 989-774-1100.
Clarke Historical Library
The Clarke Historical Library collects print and manuscript items related to Michigan and the Old Northwest Territory. The Library’s holdings include more than 76,000 printed items, 3,570 manuscript collections, 11,000 reels of microfilm, 16,000 visual images, and 2,300 maps documenting 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, and the Wilbert Wright Collection of Africana and Afro-Americana. The Library also serves as the Central Michigan University archives. Because of the uniqueness of the material in the Clarke Historical Library, items in the Library do not circulate and must be used in the Clarke Historical Library’s reading room. The Clarke Historical Library is open from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm on weekdays. Call 774-3864 for more information.
The Clarke Historical Library was established in 1954 with the gift of 1,575 volumes from Dr. Norman E. Clarke Sr., who received his bachelor’s degree from Central in 1920. In subsequent years Dr. Clarke Sr. supported the Library through the donation of a large number of books, the establishment of the Lucile M. Clarke Memorial Children’s Library, named in honor of his first wife, and the creation of an endowment to partially underwrite the Library’s ongoing needs. Dr. Clarke Sr. died in 1984 but his family continues to be actively engaged in the Library’s work.