Mary Jean Johnson, director, ext. 3396
Reference desk, ext. 3450
Circulation desk, ext. 3262
University Archives and Mennonite Historical Collection, ext. 3275
http://www.bluffton.edu/library
From the historic building to the resources available online, Musselman Library supports the varied information and research needs of Bluffton students. The library is a place that encourages exploration and learning through access to information and research materials online in close proximity to the print library collections needed for assignments and research. (The Reading Room is a popular study location, with many windows overlooking a wooded setting.) There are computer workstations located throughout the library, all connected to the campus network and wireless access as well. The library staff is dedicated to creating a welcoming and helpful environment for Bluffton students.
Hours
www.bluffton.edu/library/about/general.html
When classes are in session:
Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday 1-5 p.m.
Sunday 1-11 p.m.
Changes to hours, including holidays and extended hours before exam week, are posted at the website.
Hours for the University Archives and Mennonite Historical Collections are by appointment or as posted. To schedule, please call the archives and special collections librarian, ext. 3275.
Ask a librarian!
www.bluffton.edu/library/reference/ask.asp
Librarians at the Musselman Library are here to help! Assistance is available for walk-in help at the Reference Desk (main level), by e-mail (referencedesk@bluffton.edu), telephone (3450), appointment and online through Chat Reference. Librarians also provide instruction through classroom teaching, starting with First Year Seminar and then in classes tailored to course content throughout the curriculum. Whatever the discipline, librarians can help in finding the best sources.
Collections and services
www.bluffton.edu/library/
The library website offers a gateway to the many resources and services of the library, including the online catalog, research databases, electronic journals and books, and digital media resources. The Electronic Journal Center (EJC) features nearly 7,000 journals from noted academic publishers. Many other databases in the library’s collection also deliver the full-text for journals and magazines and for an extensive collection of U.S. and international newspapers. These electronic resources can be accessed anywhere on campus and from off-campus locations as well (see Help> Help for Off-campus users at the library homepage.)
Through membership in the OPAL (Ohio Private Academic Libraries) and OhioLINK consortia, Bluffton University students have access to materials held in more than 80 college and university libraries throughout the state. When searching the catalog, requests can be made for materials from other member institutions for delivery to the Bluffton Library within 3-5 working days. Traditional interlibrary loan service provides access to materials not available through these Ohio libraries and links the student researcher to the holdings of libraries around the country. Note: When materials arrive from other libraries, notification is by campus mail or e-mail and items are held at the Circulation Desk for pickup. Requested articles are sent directly to campus mail boxes or by e-mail.
Musselman Library also includes the University Archives and Mennonite Historical Collections. The Mennonite Collections feature materials reflecting Bluffton’s Anabaptist-Mennonite background and its Swiss tradition. The library is a selective depository for U.S. government publications, another important collection for the library. New for Fall 2007 is the Curriculum Resource Center, located on the 4th floor of the library and offering instructional materials and teaching aids for education students.
Circulation policies
www.bluffton.edu/library/students/borrow_stu.html
The student-borrowing policy document is available at the Musselman Library website (see Links for Students > Borrowing Policy). Included are loan rules and fine policies for materials borrowed from the Bluffton library and also for those from other institutions.
The library has a generous policy for renewals (as many as 4 renewals for Bluffton, OPAL and OhioLINK books) and also provides for a grace period (see policy for details.) In order to borrow any materials including course reserves, a valid Bluffton University ID card must be presented at the Circulation Desk.
For convenience in keeping track of due dates or to renew items, students are advised to use the Check Your Library Account option from the library homepage (see under Links for Students) or My Account from the top menu bar when searching the catalog. Renewals can also be made by phone (3262) or in person. All fines and charges for lost materials are the responsibility of the ID holder.
For questions or concerns related to circulation policies, contact the circulation manager, 3271 (office is located at the Circulation Desk).
