About the Libraries

Welcome to Ohio University Libraries. The Libraries has a rich history of creating tailored and dedicated services, unique collections and diverse innovative spaces. With our strong connections to students, faculty, staff and the community, we are a leader and innovator in enabling our users’ success in teaching, learning and research. 

Our most valuable resource in advancing the mission of the University is the Libraries staff, who includes not only staff from libraries on the Athens campus, but also the Regional Campus Libraries and the Ohio University Press. Our  librarians and archivists, energized by the Libraries’ Strategic Plan and its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, partner with faculty and staff in collaborative initiatives that support research, student success and scholarly communication, as well as provide accessible research and learning support to students.

Our dedicated staff is committed to excellent customer service and enhancing the discovery and use of our collections. Through continuous engagement with our community, we adapt our services, collections and physical spaces to meet our users’ changing needs.  

Our collections consist of more than 3 million volumes of books, e–books, e–journals, databases, photographs, maps, DVDs and images. In addition to our general collections, we hold unique materials in our Archives and Special Collections, the Fine Arts Library, the Music & Dance Library and the Center for International Collections.

We collaborate with faculty, staff and students in building collections that reflect the needs and interests of the University and our region. We are also leaders in providing students with affordable access to educational materials.

Our membership in OhioLINK provides students, staff and faculty easy access to materials from 91 other academic libraries in the state of Ohio. Materials from libraries around the world are also readily available through Interlibrary Loan.

Our spaces throughout Ohio University's campuses provide visitors with multiple ways to study, learn, create and collaborate. In Alden Library, we have quiet, group and silent study areas, as well as numerous group study rooms and active learning spaces for collaboration. We have spaces where visitors engage with our collections as well as technology-rich environments where they can create multimedia and digital projects.

In addition, Alden Library is home to partners from other campus units that support teaching and learning, including CoLab and the Academic Achievement Center. We also offer exhibitions and events throughout the year to engage with our community and showcase our rich collections.

I invite you to explore all that Ohio University Libraries has to offer. As we continue to help advance the strategic directions of the University, please let us know how we can continue to innovate to better serve your information needs.