Edith M. Ginn Library

Edith M. Ginn Library is the central academic library serving the students and faculty of Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina. Established in 1968, it functions as the primary hub for research, study, and academic resources for the university's undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The library is named in honor of Edith M. Ginn, a dedicated benefactor and longtime supporter of the institution's educational mission, and it plays a vital role in the intellectual life of the campus community.

History

The library's origins are intertwined with the growth of Campbell University, which was founded by James Archibald Campbell in 1887. Prior to the construction of a dedicated facility, library services were housed in various campus buildings. The need for a centralized, modern library became pressing as the university expanded its academic offerings in the mid-20th century. The current building was dedicated in 1968, a period of significant development for the institution under the leadership of President Norman Adrian Wiggins. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, the library underwent several renovations and technological upgrades to accommodate growing collections and the shift toward digital resources, paralleling trends seen at peer institutions like Meredith College and Elon University.

Collections and services

The library's collections encompass over 200,000 physical volumes, with particular strengths in areas supporting the university's prominent programs in law, pharmacy, health sciences, and divinity. It provides access to an extensive array of electronic resources, including academic databases like JSTOR, LexisNexis, and PubMed, and thousands of e-books and online journals. Key services include research assistance from professional librarians, interlibrary loan partnerships with networks such as the Triangle Research Libraries Network, and dedicated study spaces ranging from quiet carrels to collaborative group rooms. The library also houses special collections, including archives related to the history of Campbell University and the North Carolina Baptist Convention.

Architecture and location

The Edith M. Ginn Library is situated at the heart of the Campbell University campus in Buies Creek, North Carolina, adjacent to key academic buildings and the D. Rich Memorial Bell Tower. The original 1968 structure is a functional, modernist brick building, with subsequent additions expanding its footprint. The interior has been reconfigured to create a more open floor plan, featuring a central information commons, computer labs, and multiple floors of stack areas and study environments. Its location provides convenient access for students from the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business, the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, and the Divinity School.

Role in the community

As the intellectual center of Campbell University, the library is integral to academic success and community engagement. It hosts information literacy instruction sessions for courses across disciplines, supports student scholarship for events like the Southeastern Psychological Association conference, and provides essential resources for faculty research. Beyond traditional academic functions, the library serves as a gathering place for campus events, lectures, and exhibitions, fostering a sense of community. It also extends services to alumni and local residents, connecting the university to the wider Harnett County area.

Namesake

The library is named for Edith M. Ginn, a steadfast philanthropist and advocate for Campbell University. Her significant financial contributions were instrumental in the library's construction and ongoing development. Ginn was part of a family with deep ties to the institution and the North Carolina Baptist Convention, reflecting a tradition of philanthropic support for education in the region. Her legacy of generosity is shared by other notable benefactors of Southern universities, such as Abney S. R. Geddes of Furman University and Charles A. Cannon of Duke University.

Category:Academic libraries in North Carolina Category:Campbell University Category:Buildings and structures in Harnett County, North Carolina Category:Libraries established in 1968