University of Memphis Libraries

University of Memphis Libraries is a major research library system serving the University of Memphis community, with a rich history dating back to 1912. The libraries have evolved over the years, with significant contributions from notable figures such as Robert R. Church, a prominent Memphis, Tennessee businessman and philanthropist, and E.H. Crump, a influential Tennessee politician. The libraries have also collaborated with other institutions, including the Memphis Public Library and the Tennessee State Library and Archives. Today, the libraries are a vital part of the University of Memphis ecosystem, supporting the academic and research endeavors of students, faculty, and staff from various colleges, including the Fogelman College of Business and Economics, Herff College of Engineering, and College of Arts and Sciences.

● History

The history of the libraries is closely tied to the development of the University of Memphis, which was founded in 1912 as the West Tennessee State Normal School. Over the years, the libraries have undergone significant transformations, with major milestones including the construction of the McWherter Library in 1967, named after Ned McWherter, a former Tennessee governor. The libraries have also been influenced by notable events, such as the Civil Rights Movement, which had a profound impact on the city of Memphis, Tennessee and the University of Memphis. The libraries have worked to preserve the history of the University of Memphis and the surrounding community, including the Memphis Sanitation Workers' Strike and the Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.. The libraries have also collaborated with other institutions, including the National Civil Rights Museum and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.

● Collections and Resources

The libraries boast an extensive collection of materials, including over 1.5 million volumes, 30,000 journals, and numerous digital resources, such as JSTOR, EBSCO, and ProQuest. The libraries also provide access to a wide range of databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and IEEE Xplore, supporting research in various fields, including medicine, engineering, and computer science. The libraries have also developed partnerships with other institutions, including the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Vanderbilt University, and Rhodes College, to share resources and expertise. Additionally, the libraries have worked to promote information literacy and digital scholarship through collaborations with organizations such as the Association of College and Research Libraries and the Council on Library and Information Resources.

● Facilities and Services

The libraries offer a range of facilities and services to support the academic and research needs of the University of Memphis community, including the McWherter Library, the Music Library, and the Health Sciences Library. The libraries provide access to state-of-the-art technology, including 3D printing and virtual reality equipment, as well as traditional services such as interlibrary loan and research assistance. The libraries have also implemented innovative programs, such as the Library's Makerspace and the Digital Media Center, to support entrepreneurship and creative expression. The libraries have collaborated with other units on campus, including the University of Memphis Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Memphis Bioworks Foundation, to promote innovation and economic development.

● Special Collections

The libraries are home to several special collections, including the Mississippi Valley Collection, the Memphis and Shelby County Room, and the University Archives. These collections provide unique resources for researchers, including rare books, manuscripts, and archival materials, such as the papers of E.H. Crump and the records of the Memphis Sanitation Workers' Union. The libraries have also worked to preserve the history of the University of Memphis and the surrounding community, including the history of the Memphis music scene and the civil rights movement in Memphis. The libraries have collaborated with other institutions, including the Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration, to promote the preservation and accessibility of historical materials.

● Technology and Innovation

The libraries are committed to leveraging technology to enhance the research and learning experience, with initiatives such as the Library's Digital Scholarship Program and the Innovation Lab. The libraries have also implemented cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, to improve services and support data-driven research. The libraries have collaborated with other units on campus, including the University of Memphis Department of Computer Science and the Memphis Institute for Data Science, to promote data science and informatics. Additionally, the libraries have worked with organizations such as the Coalition for Networked Information and the Association for Computing Machinery to stay at the forefront of technological innovation in librarianship and information science.