The Southern Utah University Library, also known as the Sharwan Smith Center Library, is an integral part of the academic and cultural landscape of Cedar City, Utah. With a rich history spanning over five decades, the library has evolved into a dynamic hub for learning, research, and community engagement. It serves as a vital resource for students, faculty, and the wider community, offering a wide range of services and collections to support education and intellectual exploration.

A Journey Through the History of Southern Utah University Library

The origins of the Southern Utah University Library can be traced back to the early days of the institution, which was founded in 1897 as the Branch Normal School. The library, at that time, was a modest collection of books housed in various locations across the campus. It wasn’t until 1963 that the library found its permanent home in the Sharwan Smith Center, a multi-purpose facility named after the beloved former president of the university.

The Sharwan Smith Center Library began with a collection of approximately 10,000 volumes, which has since grown exponentially. Today, the library boasts an impressive collection of over 250,000 print volumes, 300,000 e-books, and a multitude of other resources, including journals, databases, and multimedia materials. This vast collection caters to the diverse academic needs of the university's students and faculty, covering a wide array of disciplines.

Over the years, the library has undergone significant transformations to keep up with the evolving needs of the academic community. In 1995, a major renovation project was undertaken to enhance the library's facilities and services. This renovation not only expanded the physical space but also introduced modern amenities and technology, making the library a more conducive environment for study and research.

Key Milestones and Developments

One of the most notable developments in the library’s history was the introduction of the Center for Scholarship and Research in 2008. This center, located within the library, provides specialized services and resources to support graduate-level research and scholarship. It offers access to advanced research tools, workshops, and individual consultations, fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation.

In recent years, the library has continued to embrace technological advancements, integrating digital resources and services into its offerings. The launch of the Digital Commons, an online repository of scholarly works, has been a significant step towards promoting open access and digital preservation. This platform allows researchers, students, and the community to access and contribute to a wealth of academic content, enhancing the library's role as a hub for knowledge dissemination.

Collections and Services: A Comprehensive Overview

The Southern Utah University Library prides itself on its diverse and extensive collections, which cater to the varied interests and academic pursuits of its users. The library’s holdings encompass a wide range of subjects, including arts and humanities, social sciences, sciences, and professional fields.

Print and Digital Collections

The library’s print collection, housed in a spacious and well-organized environment, offers a wealth of resources. These include rare and special collections, such as the Leavitt Family Collection, which focuses on the history and culture of the American West. The library also boasts an extensive collection of government documents, providing valuable resources for research and policy analysis.

In addition to print materials, the library's digital collections are a testament to its commitment to staying at the forefront of academic research. The Digital Commons platform, as mentioned earlier, is a key component of this digital strategy. It provides access to full-text articles, theses, and other scholarly works, many of which are open access, ensuring that knowledge is accessible to all.

Research and Information Services

The library’s expert staff provides a range of research and information services to support students and faculty in their academic endeavors. These services include reference assistance, where librarians offer guidance and expertise in navigating the vast array of resources available. The library also offers specialized research consultations, helping researchers refine their search strategies and locate relevant materials.

For those needing assistance with writing and citation, the library provides access to the Writing Center, a dedicated space where students can receive one-on-one tutoring and feedback on their academic writing. This service is particularly valuable for students working on research papers, theses, and dissertations.

Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery

Recognizing that the library’s collection may not meet every research need, the library offers an interlibrary loan service. This service allows users to borrow materials from other libraries across the country, ensuring that they have access to the resources they require. Additionally, the library provides document delivery services, which enable users to receive electronic copies of articles and other materials directly to their email.

Community Engagement and Outreach

Beyond its role as an academic resource, the Southern Utah University Library is deeply committed to community engagement and outreach. It serves as a cultural hub, hosting a variety of events and exhibitions that are open to the public. These events range from author readings and book signings to art exhibitions and cultural performances, fostering a sense of community and intellectual curiosity.

Partnerships and Collaborations

The library actively seeks partnerships and collaborations with local organizations and institutions to enhance its community engagement efforts. One notable partnership is with the Iron County Care and Share, a local food bank. Through this partnership, the library hosts food drives and other fundraising events, demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility and community support.

The library also collaborates with local schools and community colleges, offering programs and resources to support lifelong learning. These collaborations often involve sharing resources, hosting joint events, and providing access to the library's collections and services to a wider audience.

Community Events and Programs

Throughout the year, the library hosts a diverse range of events and programs that cater to different interests and age groups. These include book clubs, film screenings, lectures, and workshops on various topics. For example, the Author in the Afternoon series brings renowned authors and writers to the library, providing an opportunity for the community to engage with these literary figures and discuss their work.

The library also hosts cultural events and exhibitions that celebrate the diversity of the region. These events often feature local artists, musicians, and performers, creating a platform for them to showcase their talents and engage with the community.

Future Directions and Innovations

As the Southern Utah University Library looks to the future, it remains committed to staying at the forefront of academic library services. One of its key strategic goals is to continue enhancing its digital collections and services, ensuring that it meets the evolving needs of its users in the digital age.

Digital Initiatives and Open Access

The library is actively involved in digital initiatives and open access projects, recognizing the importance of making knowledge freely available and accessible. The Digital Commons platform, as mentioned earlier, is a key component of this strategy. The library aims to expand its digital collections, including more open access resources, to support research and learning.

In addition, the library is exploring new ways to utilize technology to enhance the user experience. This includes the implementation of innovative tools for resource discovery, such as improved search engines and recommendation systems. These initiatives aim to make the library's vast collections more accessible and user-friendly.

Collaborative Research and Scholarship

The library is dedicated to fostering a culture of collaborative research and scholarship. It aims to provide resources and support for interdisciplinary research, encouraging students and faculty to explore new avenues of inquiry. This includes offering workshops and training on research methods, data analysis, and other relevant skills.

Furthermore, the library is exploring ways to support and promote open scholarship practices. This involves providing guidance and resources on open educational resources (OER), open data, and open science, empowering researchers to embrace open and transparent practices in their work.