Franklin D. Schurz Library
Vicki Bloom, M.S. | Dean
Schurz Library 304B | (574) 520-4844 | library.iusb.edu
About the Franklin D. Schurz Library
The Franklin D. Schurz Library serves as the information commons and intellectual center for the IU South Bend campus. As the focal point for inquiry and study, the library strives to provide a host of resources and services to meet the information and research needs of our students, faculty, and staff. The collection includes 500,000 books, journals, and government publications; 6,000 audio/video recordings; the campus archives; and special collections such as the James Lewis Casaday Theatre Collection, and the Christianson Lincoln Collection. In addition, the library subscribes to over 150 databases which provide access to thousands of full text articles and e-books. Nearly all of these electronic resources are accessible from student labs, apartments, offices, and home via the library website. The Schurz Library is part of the IU Libraries system, which is one of the largest university library systems in the country. Students and faculty can quickly request materials from any of the eight IU Libraries.
The Hammes Information Commons on the first floor houses a large computer laboratory, as well as special equipment for those with disabilities. A one-stop research and computing area, it features knowledgeable reference librarians who can teach you how to use online and print resources, find needed information, and consult on research projects. The information desk is also staffed with IT consultants who help students with technology questions. Research assistance can be obtained by phone, text, chat, and e-mail. The library also offers one-on-one research consultations with a reference librarian by appointment. In addition, the library offers classes teaching information literacy and research skills.
Also on the first floor is the Dorene Dwyer Hammes Media Commons and Café, which provides a comfortable place to relax, read the newspaper, or watch cable television; and purchase coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. For those interested in viewing or creating media, this area features viewing stations and a multimedia production studio complete with soundproof environment, audio/video digitization equipment and software, and Chromakey system (green screen). Study carrels, group study areas, additional computers, and wireless Internet access are available throughout the library.
Educational Resource Commons
Education and Arts Building 2010 | (574) 520-4120 | erc.iusb.edu
The Educational Resource Commons (ERC) serves IU South Bend, as well as the Michiana educational community and local region, as a curriculum library and media production center. Located in the Education and Arts Building, the ERC operates as an auxiliary unit of the Franklin D. Schurz Library and provides reasonable pricing for all supplies.
A bustling center of activity, the ERC provides pre-K -12 teacher training materials and services for faculty, staff, and student coursework and practicum use. Additionally the ERC contains a wide assortment of media production equipment that creates visual aids for class presentations and professional conference sessions. With the aid of the ERC staff, visitors are able to create compelling visuals to enhance their class assignments and displays.
The ERC provides the following:
- Teaching aids and materials for all subject areas, including activity books, textbooks, hands-on manipulatives, DVDs, and juvenile books
- Production area with Windows-based and Apple computers with Scan Snap scanners (PDF format), worktables, colored wide format printer, poster printer with single color on white paper option, die cut machine for shapes and letters, color copier, and binding machines
- Supplies: poster board, color paper, and color printouts.