Franklin D. Schurz Library

Vicki Bloom, M.S.L.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 400,000 full-text books, bound 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 289 databases, and 74,000 e-journals 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. In addition, the library offers one-on-one research consultations, along with classes to improve 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 a Chroma key system (green screen). Study carrels, bookable group study rooms, group study areas, additional computers, and wireless Internet access are available throughout the library.

Dorothy J. Wiekamp Educational Resource Commons

Education and Arts Building 2010 :: (574) 520-4120 :: erc.iusb.edu

The Wiekamp Educational Resource Commons (WERC) 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 WERC operates as an auxiliary unit of the Franklin D. Schurz Library and provides reasonable pricing for supplies.

A bustling center of activity, the WERC provides pre-K through 12 teacher training materials and services for faculty, staff, and student coursework and practicum use. Additionally, the WERC contains a wide assortment of media production equipment that creates visual aids for class presentations and professional conference sessions. With the aid of the WERC staff, visitors are able to create compelling visuals to enhance their class assignments and displays.

The WERC provides the following

• Teaching aids and materials for all subject areas, including activity books, textbooks, hands-on manipulatives, DVDs, and juvenile books
• Large collaborative computing space with PCs, Macs, and ScanSnap scanners
• Production area with worktables, color and poster printers, die cut machine for shapes and letters, color copier, roller laminator, and binding machines
• Supplies such as poster board, construction paper, and color printouts
• Viewing room for watching media and reviewing games used in education
• Various texts and assessment instruments, games, devices, and software for teaching those with special needs
• Media viewing room for watching films and reviewing educational video games