The Morgan Library, located at Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins, Colorado, is a state-of-the-art research library that serves as the intellectual hub of the university. With a rich history dating back to 1924, the library has undergone significant transformations over the years to become the modern, technologically advanced facility it is today.
History and Architecture
The Morgan Library was named after Dr. William E. Morgan, a prominent Fort Collins resident and rancher who donated $150,000 to the university in 1924 for the construction of a new library building. The original library was designed in the Collegiate Gothic style and featured a striking clock tower that has become an iconic symbol of the university. Over the years, the library has undergone several expansions and renovations, including a major addition in 1964 and a comprehensive renovation in 1999.
Collection and Resources
The Morgan Library boasts an extensive collection of over 1.5 million volumes, including books, journals, databases, and digital media. The library’s collections are diverse and comprehensive, covering a wide range of subjects, including agriculture, engineering, natural resources, and the humanities. The library also provides access to over 300 databases, including popular resources such as JSTOR, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest.
In addition to its physical collections, the Morgan Library offers a range of digital resources and services, including online tutorials, research guides, and digital repositories. The library's digital collections include over 100,000 e-books, 30,000 online journals, and a vast array of digital images, videos, and datasets.
| Collection Type | Number of Items |
|---|---|
| Books | 1,200,000 |
| Journals | 30,000 |
| E-books | 100,000 |
| Databases | 300 |
Services and Facilities
The Morgan Library offers a range of services and facilities to support the academic and research needs of the CSU community. These include:
- Research assistance: Librarians are available to provide individualized research assistance, including help with finding and evaluating sources, developing research strategies, and using library resources.
- Instructional services: The library offers a range of instructional services, including workshops, tutorials, and credit courses, to help students develop information literacy and research skills.
- Technology support: The library provides access to a range of technologies, including computers, printers, scanners, and software, to support academic and research activities.
- Study spaces: The library offers a variety of study spaces, including individual and group study rooms, quiet areas, and collaborative workspaces.
Special Collections and Archives
The Morgan Library is home to a number of special collections and archives, including the CSU Archives, the Water Resources Archive, and the Colorado Agricultural Archive. These collections provide unique research opportunities for students, faculty, and scholars, and include a range of materials, such as rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and oral histories.
The CSU Archives, for example, contains a wide range of materials documenting the history of the university, including records of the board of governors, university publications, and photographs. The Water Resources Archive, on the other hand, includes materials related to the history of water management and conservation in the western United States.
What are the hours of operation for the Morgan Library?
+The Morgan Library is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am to 12:00 am, Friday from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 12:00 am.
How do I access the library’s digital collections?
+The library’s digital collections can be accessed through the library’s website, using your CSU eID and password.
Can I get research help from a librarian?
+Yes, librarians are available to provide research assistance, including help with finding and evaluating sources, developing research strategies, and using library resources. You can contact a librarian through the library’s website, or visit the research desk in person.
