The Facility
The Grace Doherty Library, originally constructed in 1967, renovated in 1987, 2005, and most recently in 2021-2022, offers private study areas, collaborative study space, and seating for more than 400 patrons, with wireless connectivity throughout the building. A computer lab equipped with a teaching station, 30 desktop computers, and a presentation screen are available for research instruction and student use on the lower level of the library. Recent gifts from donors and the Parents Association have provided funds for the renovation and re-furnishing of several major study areas on the main floor.
The Collection
The Grace Doherty Library’s print collection includes approximately 179,000 volumes, as well as 697,000 e-books and 41,000 e-journals. The library provides subsidized interlibrary loans and document delivery service to the faculty and to students. In addition, an agreement with the Federation of Kentucky Academic Libraries (FOKAL) grants borrowing privileges at all academic libraries in Kentucky to the faculty and students at Centre College.
See the library webpage at http://library.centre.edu
The library’s webpage provides access to such scholarly databases as Academic Search Complete, Web of Science, MathSciNet , JSTOR, Historical New York Times, Oxford Reference Online, The Times (London) Online Digital Archive, and many others. All Centre patrons have remote access to electronic resources. The Grace Doherty Library houses The Thomas A. Spragens Rare Book Room and Archives, which holds over 5,000 volumes of rare books, selected manuscripts, and the college archives.
Loan Periods
Faculty members have unlimited access to the library collection and may borrow circulation items for a period of 180 days (about 6 months) and renew books for an additional period of 180 days (about 6 months).
See the library webpage at http://library.centre.edu. “About,” then “Policies.”
Services
- Research Services
The Reference and Instruction Librarians provide research sessions to students throughout the academic year. Developing critical thinking and metacognition with a focus on facilitating high-level information literacy skills are foremost in coursespecific sessions, which are available by appointment with the Divisional Librarian Liaisons. Reference librarians are also available for one-on-one instruction and chat reference. The Reference and Instruction Librarians work closely with faculty members to provide relevant and timely instruction and assistance with research assignments. You can find more information via this link: https://library.centre.edu/instruction.
- Interlibrary Loan
The library subsidizes interlibrary loan and document delivery for Centre College faculty and students. All ILL (interlibrary loan) books must be returned on or before the due date. View our policies and how to create an account here.
- Library Reserves
Faculty members may place library materials on reserve for their classes. Contact the Circulation Desk Supervisor or visit the library web page (http://library.centre.edu) for detailed information. The Access Services Supervisor manages both traditional reserves and electronic reserves. Physical copies, including books, either from the library collection or personal copies, DVDs or photocopies may be placed on either Closed Reserve (4 hours) or Open Reserve (3 days). Please submit requests for electronic reserves three days in advance of when they will be needed for class. The library makes every effort to comply with federal copyright regulations. For additional information, see the section on Course Reserves at http://library.centre.edu.
Allocation of Library Funds
The Director of Library Services allocates learning resources to academic divisions each year, based on the most current budget cycle. The Director of Library Services makes every effort to make additional book funds available to new faculty members to strengthen subject collections in their areas. The amount of the extra funds may vary from year to year. New members of the faculty are
encouraged to apply directly to the Director of Library Services for discretionary book funds.
Guidelines for Acquisition
Librarians and faculty members alike who order books and other materials for the library are encouraged to note the following priorities:
- Materials necessary or useful to members for courses they are teaching or planning and to students taking those courses;
- Works necessary to a strong reference collection (print or electronic) and works of recognized merit;
- Works that contribute to core collections in disciplines not now in the curriculum or in areas of disciplines not now represented by a member of the faculty;
- Books of general interest and for recreational reading;
- Materials that support the research of a single faculty member, when this research is relevant to instructional activity.
Databases and Serials
Databases and serials may be added to the collection or dropped during regular reviews by the librarians and the divisions conducted according to the priorities listed in the Guidelines for Acquisitions.
The Director of Library Services recommends the following procedure for requesting added resources:
- After the program committee has approved the request for a new database/serial, the committee will forward the request to the Division Chair, providing information on subscription costs, format, and justification.
- The Division Chair will forward the request to the Director of Library Services, who will add the title when funds are available or, in collaboration with the appropriate program and division, seek funding for the new resource or resources.
For additional information, see http://library.centre.edu. See “About” then “Policies.”
Note: the library staff reserves the right to remove unsolicited periodicals or other materials from its tables and shelves.