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the sheppard library

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the library is to provide an enriched learning environment and resources that promote individual growth, foster academic inquiry and support the educational and general programs of the college

LIBRARY HISTORY

Sheppard library was completed in 1956, renovated in 1980 and 1990.  It was named after one of Stillman’s most distinguished alumni, Dr. William Henry Sheppard.  Sheppard, a pioneer, missionary and explorer in the Congo (Zaire), completed his seminary training at Stillman in 1887.  It is a two-story building with a mezzanine floor and a basement. 

SHEPPARD LIBRARY STAFF

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Evelyn King

Interim Head Librarian/Public Services Librarian

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Amelia Thornton

TECHNICAL SERVICES LIBRARIAN

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James Dumas

MEDIA DIRECTOR​

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Daphne Hood

LIBRARY ASSISTANT​

Our librarians strive to answer emails within 24 hours, and in many cases, even sooner.

LIBRARY SERVICES

Information Literacy Instruction

Faculty are encouraged to schedule an information literacy instruction session with the librarian for their students. Students are able to schedule one-on-one instruction with a Sheppard Librarian. You can contact the library in advance by email or coming by to schedule a class session.

Check Out Materials

All Stillman faculty, students, staff and administration may use their Stillman ID cards to check out items.  If you have not checked out items before, you will need to fill out a patron registration form by coming to the library to have one processed.

Reserve Materials

Reserve materials are those selected by the faculty for special assignments. You can request reserve materials at the circulation desk under the name of the faculty member. These materials are used only in the library. You will need to have a current Stillman I.D. card in order to check out these items.

Non-Circulating Materials

Reference materials, reserve items and iPads maybe checked out for library use only.  They are not to leave the library

Printer and Photocopier

A network printer and copier are located behind the circulation desk.

Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary Loan Service is provided to faculty, staff, students and administrators to request items that are not owned by our library from other libraries in the country. Usually there is not a charge for this services, but some institutions might charge a fee. Please email request or come by the library.

Bloomberg Financial Terminals

The four Bloomberg computer terminals located in the east room provide 24/7 hours of instant, accurate, and current financial, economic, and political information covering all market sectors. The Bloomberg service also provides up-to-the-minute news reports, economic statistics, and political commentaries.

Computers

Computers are available on the east and west wings on the first floor. They are networked to the printers. iPads are available upon request at the circulation desk.

Off-Campus Users

Off-campus users have access to the following services: Online Catalog, Online Databases (Ebooks, AVL (Alabama Virtual Library), JSTOR, Library Information, Staff Directory Information. Users may call or email the library staff during operating hours for assistance. Users are also encouraged to use the “Ask-A- Librarian” service for assistance with research strategies and other reference information.

On-Campus Users

On –campus users have full access to all available resources including books, computers, and one-on-one assistance.

Community users

Community users are welcome to use our services and resources with a proper I.D. We do not provide laptops.

LIBRARY RESOURCES

The Media Center is located on the mezzanine floor of the library. This area provides technical support to the college. For further information, please see the Policies and Procedures Manual.

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday: 8am-5pm

Services

  • Laminating
  • Spiral binding
  • Classroom presentations
  • Technical services for special campus events/student programs
  • Instructional video/DVD viewing
  • Audio and video duplication

All media requests can be done through in-office, and electronic format at least forty-eight hours prior to the scheduled event. See forms for media requests, equipment use and other services.

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COLLECTIONS

The library collections include approximately 119,000 traditional books and 206,751 ebooks accessible through ProQuest Ebook Central. Special collections include the Martha L. O’Rourke African-American Collection housed on the east and west wings and a microfilm collection from the Schomberg Collection in Negro Life and History from the New York Public Library housed on the mezzanine floor. The library has open stacks available to patrons to access the general collections. The online catalog is provided by ExLibris (Voyager) which enables patrons to access the library’s book holdings.

LIBRARY POLICIES & PROCEDURES

CIRCULATION POLICY

Circulating materials may be checked out for a 28-day loan period. All books must be brought back in for renewal. A library user will be assessed a fine if an item is returned after the due date. A fine of $0.25 per day, per item will be charged. The library user is responsible for paying the processing fee for lost or damaged items. If a book is lost, the individual must pay the current list price of the book.

RESERVE POLICY​

Reserve materials are those selected by the faculty for special assignments. You can request reserve materials at the circulation desk by the name of the faculty member and course number. All reserve materials must be used in the library. In case of high demand, use will be limited to two hours. All reserve materials should always be returned to the circulation desk and not left on tables.

INTERLIBRARY LOAN (ILL) POLICY

Materials that are not located in the Sheppard Library and not accessible through our databases may be secured through interlibrary loan from other libraries. According to where the item is located and because it is sent though the mail, it might take up to two or three weeks to arrive. This request can be made by email or coming to the library.

CHECK OUT MATERIALS POLICY

In order to check out reserve materials (to be used in the library) and books, patrons must have a valid current student ID. All new students and faculty will need to fill out a patron registration application to be placed in our Voyager Integrated Automated circulation system. Returning students will need to update their information.

COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

The Sheppard library has cooperative borrowing agreements with the University of Alabama and Shelton State Community. These institutions extend their library facilities and services to Stillman faculty, students and staff. Proper identification must be presented when borrowing materials. Circulation policies are set by respective institutions and it is the responsibility of the borrower to insure compliance with those policies.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Library users expect and require a quiet, safe, clean, and attractive environment for study.  Individuals or groups who engage in unacceptable and/or disruptive behavior may be asked to leave the building.  If necessary, campus police will be contacted. The library staff is concerned about the safety of our patrons.

NOISE

Speak softly, so others are not disturbed.  If you wish to visit or talk with friends, do so in the lobby.

FOOD AND DRINK

Prepared food should not be brought to the library. This rule is necessary to present aromatic odors, termite and rodent infestations, and to provide a healthy, and clean environment.

CELL PHONE

Reduce volume on ringer, place phone on silence. If you need to conduct a conversation, please do so in the lobby or outside. Other electronic devices that may cause disturbance should be turned off before entering the library.

UNAUTHORIZED AREAS

Students are not permitted being in an unauthorized area of the library building.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT

Fighting, running, use of offensive language and failure to comply with reasonable instructions from library staff are not permitted. Harassment of any kind is not permitted by the College in the library or elsewhere

Computers

Workstations may be monitored to ensure that they are being used for instruction/research purposes.  Inappropriate use of library computers includes:

  • Installing unauthorized software
  • Tampering with applications and system files
  • Viewing, downloading or disseminating offensive materials
  • Monopolizing computers while others are waiting Copyrighted material without permission

ASK A LIBRARIAN

Please email us at eking@stillman.edu or use the form below. Our librarians strive to answer emails within 24 hours, and in many cases, even sooner. If you would like to contact us by phone, please call 205-349-4240. Contact information for individual staff members may be found here.
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