Sheppard Library
Stillman College
3601 Stillman Blvd.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Monday-Thursday: 8:00am – 10:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Sunday: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Summer hours will be posted.
Phone: (205) 349-4240
Email: librarian@stillman.edu
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
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.
(205) 336-5384 ext. 8850
Our librarians strive to answer emails within 24 hours, and in many cases, even sooner.
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.
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 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.
Reference materials, reserve items and iPads maybe checked out for library use only. They are not to leave the library
A network printer and copier are located behind the circulation desk.
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.
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 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 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 have full access to all available resources including books, computers, and one-on-one assistance.
Community users are welcome to use our services and resources with a proper I.D. We do not provide laptops.
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.
Monday – Friday: 8am-5pm
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Speak softly, so others are not disturbed. If you wish to visit or talk with friends, do so in the lobby.
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.
Students are not permitted being in an unauthorized area of the library building.
Workstations may be monitored to ensure that they are being used for instruction/research purposes. Inappropriate use of library computers includes:
Stillman College participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.