A Wealth of Knowledge and Inspiration
Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Ouachita Baptist University, the Ouachita Baptist Library (OBL) stands as a beacon of knowledge and spiritual nourishment. Its walls hold countless volumes of literary masterpieces, historical accounts, scientific discoveries, and theological insights.
With over 600,000 items in its collection, the OBL is the largest private university library in Arkansas and a vital resource for students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community. It boasts a wide range of materials, from books and periodicals to audiovisual media and digital databases.
Supporting Academic Excellence
The OBL is a crucial component of Ouachita’s academic mission. It provides students with access to the vast resources they need to excel in their studies. The library’s knowledgeable and dedicated staff assist patrons with research, database navigation, and interlibrary loan services.
The OBL houses several specialized collections that support specific academic programs, including:
- The J.D. Rockefeller Collection: Contains over 1,000 texts on religion and philosophy
- The John Brown Legacy Collection: Documents the abolitionist movement and the raid on Harper’s Ferry
- The Arkansas Baptist Historical Collection: Preserves the history of the Baptist denomination in Arkansas
A Sanctuary for Intellectual and Spiritual Growth
The OBL is more than just a repository of books. It serves as a place of quiet reflection, intellectual inquiry, and spiritual exploration. The library’s spacious reading rooms and comfortable study areas provide an ideal environment for students and scholars to delve into their research, compose essays, or engage in meaningful discussions.
The OBL also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, including:
- Author readings and book signings
- Research workshops and training sessions
- Exhibitions featuring rare artifacts and documents
- Spiritual retreats and Bible study groups
Embracing Innovation and Accessibility
The OBL recognizes the importance of adapting to the ever-changing landscape of education and research. It continually invests in new technologies and resources to enhance the user experience.
- Online Research: The library’s website provides access to a comprehensive online catalog, research databases, and full-text articles.
- Digital Archives: The OBL preserves and showcases unique materials from its collections through digital scanning and archiving.
- Mobile Access: The library offers a mobile app that allows users to access its resources and services on their smartphones and tablets.
A Community Hub
The OBL is not only an asset to Ouachita but also a valued resource for the greater community. It welcomes individuals from all backgrounds to explore its collections, attend events, and connect with others who share a passion for knowledge and faith.
A Legacy of Service and Excellence
The Ouachita Baptist Library has a long and rich history of serving the university and the community. It was established in 1924 and has been continually expanding and evolving over the decades.
The OBL has received numerous accolades and recognitions, including:
- Arkansas Library Association Award of Excellence (2022)
- Higher Learning Commission Library Award (2019)
- American Library Association’s Carnegie Corporation of New York Research Library Enhancement Grant (2016)
Inspiring Future Generations
The Ouachita Baptist Library remains committed to providing an exceptional learning and research environment for generations to come. It is a testament to the university’s unwavering belief in the transformative power of knowledge and faith.
The Ouachita Baptist Library is not just a place of study and contemplation; it is a breeding ground for innovative ideas and transformative applications. Here are a few examples of how the OBL is empowering students, faculty, and the community:
Academic Empowerment
- The OBL’s mentorship program pairs students with experienced librarians who provide personalized research assistance and guidance.
- The library’s Digital Scholarship Lab offers students access to cutting-edge tools and technologies for creating and publishing their research.
- The OBL collaborates with faculty to develop course-specific research guides and workshops that enhance student learning.
Community Engagement
- The OBL hosts community-outreach events that bring together scholars, artists, and community members for lively discussions and presentations.
- The library provides educational resources and support to local schools and libraries.
- The OBL partners with organizations to offer adult literacy programs and other community-based initiatives.
Theological Exploration
- The OBL’s spiritual life team organizes regular Bible studies, meditation groups, and interfaith dialogues.
- The library’s collection includes a vast array of religious texts, commentaries, and devotional resources.
- The OBL hosts visiting scholars and speakers who engage with students and the community on theological topics.
Historical Preservation
- The OBL’s Arkansas Baptist Historical Collection serves as a repository for valuable documents and artifacts related to the Baptist denomination in Arkansas.
- The library actively preserves and digitizes historical materials to ensure their accessibility for future generations.
- The OBL collaborates with local historical societies to promote and celebrate the region’s history.
Statistics and Facts
- The Ouachita Baptist Library has over 600,000 items in its collection, making it the largest private university library in Arkansas.
- The library receives over 200,000 visits per year from students, faculty, staff, and community members.
- The OBL’s online catalog contains over 1 million bibliographic records.
- The library provides access to over 200 research databases.
- The OBL employs 15 full-time librarians and 25 student workers.
Table 1: Collection Statistics
| Collection Type | Number of Items |
|---|---|
| Books | 400,000 |
| Periodicals | 100,000 |
| Audiovisual Media | 50,000 |
| Digital Resources | 50,000 |
Table 2: Library Services
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Reference and Research Assistance | Librarians provide personalized assistance with research questions and database navigation. |
| Interlibrary Loan | The OBL borrows materials from other libraries for patrons who cannot find them locally. |
| Digital Scholarship Lab | Students have access to software, equipment, and training for digital research and publication. |
| Special Collections | The OBL houses several specialized collections, including the J.D. Rockefeller Collection and the Arkansas Baptist Historical Collection. |
Table 3: Events and Programs
| Event Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Author Readings | The OBL hosts readings and book signings by notable authors. |
| Research Workshops | The library offers workshops on research strategies, database usage, and citing sources. |
| Exhibitions | The OBL showcases rare artifacts and documents from its collections through rotating exhibitions. |
| Spiritual Retreats | The OBL hosts spiritual retreats and Bible study groups for students and the community. |
Table 4: Community Partnerships
| Organization | Partnership Description |
|---|---|
| Ouachita County Library System | The OBL provides resources and training to local public libraries. |
| Henderson State University | The OBL collaborates with Henderson State University on interlibrary loan services. |
| Arkansas Humanities Council | The OBL partners with the council on public programs and exhibitions. |
| Arkansas Baptist State Convention | The OBL supports the convention with research and archival services. |
- Take advantage of the reference and research assistance services provided by librarians.
- Utilize the online catalog and databases to efficiently search for materials.
- Request interlibrary loans for items that are not available at the OBL.
- Explore the special collections to discover rare and unique materials.
- Attend events and programs to connect with experts, learn new skills, and engage with the community.
- Follow the OBL on social media to stay informed about upcoming events and services.