About the Jennings Library
The Jennings Library is a vibrant and dynamic space where students can study independently, work collaboratively with colleagues or just take time for reflection. From early in the morning until late at night, workspaces are available including individual carrels, computer workstations, a teaching and computer lab, a research commons and group study rooms.
Expert Support
The Information Desk is located in the lobby of the Library and is the main access point for all services. Professional librarians provide research assistance in person, by text or email, via chat and by phone. Point of need reference assistance is available during the day and evening and individual consultations can be scheduled to obtain help with planning research strategies and finding the best resources for class projects and assignments. Throughout the year, the library celebrates the research and scholarly activities of the campus community through exhibits of student and faculty work.
Volumes and Volumes
In addition to over 400,000 titles across print and digital book collections, the library maintains an extensive streaming video and music collection. The library also provides access to print periodicals and more than 70,000 electronic journals and serves as a gateway to a wide array of scholarly databases that support research across disciplines. A large collection of children’s literature and a variety of teaching-related materials are available in the Curriculum Center.
When locally held materials do not suffice, students can obtain needed materials from libraries across the United States through the interlibrary loan service. The university’s collections are also augmented by consortial agreements with other New Jersey libraries. The VALE (Virtual Academic Library Environment) Reciprocal Borrowing Program enables faculty and students to borrow materials from participating academic libraries in New Jersey, including Rutgers and Montclair State Universities, while Reciprocal Essex Borrowing Libraries (ReBL) card holders have access to 20 member libraries in Essex County.
A Digital Den with Creature Comforts
The library is wireless and students can log onto the Web with their own devices or borrow a device from the Information Desk to do so. With a Caldwell Net ID, full access to all library resources is available from on or off-campus locations. Printing is free in the library and there is a self-service beverage area in the main lobby where coffee, tea, lattes, and hot chocolate are available for purchase. During exam periods, the library presents stress-reducing and community-building activities. The library’s website [www.caldwell.edu/library] provides current information about hours and services as well as full access to the library’s resources.
Mission Statement
The Jennings Library supports the University mission of teaching, learning, and scholarship by providing access to quality information resources, offering exceptional services and assistance, and utilizing current technology to enhance research, promote information literacy, and ensure intellectual freedom.
The Jennings Library also offers appropriate support for the general University Mission Statement by specifically providing the following:
- Scholarly resources selected to provide our students with research material designed to help them successfully complete their academic endeavors.
- Information Literacy classes designed to help our students discern the best resources and tools to use for their information-gathering needs.
- Qualified and concerned staff members dedicated to serving the scholarly needs of students, faculty, and staff of Caldwell University.