University Libraries
Visit the Richardson Library Researcher’s Website
The University Libraries
The Rupert and Pauline Richardson Library provides the materials, databases, and services necessary to support the curriculum of the University. The libraries maintain a robust, easy to navigate, research website with access to databases, print book bibliographic information, e-books, subject guides, “how to” videos, contact information and service hours.
The library’s online catalog, full-text periodical articles, electronic reference sources, databases, e-books, subject guides, digital archives, and recommended websites are all available 24/7 to current students from the library’s research website using computers and devices from on or off-campus.
The library’s discovery tool Research Roundup simplifies searching by providing a one-step process to search for books, peer-reviewed articles, and other database resources. The HSU library provides access to more than 200,000 physical items, 48,000 full-text journals, and 275,000 electronic books. HSU’s membership in the Abilene Library Consortium adds access to more than 2 million items. TexShare resources are available from across the state and our interlibrary loan service can request materials from around the world.
Physical materials housed in the library include print reference resources, circulating print books, videos/music, DVDs, CDs, audio cassettes, CD-ROMs, music scores, and microforms.
HSU Librarians are HSU faculty members who have extensive professional expertise in helping students find and use information. Through one-on-one library and classroom instruction, they guide students in the use of resources for maximum effectiveness and efficiency. Librarians are available at the Information Desk, by phone (325-670-1578), professional librarians may be contacted 24/7 by online chat, and via email (hsuref@xyschool.net).
The libraries provide computers in collaborative and single user settings as well as networked and wireless printers in color and black and white, wireless connectivity, photocopiers, scanner, lamination services, and telefax.
Special collections include the Kelley and Tandy Bible Collections, the R.C. Crane Collection of Texana, the Barron-Faulkner Collection, West Texas Digital Archives, Abilene Photograph Collection, Hertzog Fine Printing Collection, federal depository documents, and the Sims and Morrison Hymnody Collections.
Gilbert’s Coffee Shop welcomes students in the foyer of Richardson Library. Grab a coffee, wake up, and be energized for your studies among the library stacks. Gilbert’s brews coffees from Starbucks and provides hot and cold beverages, as well as a variety of snacks.