This diverse natural habitat, containing many forms of plant and animal life, provides special study and leisure opportunities. The campus takes pride in its modern library system with its on-line catalog and sophisticated bibliographic database services. The collection currently numbers more than three million bound volumes and microform, document, and serial holdings. The collection grows at an annual rate of more than 100,000 total items. In addition to the main collection, housed in the Glenn G. Bartle and the Science Libraries, there are the Fine Arts Library, the Max Reinhardt Archive of theater materials, the Conole Archive of Recorded Sound, a map library, and a substantial rare book collection.
All libraries have open-stack access to most volumes, study carrels, and pleasant reading lounges.
The University supports a number of research and organized activities centers established to promote multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary sponsored research involving faculty and students. Here, exceptional undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to work side by side with postdoctoral fellows, visiting scholars, and senior faculty in high-level research. They also often have the opportunity to publish the results of their findings. The University Union is the focal point for most social and recreational activities on campus. Other facilities in the building are the Food Co-op, Campus Pub, several dining areas, meeting rooms, and lounges.