Other large non-print collections include sound recordings, music scores, and photograph files. Unlike a public library, the Earl K. Library is designed to support the study and research of university students and faculty. Its collection, therefore, does not include popular fiction or best-selling inspirational works unless their status as literature, history, or social science warrants it. The library's World Wide Web page points students and faculty to many other online literature in full text. Designed for user comfort and convenience, the Library has many practical features.
Books are easily accessible on open shelves.
Study space is available for over 1,000 students. Individual study carrels are located between the stacks, and larger tables are found throughout the reading rooms. Lounge chairs are also available in the reading rooms. Other facilities include group study rooms, graduate study rooms, faculty study rooms, a current periodicals room, a reserve book service, a microfilm room, and a listening room. An Interlibrary Loan service is operated for graduate students and faculty to borrow materials for research not owned locally.