A major or minor concentration in any of these areas trains a student to read critically, to think analytically, to develop a sensitivity to other points of view, and to communicate ideas clearly and effectively. Such skills are a prerequisite for graduate and professional study as well as a foundation for success in any career. The facility houses a collection of more than 250,000 items selected to support instruction and research at Birmingham-Southern College. In addition to books and periodicals, the collection includes government documents, microfilm and microfiche, audio and video recordings, computerized databases and CD-ROMs, and other audiovisual materials. Special collections house College archives, Methodist archives, and rare books.
Electronic information is available to students and faculty locally and via online sources.
In addition, computer workstations are provided throughout the building for the use of library patrons. Facilities for viewing and listening to nonprint materials are also available. Study areas are located throughout the building, and photocopy and microform copy services are available. Conference rooms, seminar rooms, an auditorium with video and computer projection facilities, an electronic classroom, research carrels, and a media center with listening and viewing areas are among the facilities for individual and group study and instruction. The electronic classroom, added in the summer of 1997, offers instruction using technology and the Internet.