Collections
The library at Southwestern contains approximately 140,000 print and electronic book volumes and 56,000 journal titles available in print and online. The library's main web page at library.swau.edu is the starting point for research. Patrons connect to librarians through the webpage, search the library’s collections, and explore research tutorials.
Southwestern's library encompasses specialized collections that support academic programs. The Adventist Heritage Center Collections include substantial primary source materials chronicling the establishment of the Seventh-day Adventist church and the presence of the Adventist movement in the Southwest. Items include rare books, photographs, and manuscripts, as well as reproductions of similar materials. The Ruth King McKee Curriculum Library serves Southwestern's education program by providing examples of curriculum and instruction materials used in the K12 setting.
Southwestern's scholars link to thousands of academic, special, and public libraries within the United States and beyond, courtesy of TexShare and other consortial agreements. On-demand delivery of research materials for SWAU students and employees is made possible through TexShare, and can be initiated through completing the request form found on the library's webpage. Also, current students and faculty are invited to request a TexShare borrowers' card at the library's front desk, which grants individual borrowing privileges at most Texas university and public libraries.
The library's professional staff members provide necessary resources and assist faculty and students in retrieving materials for research purposes. Instruction and individual research consultations are available by request. Online subscription databases provide access to extensive resources, which are equally available on and off campus. Students using licensed subscriptions off campus will be asked to authenticate their connection to Southwestern with their Campus Portal login.