About Us

Morris Library in a nutshell:

• Main library for Southern Illinois University Carbondale
• Holds more than 2.6 million volumes, 200,000 e-books, 43,000 current periodicals and serials, and over 3.6 million microform units
• Provides access to I-Share (the statewide automated library system) and to a comprehensive array of databases and other electronic data files
• Offers a wide range of services, including
  • Reference assistance
  • Instructional and technical support
  • Distance learning
  • Geographic information systems (GIS)
• Member of the
  • Association of Research Libraries (ARL)
  • Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI)
  • Council of Directors of State University Libraries of Illinois (CODSULI)
  • Greater Western Library Alliance (GWLA)
  • Online Computer Library Center (OCLC)
  • Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Market (SICCM)
• Governed by the principles of ALA's Library Bill of Rights 

Mission

Morris Library is the heart of SIU's educational commitment. Library Affairs supports the University's mission by providing resources, services, and facilities to enhance student recruitment, retention, and success and to invigorate faculty teaching, research, and service. We collect, preserve, and make accessible the university's records and our unique and rare materials. We provide information literacy instruction and foster intellectual growth and innovation, while helping to fulfill the information needs of the greater community.

Vision

Library Affairs will deliver exceptional service and instruction that promotes user independence.

We will acquire, preserve, and offer access to the best possible collections and resources within our means, in a variety of formats.

We will promote intellectual exploration by providing quality resources, assistance, and facilities for our users.

We will assume a key role in attracting, supporting, and retaining students, faculty, and staff of diverse backgrounds in an interdisciplinary environment.

We will assist users in achieving academic success by creating aesthetic and vibrant environments to encourage study, learning, collaboration, innovation, engagement, and enrichment.