Faculty Handbook - Fairmont State University

other related support functions. All questions regarding the availability and use of computing
resources across the University initially should be directed to the Manager of the Teaching and
Learning Center or the Help Desk (extension 4810).
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The Libraries of Fairmont State University
The Ruth Ann Musick Library is located on the main campus and may be used by all faculty,
students and staff. The Teaching & Learning Commons at the Caperton Center provides a number
of services for faculty and students, including support for Blackboard, help with a variety of
technology problems and issues, and assistance with on/off campus library requests and services.
A library is also available at the National Aerospace Education Center (NAEC) at Bridgeport. These
facilities function at the heart of the University’s academic program. Library personnel work closely
with faculty and students to develop research skills and to provide a wide range of support services
that enhance the learning experience. The library’s print and electronic resources are designed to
support the curricular needs of the academic program of study offered at FSU and to encourage
intellectual and personal growth.
The libraries provide easy access to over 400,000 items including books, electronic books, journals,
government documents, compact discs, videos and other multimedia, and to electronic databases.
Subscriptions to over 50,000 journals and newspapers, available either in print or online full text,
provide the latest information in all disciplines.
Information and Reference Services
The librarians are available to provide instructional programs and training sessions, including
orientation to the library, so that faculty and students learn how to find and use all of the library’s
resources, understand methods of dealing critically with available information, and are exposed to
the variety of ways in which information may be accessed, including both the traditional means and
through newer electronic media. Two electronic classrooms in Musick Library are available for
librarians to provide instruction and for professors to use with classes. Librarians are also available
to go to classrooms, regardless of the location, and to the residence halls to provide instruction in
the use of resources. Librarians are available to work with faculty at all off-campus sites and to
provide instruction and other reference services. Call the Reference Librarians at 304-367-4121 to
arrange for instructional sessions at all locations. Advance notice will be appreciated.
The library on the main campus is open over 115 hours a week during fall and spring semesters,
with at least one professional librarian available or on call most hours that the library is open. The
librarians provide individualized assistance with projects, research questions, and papers. Further,
the librarians appreciate knowing of faculty members’ research interests and specific libraryrelated
assignments in order to notify faculty of informational resources that might be of interest.
Over 175 electronic online databases may be accessed via the Internet, through remote
authentication from any location in the world where Internet access is available. The authentication
process requires that the student and faculty member use the FSU Unified College Account (UCA)
assigned by the institution. Library staff members are available to assist faculty, staff, and students
with setting up and using the UCA.