Library Services: FAQs & Library History
FAQs
Q: What is the mission statement for Delta State University’s Library Services?
A: Library Services is dedicated to meeting the diverse informational, educational, and research needs of students, faculty, staff, and regional community. It maintains a commitment to excellence as it acquires, develops, and provides access to resources that promote educational achievement and life-long learning.
Q: How do I access databases off-campus?
A: To access databases off-campus, you first must first click on the “Off-Campus Login” button on the homepage. Next, you need to have your Okramail (or staff/faculty email) address and myDSU password handy. Once you click on the button, you will be prompted to enter in your login information (Okramail or staff/faculty email) and password (which should be the same used to login to myDSU).
From there, you will be taken to the EZproxy screen. Most likely, you will want to click the large link at the top of the page that says “Roberts-LaForge Library.” This will return you to DSU Library Service’s homepage. From there you can access our online content off-campus.
Q: How can I access the full-text of journal articles?
A: Accessing full-text varies from database to database. Usually, the links to full-text are easy to spot. For instance, in EBSCOhost, the full-text links read HTML Full-text or PDF Full-text; whereas in JSTOR, the full-text is represented simply by PDF. Although the library’s access to full-text resources is increasing day by day, please be aware that not every article or document will be available full-text. For more information on accessing full-text, please visit the respective database guide.
Q: How do I access electronic journals?
A: You can access electronic journals either by the electronic databases page, or by the Full-Text Electronic Journals page.
Q: How can I get a work-study position at the library?
A: See the library’s homepage to apply online.
Q: What are hours for Roberts-LaForge Library, the Instructional Resources Center (IRC), and the Capps Archives and Museum?
A: To view the librarys and IRCs hours, please click here. For the Archives, please click here.
Q: How can I renew my books and videos?
A: You can renew your library materials over the phone. Please call the circulation desk at 846-4430 or the IRC at 846-4345.
Q: What is EBSCO LinkSource?
A: EBSCO LinkSource is a sophisticated service that allows you to find the full-text in other library databases. If the full-text is not available, LinkSource also provides the ability to request the document through interlibrary loan.
Q: How do I find books?
A: To find books, search the library’s catalog which is accessible from the homepage. You can always call a reference librarian at 846-4431 for assistance.
Q: How can I access electronic books?
A: To access electronic books, you can search for them either through the library catalog, or the EBSCO eBooks database accessible from the Electronic Databases page.
Q: I am having trouble accessing electronic reserves, what is the problem?
A: Chances are that your browsers pop-up blocker is turned on. For more help on this issue, please visit the library’s pop-up blocker troubleshooting page.
Q: What is your policy about children visiting the library?
A: Children under 17 are not allowed in the library without adult supervision. High school groups of three or more must be accompanied by an adult. Also, adults should bring no more than three children to the library without making prior arrangements. For more information, please see our policy regarding children.
Q: May I reserve a group study room?
A: Study rooms are available on a first-come first-serve basis. The library does have two large study rooms that may be reserved by calling the Serials desk at 662-846-4442.
Library History
1925 – The library began on the first floor of the Hill Administration Building, containing over 1,000 volumes and 22 periodicals.
1939 – Roberts Memorial Library was constructed during the presidency of William Kethley. The building was named in honor of Mississippi senator W.B. Roberts who introduced the original bill establishing Delta State Teachers College.
1968 – The new W.B. Roberts Library was constructed for $1,038,333. The Roberts Memorial Library building was subsequently repurposed and renamed the Fielding L. Wright Art Center.
1999 – The library completed a massive $9,000,000 renovation and addition project adding much needed seating areas, study spaces, and a computer lab. The Instructional Resources Center, previously housed on the second floor of Ewing Hall, was relocated to the library during this renovation.
2003 – On May 2, the building was renamed Roberts-LaForge Library in honor of Dr. William F. LaForge who served the university as Professor of History, Chair of the Division of Social Sciences, and eventually as Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.
Sources:
Gunn, Jack Winton, and Gladys C. Castle. A Pictorial History of the Delta State University. Jackson: University Press of Mississippi, 1980.
Smith, Hugh C. Physical Facilties: Delta State University. Cleveland: Delta State University, 1982.
