Ramsey Library
The primary mission of D. Hiden Ramsey Library is to support the teaching, research and public service missions of the University of North Carolina at Asheville. The library meets diverse academic needs by providing information in a variety of formats, individual
consultation services in locating and using resources, and instruction in library use and research. We support educational and instructional needs for media through Media Services. The library enhances the intellectual climate of the campus by offering independent avenues of inquiry, understanding and cultural enrichment. At the heart of the academic community, Ramsey Library fosters an environment where new information technologies, as well as more traditional media, stimulate thought and reflection.
Collections
Ramsey Library houses more than 385,000 volumes and provides access to 2 million titles in the Western North Carolina Library Network (WNCLN). Books and other library materials from Appalachian State University and Western Carolina University are delivered to the UNC Asheville campus three times a week through a courier service called ABC (Asheville, Boone, Cullowhee) Express. Materials from libraries worldwide are available to students and other researchers through the Interlibrary Loan service. Special Collections, located on the second floor, houses historically significant books, photographs, documents and recordings, thousands of which can be viewed in digital form on the Ramsey Library Web site, http://bullpup.lib.unca.edu/library/.
Online Databases and E-journals
Thanks to digital media, UNC Asheville students have access to resources formerly available only at larger research institutions. Ramsey Library’s Web site links students to hundreds of online databases for research on campus, at home, while studying abroad, or anywhere they happen to be. Within these databases students can link to full-text articles from over 15,000 magazines, journals and newspapers from around the world. In order to support the research needs of students and faculty, Ramsey Library subscribes to some 3,500 online scholarly journals in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, law, medicine, education and business.
Wireless Technology
Ramsey Library, the first “wireless” building on campus, provides a secure wi-fi network for students to connect to the Internet from anywhere in the building, including the group study rooms, private carrels, comfortable chairs and the Ramsey Café (a snackbar located off the library foyer). The library also lends laptop computers for accessing our wireless network. Students may connect to online research materials, write papers and work collaboratively on projects. Work done on laptop and desktop computers can be saved to USB “flash drives,” which students may check out as well. Ask at the Circulation Desk for more information.
Media Center
Students may choose from an extensive collection of DVDs, videos and CDs, from documentaries and instructional films to modern cinema classics, as well as check out equipment for their own multimedia projects.
Services
With the Library’s Reference Desk and the University Writing Center located on the main floor, students have access to personal assistance in research and writing. Reference service is available on evenings and weekends throughout the semester, or remotely by e-mail through the Ask-A-Librarian service. Students may drop in or make appointments in the University Writing Center throughout the semester, including evenings and weekends.
Art Gallery
Local and student artists of note display work in Ramsey Library’s Blowers Gallery. From month to month, the main-floor gallery displays a variety of media—Asian-influenced quilts, historical photographs, avant-garde drawings or African cultural relics, for example. But whatever the subject matter, these exhibits enrich the library environment and learning experience.
Ramsey Café
The Ramsey Café offers soups, sandwiches, salads and snacks, as well as all kinds of beverages, including coffee and herbal teas. Students may snack and study in the café or take in a performance in the adjoining Glasshouse.
Library Hours*
Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m.–Midnight
Friday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday:10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday:1 p.m.–Midnight
*Library hours vary during summer and holidays.
More Information
Ramsey Library
CPO# 1500
UNC Asheville
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804-8504
Phone: 828.251.6336