The Benedum Library, part of the Learning Resource Center, is open to all students both on campus and online. Library services are available on campus in the physical library location; many are available online. Its physical collection includes about 67,000 books, over 1,000 audiovisual aids, 5 newspapers, and 2,765 electronic journals. The Library is a partial depository for United States Government documents.

The physical collection and many online resources are available through the online public access catalog (OPAC) Library World. Links to online materials from the government are included in the online library catalog. On campus in West Virginia, the library operates a computer lab and other resources for public use. The Library also provides access to curated online databases for both online and on-ground users.

The Library has access to several online databases via the WVInfoDepot of the West Virginia Library Commission. The Library subscribes to LIRN®, which provides 88 databases to support the various academic programs, and to NexisUni, supporting business, criminal justice, and political science.

Links to library materials are provided in all courses using Blackboard’s Virtual Library and resource guides. A tutorial on using online library resources for information search is included to support students. The dedicated Library staff is available to help students with research and resource questions and needs, both in person and by phone during open hours, and via e-mail at other times.

In addition to Salem’s own collection, students may access additional library collections and request resources through interlibrary loan.

Research Tools & Resources

Library Links

Library Collections

  • Books on a variety of subjects may be checked out.
  • Electronic resources: Ask at desk for items available.
  • Reserves: Materials which professors have selected for use in classes; must be used in the library.
  • Newspapers: Must be used in the library.
  • Check in the catalog Library World. Sign in as Benedum Library.

Interlibrary Loan

If you didn’t find what you want, ask in the Library or email with a question about ‘Interlibrary loan.’ Perhaps we can borrow from another library. To email the Library, use the address library@salemu.edu. Include the following information:

  • Details about what you are requesting. The following list includes what you need for a book; just be sure you tell us enough to be able to identify your need, whether it’s a book, or a journal article, or just information.
  • Author
  • Title
  • Date
  • Publisher
  • ISBN

Tell us who you are and how we can reach you (e-mail, phone, or mail).

Library Services

Circulation

The library collection contains many items which can be checked out, or circulated. Items are loaned for two weeks. There is a charge of $0.05 a day for overdue materials. Materials may be renewed by:

If you don’t find an answer to your question, ask a librarian!