FAMU Libraries: About Us

About the Libraries

Samuel H. Coleman Memorial Library, the University's main library, is named for Samuel Harrison Coleman, who faithfully served the University as general alumni president for 14 years.

Coleman Library was built in 1948, renovated in 1972, expanded in 1990 and again in 2004. The 88,964 square foot facility includes group study rooms, a student study lounge and cafe, graduate/faculty study carrels, teleconference rooms, and information literacy classroom.  Along with the additional 20,000 square feet available in the branch libraries the University Libraries provide a seating capacity of 920.  The Libraries hold nearly 2 million volumes, over 155,000 e-books and e-journals, and 256,126 microforms which are readily accessible to users and are sufficient in scope to support both onsite and online programs.

Vision Statement
The Florida A&M University Libraries will provide information, technology, resources and services to our users whether on campus or across the globe. These services and resources will be provided in such a way that we positively meet and exceed all expectations.

Mission Statement
The Mission of the Florida A&M University Libraries is to provide a user centered information environment that supports inspirational teaching, the advancement of knowledge, innovative research, meaningful service, and life long learning to the local and global university community.

The Libraries seek to reach their mission by accomplishing the following five goals:

1. Services – Forecasting, establishing, promoting, maintaining, and assessing a range of user centered library services that facilitate the highest quality of instructional, research and educational outcomes.
2. Collections and Access – Providing information resources to local and distant users that are appropriate to support the teaching, research, and service mission and vision of the University.

3.  Human Resources and Development – Attracting, hiring and retaining sufficient numbers of experienced and distinctly qualified human resources.

4. Library Environment – Providing user centered environments that enable users to efficiently and effectively meet learning outcomes, research and instructional goals.

5.  Administrative Processes and Accountability – Researching, implementing, communicating, and assessing best administrative and management practices that support the vision and mission of the University Libraries and that meet the standards and regulations of the University, professional, governing and accrediting bodies.

Statements of Core Values Accountability
We are dedicated to the efficient use of resources. We accept the responsibility of public trust and are accountable for our actions.

Collaboration
We value communication, sharing and team work.

Collegiality
We value openness and equality to ensure a best learning and working environment.

Courage
We value the courage to take decisive actions and stand up for our beliefs.

Diversity
We value and promote diversity of opinion and freedom of speech as reflected in our services and operations.

Ethics
We value, practice, and teach the ethical use of information and work practices.

Excellence
We value excellence in servicing our users.

Fairness
We value fair and responsible use of information and organizational practice.

Fiscal Responsibility
We value fiscal and programmatic integrity and practice good stewardship.

Freedom
We value the rights and responsibilities of academics and intellectual freedom. We abide by the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights.

Innovation
We value innovation in addressing change and meeting user’s needs.

Integrity
We are committed to the principles of truth and honesty.

Opportunity
We value maximizing learning opportunities.

Respect
We respect employees as our greatest asset and users as our raison d’etre

Scholarship
We value scholarship in all forms, including teaching, learning, investigating, applying, and creating results.

Service
We believe that service to others is a noble and worthy endeavor.