The curriculum in Academic Information Services is designed to enhance all disciplines. Students explore the changing roles of information and work toward goals of information literacy and technological competency. Some courses, such as Introduction to Information Resources, acquaint students with print and electronic resources and information technology. Others provide background for the pursuit of professional degrees in library and information science.

The courses in Academic Information Services are designed to provide library and information skills applicable to a wide range of subject disciplines. They also provide a knowledge base for students who expect to enter a graduate program in library and information science at another school. NMU does not offer a degree in library and information services.

The courses in Academic Information Services may be taken by any student. Some courses have prerequisites. Courses are offered as interest, curricular needs and enrollment warrant.

The Library contains books and journals and provides access to numerous databases. As a depository for U.S. and Michigan government publications, Olson Library houses government documents and includes a map collection. The juvenile/young adult collection also has textbooks and media supporting teacher education.

Library facilities include wired and wireless network access for students’ laptop computers, study areas, conference rooms, photocopy machines, microform printers, audiovisual and multimedia equipment.

Librarians offer personal guidance in the use of the online catalog, indexes, abstracts, reference sources, online databases and Internet sources. Students are encouraged to seek assistance in accessing and evaluating the many resources available. Library tours and instructional presentations are offered to help students become familiar with the library and information resources and to help them develop their research skills.

Current information about the Olson Library can be found by going to the library Web site at www.nmu.edu/olsonlibrary/index.htm.

Staff in Academic Computing provides support to students and faculty for general computing needs. Classroom and lab facilities are available, and the Help Desk offers technical and software support for laptop computers. Current information about Academic Computing can be found at www.nmu.edu/acs.