Melvin J. Zahnow Library

Zahnow (989) 964-4240

Library Collections

The Library collections consist of traditional resources (books, recordings, etc.) as well as a growing number of virtual resources (ejournals, ebooks, etc.). This page provides a brief overview of the various collections with links to pages that describe access requirements.

General Access Collections -- Restricted Access Collections
Access policies for Students   |   Off Campus Students   |   Faculty & Staff   |   Alumni & Visitors

General Notes

General Access Collections

General Collection (3rd & 4th floors)

  • Covering a wide range of topics, this collection is the heart of the Library's book collections.
  • These books are located on the 3rd floor (call numbers beginning with "HM" through "Z") and 4th floor (call numbers beginning with "A" through "HJ") of the Library.

Children's Literature (4th floor)

  • Located in low shelving in front of the Roberta Allen Reading Room
  • This colllection ranges from picture books to Young Adult literature, fiction and non-fiction as well as biography. Though primarily to familiarize eduction students with age appropriate resources, this collection is available for all Library users.
  • The call numbers break the collection into basic categories:
    • "Y" followed by a number 1-4 refer to children's fiction work divided by age level. "1" is mostly picture books, with "4" being upper level elementary/middle school age children
    • "YA" call numbers refer to Young Adult literature appropriate for high school students
    • "YB" call numbers refer to biographies written specifically for younger readers
    • YN" call numbers refer to non-fiction materials. The numbers that follow are standard Dewey Decimal call numbers

Sheet Music Collection (3rd floor)

  • Performance editions of music, ranging from music for solo instruments to chamber music. All music in this section is suitable for performance.
    • Full sized scores for study are shelved in the general collection
    • Large ensemble chamber music editions are stored in the closed stacks area behind the Circulation Desk.
  • Study scores, also called miniature scores, are shelved in the Sheet Music Collection to facilitate accessibility.

Popular Reading Collection (3rd floor)

  • Located on the wall next to the Cafe area
  • This collection is specifically intended for recreational reading, drawing from Best Seller lists and from submitted recommendations.
  • The books are arranged mostly alphabetically by author. Where a primary author is not present, the book will be interfiled by title.

Audio Books (3rd floor)

  • Located next to the Popular Reading collection in CD format,
  • This collection consists of unabridged recordings of popular books comparable in scope to the Popular Reading Collection.

Cafe Collection (3rd floor)

  • Located in the 3rd floor Cafe area, this collection is unique in the Library in that it consists entirely donations. These paperbacks may be borrowed without check out for recreational reading. Simply return the book when finished on one of the book carts in the Cafe area. To donate personal copies of paperbacks to the collection simply leave books on the book carts as well.

Media Collections (1st floor)

  • Located between the 1st floor Circulation and Reference Desks, these collections consist of videorecordings (VHS tapes and DVDs) and audio recordings (CD's and cassette tapes),
  • The videorecordings are split into two parts:
    • Feature films (mostly popular films that had theatre runs) are arranged by title along the back wall of the videorecording area
    • Scholarly films are arranged by Library of Congress call numbers in the open area
  • Music CDs are arranged by Library of Congress call numbers in bins west of the Reference Desk. Audiocassettes are similarly arranged next to the CD bins.

Closed Stack Collections (1st floor)

  • There are a few collections that enjoy regular check out privileges but are not available for public browsing. In some cases this is related to their value, in others a simple matter of logistics. These are all available through the Circulation Desk

  • Saginaw Bay Writer's Project

    • A collection of books intended to assist in the teaching of writing specifically for a three-week writing workshop in mid-summer. Shelved in Z-117a, it is available for viewing, reading and circulation for all Library users

  • Phonograph Record Collection

    • 33 1/3 rpm vinyl recordings, also known as LPs, are stored in the Closed Stacks area. Playback equipment (phonograph turntables) are available in the Listening Rooms across from the Circulation Desk

  • Large Ensemble Sheet Music

    • The majority of performance editions are located on the 3rd floor (see above for the description of the Sheet Music Collection). The exceptions are works with numerous performance parts, such as string orchestra, jazz ensemble, etc. These are located in the Closed Stacks area behind the Circulation Desk.

  • Occupational Therapy kits

    • Stored behind the Circulation Desk, these multi-item kits are availabe for Occupational Therapy students to check out for class use, etc.

Restricted Access Collections

Reference Collection (1st floor)

  • Located in the sunken area behind the Reference Desk, this collection of encyclopedias, dictionaries, and scholarly resources provides quick access to statistical and other reference information
  • A Ready Reference collection specific for common questions and quick answers is located on shelves at the Reference Desk
  • These collections are in library use only: they are not available for check out.

Periodicals Collection (2nd floor)

  • Located by the 2nd floor entrance to the Library, this collection of newspapers, magazines, and journals are in library use only: they are not available for check out
  • Photocopiers and microfilm reader/printers are available in the area to make copies of articles. The Periodicals Desk can assist with finding the periodical and making copies.
  • See the Periodicals Page for more information

Accounting CPA Exam Review DVDs (1st floor)

  • A collection of Bisk Education DVDs and accompanying booklets to assist in preparing for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants exam. The four sections include Regulation - Business Environment & Concepts - Financial Accounting & Reporting - Auditing & Attestation
  • These materials are accessed at the Circulation Desk and must be used in the Library. DVD playback equipment is located in viewing rooms across from the Circulation Desk

Archives and Special Collections (1st floor)

  • Access to this collection is through the 1st floor Circulation Desk.
  • These materials require controlled access and with very few exceptions may not be taken from the Library
    • One major exception is that copies of SVSU theses and capstone projects may be checked out to faculty and students
  • Special Collections materials consist of books and multi-media materials. These can be found on CardCat.
  • The Archives collections are non-circulating and require supervised access
    • Some collections, such as the University Archives, have relatively liberal access privileges.
    • Collections such as the Ken Follett Papers require prior approval for legitimate research access. Contact Thomas Zantow (989.964.4238 tzantow(at)svsu.edu) for more information.