Library Collections
Collection Statistics as of June 2011
Books......................................127,024
Maps...........................................1,350
Videos & DVD..............................2,748
Microfilm reels............................13,577
Periodical subscriptions....................338
Unique titles and editions...........119,289
Collection Descriptions
Most of the collections in the Nielsen Library are arranged by the Library of Congress (LOC) Classification System.
Click here for a brief outline of the LOC Classification System.
Click here for an explanation on how LOC call numbers work.
The Main Collection is located on the 3rd floor of the Nielsen Library. These books may be checked out. This collection is arranged by the Library of Congress Classification System.
The Oversize Collection is located on the east end of the 3rd floor. Just like the Main Collection, it is arranged by the Library of Congress Classification System and may be checked out.
The Reference Collection is located on the 2nd floor of Nielsen Library and must be used in the library. This is often the best place to begin research (e.g., finding background information and lists of sources in bibliographies).
Government Documents are located on the 2nd floor. Government Documents may be checked out. Many Government Documents are now available online.
The Colorado Room, the Ruth Marie Colville Room, the Jack Cooper Room and the Archives Room are all closed collections. To access the materials in any of these rooms, go to the reference desk on 2nd floor and speak with a librarian. These materials must be used in the library, and appointments are recommended. Call (719) 587-7879 to set up an appointment.
Click here for more information.
The Law Collection is located on the second floor. This non-circulating collection may be used to research state and federal laws and to research legal cases and precedents.
Maps are located in two places. Circulating maps (mostly topographical maps) are located in cabinets on the 3rd floor. Non-circulating maps are located in the Colorado Room.
A Video Collection is located in the north-east corner of the 3rd floor. This is not an entertainment collection. Rather these videos are primarily used in support of curriculum.
Journals, magazines, and newspapers are located on the 2nd floor of the library. These do not circulate. Some titles are available in print while others are available in microfilm.
A small Paperback Collection is located on the 1st floor. These books are intended to provide entertainment reading and include mysteries, romances, science fiction, and more.
The Young Adult and Children's Collections support ASU courses in elementary and secondary education. These collections are located in a room on the 3rd floor. They are unique in that they are ordered by the Dewey Decimal System rather than the Library of Congress System.
