Murphy Library

Murphy Library Director: John Jax
110 Murphy Library; 608.785.8805
Email: jjax@uwlax.edu

Administrative Supervisor: Sean Hurtubise
111 Murphy Library, 608.785.8520
Email: shurtubise@uwlax.edu

1631 Pine St, La Crosse, WI 54601
608.785.8505 (general number)
608.785.8639 (fax)
Email: libraryoffice@uwlax.edu

www.uwlax.edu/murphylibrary


Departments/units         Mission & values          Services to students


Murphy Library is the campus center for academic inquiry. The library provides access to a vast and diverse collection of electronic and print resources; facilities designed to accommodate in a flexible manner a variety of learning needs; technologies that complement and enhance the acquisition, synthesis and use of information; and staff to help students find and use the quality information they need.

Departments/units

Library Department

Mission & values

Mission statement

Murphy Library is integral to student success at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. The library provides a dynamic and diverse learning environment centered on the core principles of service, stewardship, information literacy and equity of access. Exemplifying these principles, this teaching library carefully manages information resources that support and promote excellence in academic study and research, success in teaching and learning, and intellectual and cultural exploration. Murphy Library additionally serves the greater community as a regional information center.

Values statement

Murphy Library services are guided by the ALA Library Bill of Rights.

To fulfill the Library's mission, the Library Director, Library Department and Library Staff uphold the principles of the ALA Code of Ethics, augmented by the following values:

People

We value library users and are committed to providing a consistently high level of services to all: students, faculty, staff, and community members. We believe in open communication and treating users and library colleagues with courtesy and respect. We respect the confidentiality of users' information requests and library records.

Access

We provide the greatest access possible to information in various formats, in collaboration with faculty, to support the instructional and research-related fields of the university curriculum. We share library resources through interlibrary loan and cooperative ventures with other libraries. We organize collections and manage digital and physical access for ease of retrieval by a diverse group of on- and off-campus users.

Inquiry

As a teaching library, we promote critical thinking and exploration by teaching students and other users information literacy skills for university work and lifelong learning. We treasure the ideals of free speech and unfettered inquiry.

Diversity

We support an understanding and appreciation of diversity through collections and information access, services, the instruction program and staff. Read our full diversity statement.

Innovation

We embrace an environment of continuous change leading to new and improved library technologies, products and services.

Stewardship

We utilize funding responsibly and seek cooperative arrangements with other libraries to maximize the benefits for library users. We maintain our collections, a secure facility, and a healthful environment for current and future users. We preserve the local cultural heritage by collecting regional materials.

Services to students

  • Resources
    • Databases and journals
    • Books/e-books, streaming video, and other multimedia
    • University archives
      • La Crosse history
      • Rare books
    • Digital collections
    • Alice Hagar Curriculum Center
    • Government collections and depository (Federal and State)
    • Guides and reference materials
  • Services
    • Consultations with a librarian (by appointment, walk-up, phone, email, and chat)

      • Research assistance/guidance
      • Use of technology
      • Borrowing materials
      • Reserving materials and room(s)
      • Tutorials and videos on using the library and finding scholarly resources
      • Tours
      • Purchase recommendations
    • Interlibrary loan

    • UW System resource sharing

    • Course ​materials on reserve

    • Technology
      • PC and Mac computers
      • B/W and color printing
      • Scanning stations
      • Laptops for check-out
      • Moveable large screen monitors
      • Moveable whiteboards
      • Whiteboard tables
      • Scientific calculators
      • Adaptive technology like keyboard and mouse
    • Fax
  • ​​Spaces
    • Collaborative Learning Commons on the ground floor
    • Quiet second floor and basement
    • Alice Hagar Curriculum Center
    • Group study rooms
    • Study carrels
    • Silent study room
    • Murphy's Mug café