Helmke Library, located on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW), is a comprehensive research library that provides a wide range of resources and services to support the academic and research needs of students, faculty, and staff. The library is named after Ruth Helmke, a former IPFW librarian who played a significant role in the development of the library's collections and services.
Introduction to Helmke Library
Helmke Library is a state-of-the-art facility that offers a comfortable and productive learning environment, with over 150,000 square feet of study space, including individual and group study areas, quiet rooms, and collaborative workspaces. The library’s collections include over 500,000 physical items, including books, journals, magazines, and multimedia materials, as well as access to over 100,000 electronic resources, including e-books, articles, and databases.
Research Support Services
Helmke Library provides a range of research support services, including reference assistance, research consultations, and instruction sessions. The library’s reference desk is staffed by experienced librarians who can help with research questions, provide guidance on using library resources, and offer suggestions for finding relevant information. The library also offers one-on-one research consultations, which can be scheduled in advance, to provide more in-depth assistance with research projects.
In addition to reference services, Helmke Library also offers instruction sessions, which can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a class or group. These sessions can cover topics such as research strategies, database searching, and citation management, and are designed to help students develop the skills they need to succeed in their academic pursuits.
| Resource Type | Number of Items |
|---|---|
| Books | 350,000 |
| E-books | 50,000 |
| Journals | 20,000 |
| Databases | 100 |
Technology and Facilities
Helmke Library is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including computers, printers, scanners, and multimedia equipment. The library also offers a range of software applications, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and SPSS, which can be used to support academic and research activities. In addition to technology, the library also offers a range of facilities, including study rooms, collaborative workspaces, and quiet rooms, which can be used for individual or group study.
Accessibility and Disability Services
Helmke Library is committed to providing equal access to all users, regardless of ability. The library offers a range of accessibility services, including wheelchair accessibility, adaptive technology, and disability support services. The library also offers assistive technology, such as text-to-speech software and magnification tools, which can be used to support users with disabilities.
In addition to accessibility services, Helmke Library also offers disability support services, including accommodations for users with disabilities, such as extended loan periods, priority access to materials, and assistance with research and study activities. The library's disability support services are designed to provide equal access to all users and to support the academic success of users with disabilities.
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Adaptive technology
- Disability support services
- Assistive technology
- Accommodations for users with disabilities
Collection Development and Management
Helmke Library’s collections are developed and managed by a team of experienced librarians who work to ensure that the library’s resources meet the academic and research needs of the university community. The library’s collections include a wide range of materials, including books, journals, databases, and multimedia resources, which are selected based on their relevance, accuracy, and usefulness.
Collection Assessment and Evaluation
Helmke Library regularly assesses and evaluates its collections to ensure that they remain relevant and useful to the university community. The library uses a range of methods to assess its collections, including usage statistics, user feedback, and collection analysis tools. The results of these assessments are used to inform collection development decisions and to ensure that the library’s resources continue to meet the evolving needs of the university community.
In addition to collection assessment and evaluation, Helmke Library also engages in ongoing collection management activities, such as weeding and preservation, to ensure that the library's resources remain relevant and accessible over time. The library's collection management activities are designed to support the long-term viability of the library's collections and to ensure that they continue to meet the academic and research needs of the university community.
| Collection Type | Number of Items |
|---|---|
| Books | 350,000 |
| Journals | 20,000 |
| Databases | 100 |
| Multimedia Resources | 10,000 |
What are the hours of operation for Helmke Library?
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Helmke Library is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am to 10:00 pm, Friday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
How do I access Helmke Library’s online resources?
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To access Helmke Library’s online resources, you will need to log in with your university username and password. You can access the library’s online resources from the library’s website, which is available at https://library.ipfw.edu.
Can I borrow materials from Helmke Library if I am not a student or faculty member?
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Yes, Helmke Library offers borrowing privileges to community members and other non-university affiliated individuals. To borrow materials, you will need to obtain a library card, which can be applied for at the library’s circulation desk.
