The DiMenna-Nyselius Library empowers the members of our community in the development of their whole person, including their intellectual, psychological, spiritual, and professional exploration; their growth as critical thinkers; their endeavors as knowledge creators; and their quest for lifelong fulfillment.
Students are informed about the DiMenna-Nyselius Library's services & resources via Life@Fairfield posts and emails, their First Year Experience class, communications from their "Personal Librarian" (see below), and information literacy instruction with a research librarian embedded within ENG1001 courses, among other ways.
Academic Support:
- One-on-one research help or study skills support with a librarian (information experts) in-person, virtually, by email, or phone
- 24/7 help via chat service from the library homepage
- Course-integrated library instruction
- Online research and citation guides. Plus research and study skills tutorials, and citation management software.
- One million books/ebooks & over 200 databases of academic articles & streaming media
- Student Donated Textbook Collection and Faculty Course Reserves (students can search for their class texts in the Library catalog or ask a librarian for assistance)
- Digital subscriptions to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Chronicle of Higher Education.
- Access to the Fairfield University Archives and Special Collections
- Interlibrary Loan
- Reservable spaces
- Tech equipment and "Library of Things"
- 24/7 study space available in the Café and Innovation Lab
Other student support departments located within the Library, as part of the Academic Commons, include the: Office of Accessibility, ITS Help Desk, Global Fairfield, Math Center, Science Center, Writing Center, and Frederickson Family Innovation Lab. Each October we host an Open House, "The Academic Commons Trick or Treat", and encourage all students to attend. And during finals week each semester we host an academic and wellness support event, "Cram Jam".
First-years & New Transfers have a "Personal Librarian"
The Personal Librarian Program introduces first-years and new transfer students to the collections and services of the Library. A research librarian is paired with each First-Year Experience (FYE) section and contacts students via email approximately once per month throughout their first year with research tips, Library news, and encourages students to get in touch if they have any questions. Students can email their Personal Librarian to ask a question or schedule an appointment.
De-Stress support:
- NEW Wellness Room on our lower level
- De-stress table on the main level with coloring supplies and puzzles
- Popular Reading Collection with best-sellers
- Summer and Winter Reading Challenges with book recommendations
- Therapy dog events every other week
- Finals week: de-stress programs, free late-night coffee/tea/snacks, 24-hour building access
Additional opportunities:
- Student employment – visit the Library Services & Information Desk to apply
- Join the Student Library Advisory Board
- Propose an exhibit or resource display
- Apply for the annual Library Research Prize ($1,000)
If you have any questions about the DiMenna-Nyselius Library, or would like to have a building tour or a discussion via Zoom, please contact Lisa Thornell, Head of Library Outreach & Communications, at lthornell@fairfield.edu. You can also follow us on X or Instagram @fairfieldulib and subscribe to our newsletter, Beyond the Stacks.
