Ellender Memorial Library [1] serves as the main repository for information resources and services at Nicholls State University. The primary mission of the Library is to support the curriculum and the instructional, research, and public service programs of the University. The Library strives to ensure that all students and faculty have access to information and services that support the processes of learning and enhance the development of independent, life-long learners. As of June 30, 2003, collections in the Library included 436,079 bound volumes; 1,281 serial subscriptions; 340,970 microforms; and 3,797 audiovisual material units. In addition to in-house materials, students have access through the Library's Web site [1] to 50 electronic database subscriptions [2] such as Academic Search Premier, ABI/Inform, and Lexis Nexis, many providing resources in full-text format. Over 40,000 eBooks are also available via the Library's Web site [3].

The Archives and Special Collections Department houses extensive collections of historic interest, and the Government Documents Department is a select depository for state (over 25 percent) and federal (68 percent) documents. Thirty-eight public access computer stations are available in the library proper. Over 80 computer workstations are available in the Library computer lab [4], located on the first floor of the building. In addition to the library and the computer lab, a learning resource center maintained by the College of Education supports specific needs of education majors.

Nicholls believes that these resources are sufficient to support the educational, research, and public service programs of the University and that Ellender Memorial Library is succeeding in its mission. The following information supports this belief:

•	The Library is usually open 83 hours per week. Hours are extended at the end of each semester during final exam week and during Intersessions. The Library's catalog and most databases are available electronically 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via the Library's Web site.
•	Ellender Memorial Library is a member of LOUIS, the Louisiana Library Network [5]. Created by the Louisiana Board of Regents in 1992, this consortium helps support the library services of over 40 libraries in Louisiana. Combining many library services such as library automation, interlibrary loan, and joint licensing of many electronic databases, LOUIS has saved Louisiana millions of dollars. The creation of the Louisiana Union Catalog allows students the option of searching over 40 library catalogs—over 9 million items—in one search query.
•	Ellender Memorial Library is a member of the American Library Association (ALA) [6], American College and Research Libraries (ACRL), and Solinet (Southeastern Library Network) [7].
•	Nicholls' students and faculty have access to reciprocal borrowing privileges at most of Louisiana's academic libraries through the Library's participation in the Louisiana Academic Library Information Network Consortium (LALINC) [8]. Libraries set their own level of participation.
•	In an analysis of library expenditures for University of Louisiana System universities in fiscal years 2000-2001 to 2004-2005, Nicholls consistently ranks high in the percentage of total university budget spent on a library. University of Louisiana System reports indicate that the percentage of budget spent on Ellender Memorial Library was second highest among System universities at 4.2 percent in 2003, and highest at 5.01 percent in 2004 [9].

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 2003 [11A]:

"The evaluation team met with the university librarian and staff liaison as well. The library collections specific to nursing have been well tended. Student use and needs have been carefully tracked and reported to ensure that students have what they need. The library has also been responsive to faculty demand by acquiring nearly all materials requested. Both the university librarian and staff member reported, 'We find a way to get the Department what it needs.' A modern computer laboratory in the library, Internet access, free interlibrary loan to students and faculty, and document delivery services all make resources portable from the other linked libraries in the system. Upgrades in the form of additional database access and access to all electronic resources through ports from off campus are planned for the future."

National Association of Schools of Art and Design, 2004 [11B]:

"The team confirmed that the Library maintains the schedule of operations included in the Self-Study. As such, the NSU Library maintains a schedule that ensures that it is accessible to students and faculty. The library is automated and has recently updated to the SIRSI system, a web-based project that allows for updating and expansion of the library, and collection. As noted earlier, the NSU Library is a part of LOUIS, the Louisiana Library Network that links the resources of libraries throughout the state.

In addition, the relationship between the library and the ART DEPARTMENT is one of NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY's strengths. An obvious respect and collaborative spirit exists among the faculty member who works directly with the library and the library staff. This spirit results not simply in a responsive library and a strong collection, but also in the offering of special programs which integrate the library's special resources (e.g., its collection of maps) with the curriculum."

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, 2005 [11C]:

"The University's Ellender Memorial Library provides support for the College of Business Administration. The library is open 85 hours per week, provides study areas for 1500 patrons, is the home of the Writing Across the Curriculum Lab, and houses 400,000 volumes and 3000 journals. Bibliographic instruction and reference services are provided to faculty members and students. Ellender Memorial Library is a member of LOUIS Louisiana Library Network, subscribes to JSTOR, a digital archive of full back-runs for scholarly academic journals, including 28 journals in business and economics. Online resources include a variety of databases including LexisNexis, CCH Tax Research Network (on campus), ACM Digital Library, Business Source Premier, Regional Business News, and ABI/Inform. The CBA funds Research Insight Database. Recent annual CBA expenditures exceeded $40,000."