This resource is the key to accessing library holdings. This system allows students to search the catalog by author, title, keyword, subject, words in a title, author and title, and reserve lists. The library catalog identifies materials in the Franklin Library which includes Special Collections. These materials include books, government publications, electronic journals, music scores, maps, and more.
Library
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Access Our University Library
The John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library at Fisk University is the academic hub of the institution, providing essential support for its programs through a rich collection of books, electronic resources, and archival materials. Completed in 1969 and opened in 1970, the library currently holds over 103,500 items. It plays a central role in the academic life of Fisk, offering both traditional and innovative services that meet the diverse needs of students, faculty, alumni, and researchers. The library’s Special Collections, a nationally recognized resource, serves as a cornerstone for the study of the African American experience, preserving and sharing this vital history with scholars and the broader community.
Fisk Library Hours of Operation
Library Regular Hours
Monday - Thursday | 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
Friday | 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday | 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sunday | 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Computer Lab Regular Hours
Monday - Thursday | 8:00 am - 9:30 pm
Friday | 7:45 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday | 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Sunday | 2:00 pm - 9:30 pm
*Hours are subject to change. For additional information, call 615-329-8640.
Library hours during examination periods and breaks will be posted.
Library Services
The access services desk is located on the first floor. The circulating books are located on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Students with valid IDs may check out books and reserve materials. Items on reserve must be used in the library.
Located on the first floor. This is a collection of reference materials including books and periodicals. These materials do not circulate.
Located on the 2nd floor, these collections of rare materials draw patrons and scholars from around the world. The African-American collection, which includes books, manuscripts, archives and oral histories, is a major source for the study of the African-American experience. These materials must be used in the Special Collections reading room.
Learn About the Archives
The John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library is a selective document repository of publications by the United States government. The collection contains printed materials, microfiche, CD-ROMs, and periodicals. Fisk students can begin their search by using the Government Documents Research Guide.
Access to a global catalog of library collections is available online through worldcat.org. Circulating books can be requested through Interlibrary Loan. In addition, Fisk students, faculty, and staff have access to Belmont’s Lila D. Bunch Library and Vanderbilt’s Libraries including direct loan privileges. Ask at the Access Services desk about Belmont’s Library and how to obtain a Vanderbilt access card for entrance during evening hours.
A dynamic collection of electronic resources that change with the needs of our users are available to Fisk students. A full list of Databases the library subscribes to, including trial access can be found here:
Administrative Contacts
Department Phone: 615-329-8731
DeLisa Minor Harris
Director of Library Services
615-329-8734
library@fisk.edu
Access Services Contacts
Department Phone: 615-329-8640
Ester McShepard
Night Supervisor
615-329-8640
library@fisk.edu
Technical Services Contacts
Department Phone: 615-329-8734
Library Assistant for Technical Services
615-329-8733
library@fisk.edu
Special Collections & Archives Contacts
Department Phone: 615-329-8730
Special Collections Librarian
615-329-8730
library@fisk.edu
Library Assistant for Special Collections
615-329-8646
library@fisk.edu
Joshua Williams
Archivist
615-329-8733
library@fisk.edu