Susqu Library: The Hidden Resource Students Often Overlook
What "Susqu Library" Actually Is
"Susqu Library" is the student shorthand for Blough-Weis Library, the central academic library at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. The abbreviation "susqu" comes from the university's domain name (susqu.edu) and is widely used by students on social media, in conversation, and in campus communications.
Key Facts About Blough-Weis Library
The library serves approximately 2,200 undergraduate students at Susquehanna University, a private liberal arts university founded in 1858. The facility houses more than 330,000 books, DVDs, and CDs and provides study and collaboration spaces for over 500 students simultaneously.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Blough-Weis Library |
| Address | 514 University Avenue, Selinsgrove, PA 17870 |
| Phone | 570-372-4160 |
| library@susqu.edu | |
| Collection Size | 330,000+ books, DVDs, CDs |
| Study Capacity | 500+ students |
| Social Media | @susqulib (Instagram) |
- Minutes from original Boards of Directors and faculty meetings
- 19th-century gradebooks and photographs
- Presidential Libraries (personal libraries of presidents Benjamin Kurtz, Henry Zeigler, Franklin Manhart, Peter Born, G. Morris Smith, and Gustave Weber)
- Rare books including Nürnberg bibles and 18th-century religious pamphlets
- The personal bible of African missionary David A. Day
- Visit library.susqu.edu for research guides and database access
- Search "Argo" for books, articles, and course reserves
- Use the A-to-Z Database List for subject-specific research
- Book a meeting with a subject librarian via "Find My Librarian"
- Access Endeavor for faculty and student publications
Historical Context: The Original Library Building
The original library building was constructed in 1928. Due to the increasingly large book collection and need for more study space, an addition was built later to accommodate growing student enrollment and academic programs. The current Blough-Weis Library represents a modern facility that blends this historic foundation with contemporary academic technology.
Key concerns and solutions for Susqu Library The Hidden Resource Students Often Overlook
What services does Susqu Library offer?
Blough-Weis Library provides wireless access to thousands of journal articles, course reserves for textbooks, interlibrary loan, library instruction sessions, room reservations, and open educational resources. The library also houses Scholarly Grounds Café, a new teaching lab, and a theater for viewing films.
What is in the University Archives & Special Collections?
The University Archives serves as the official repository for Susquehanna University and its predecessor institutions: the Missionary Institute of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (1858-1895) and Susquehanna Female College (1858-1874). Collections include:
How do I access archival materials?
Researchers must contact the Archives Assistant at least 1 business day before visiting to schedule an appointment. Archival materials do not circulate and may only be used in the Archives, but photocopying is usually possible after staff evaluation.
Why does Susqu Library matter more than most campuses admit?
The library is the intellectual heart of Susquehanna University, supporting the university's liberal arts mission through its extensive collections, specialized archives preserving 168 years of institutional history, and modern collaborative spaces. Its Jane Conrad Apple Rare Books Room houses first editions from Elizabethan and Tudor periods, complementing campus landmarks like the Shakespeare Garden. The library's PA History Harvest connects students with regional historical materials, embodying the university's commitment to community engagement.
What are the library hours?
Library hours vary by semester and break periods. For current hours, check library.susqu.edu or contact library@susqu.edu at 570-372-4160. During finals weeks, the library often extends hours to support student study needs.
How does Susqu Library support Marist/Catholic education values?
While Susquehanna University is Evangelical Lutheran (not Catholic/Marist), the library's mission aligns with values important to Catholic and Marist education: holistic student formation, community engagement, preservation of cultural heritage, and access to knowledge as a common good. The University Archives preserves religious texts including 18th-20th century Bibles and missionary materials, reflecting the institution's religious roots and commitment to spiritual formation alongside academic rigor.
