About the Library
University Libraries
University Libraries are aligned with the mission of Jackson State University by providing access to information in all its diverse forms, in an ever evolving technological environment. Through teaching and training measures, University Libraries reflect changing societal learning systems and assist the University in developing students who are critical thinkers, technically literate and use information effectively.
The resources of University Libraries reflect a broad perspective in subject matter. To better support distance learning and satellite sites, the Library is acquiring more electronic resources. The website of the Library (http://sampson.jsums.edu) serves as the portal to library services and resources. On-site and remote users alike have around the clock access to the OPAC and electronic resources, while user support is delivered in person as well as virtually via online tutorials and reference.
The Mission of the Library
The Library, a vital instructional and research unit of the University, exists to acquire, preserve and make available a collection of recorded information consistent with the present and anticipated teaching and research responsibilities of the University; to assist patrons in finding and using these resources; and to foster and encourage learning scholarship. The library remains viable to the needs of its users, Jackson State University students, faculty, staff, administrators and the urban community of Jackson, Mississippi and its environs.
The H. T. Sampson Library
Centrally located on the main campus of Jackson State University, the H. T. Sampson Library is the largest and most comprehensive of the Universities' libraries. The facility is 160,126 square feet in size, with seating for over 1,000 users, and is fully ADA compliant. The Library supports research and the academic programs of the University through a robust collection of print resources and full text electronic books, journals, and databases.
Wireless internet access is available throughout the building, and within the facility are an auditorium; individual and group research/study rooms; and a computer lab. Several areas of the Library have also been repurposed to provide faculty and students with advanced digital learning/creation spaces. Called a one-stop-shop for faculty and staff in the creation of digital content, Innovate opened in February 2014. It is equipped with an electronic classroom, multimedia technology, podcast recording devices and collaborative workspaces. In October 2014, Create, a complimentary facility for students, was opened. Create is a large open access space with several loosely defined areas to pursue collaboration, utilize technological devices and an area that generates the final product of the creative process.
Unique Sampson Library Resources
African American Collection - The Sampson Library houses a rich and extensive collection of resources by and about people throughout the world who are of African descent. From its inception in the late 1940's, the focus of the African American Collection has been to support teaching and research relative to African American, African and Caribbean cultures. The disciplines represented in the collection are diverse, with the main geographic emphasis on the Americas.
University Archives/Special Collections
The official University Archives is housed in the Sampson Library. Together with Special Collections, University Archives is devoted to maintaining a group of resources that document the growth and development of Jackson State University, as well as the history and achievements of African Americans. Print resources, three dimensional objects, audio and video tapes, films, microfiche, photographs and digitized documents are some of the representative formats in this collection.
Branch/Satellite Libraries
Several branch libraries augment the main library and support specific academic programs and include:
Cleopatra D. Thompson Curriculum Center
College of Education and Human Development
Health Sciences Library
School of Public Health
Information Services Library
College of Public Service/School of Lifelong Learning
Jake Ayers Institute for Research Library
Open only to EPhD Program faculty and students