The Dirac Science Library at Florida State University (FSU) is a state-of-the-art facility that serves as a hub for scientific and technical information. Located in the heart of the FSU campus, the library is named after Paul Adrien Maurice Dirac, a renowned physicist and mathematician who was a faculty member at FSU from 1971 until his death in 1984. The library's collection and services are designed to support the research and educational needs of students, faculty, and staff in the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
History and Architecture
The Dirac Science Library was built in 1989 and has since undergone several renovations to enhance its facilities and services. The library’s architecture is designed to provide a comfortable and productive learning environment, with ample natural light, collaborative workspaces, and advanced technology infrastructure. The building’s design also incorporates elements that reflect Dirac’s work and legacy, including a striking atrium that features a quote from Dirac’s Nobel Prize lecture.
Collection and Resources
The Dirac Science Library’s collection includes over 500,000 volumes, comprising books, journals, and other materials in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer science, and engineering. The library also provides access to a wide range of electronic resources, including online journals, databases, and e-books. Some of the notable resources available at the library include:
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| ScienceDirect | A leading online platform for scientific and technical research, featuring over 12 million articles and chapters |
| JSTOR | A digital library of academic journals, books, and primary sources in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities |
| IEEE Xplore | A comprehensive database of technical literature in electrical engineering, computer science, and related fields |
In addition to its physical and electronic collections, the Dirac Science Library offers a range of services to support research and learning, including research assistance, instruction, and outreach programs. The library's staff includes experienced librarians and support personnel who are available to provide guidance on finding and using scientific information, as well as on topics such as data management, citation management, and scholarly communication.
Services and Facilities
The Dirac Science Library provides a variety of services and facilities to support the academic and research needs of the FSU community. Some of the notable services and facilities include:
- Research Assistance: Librarians are available to provide one-on-one research assistance, as well as to teach classes and workshops on research skills and information literacy
- Interlibrary Loan: The library offers interlibrary loan services, allowing users to borrow materials from other libraries and institutions
- Study Spaces: The library features a range of study spaces, including individual and group study areas, as well as collaborative workrooms and presentation practice rooms
- Technology Support: The library provides access to a range of technology, including computers, printers, scanners, and multimedia equipment
Special Collections and Archives
The Dirac Science Library is home to several special collections and archives, including the Paul A.M. Dirac Papers, which feature the personal and professional papers of the renowned physicist. The library also houses the FSU Physics Department Archives, which document the history of the department and its faculty, as well as the Science and Technology Manuscript Collection, which includes rare and unique materials related to the history of science and technology.
In addition to its physical collections, the Dirac Science Library also provides access to a range of digital collections and archives, including the FSU Digital Library, which features a wide range of digital content, including texts, images, and audiovisual materials.
What are the library’s hours of operation?
+The Dirac Science Library is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Hours may vary during holidays and summer sessions.
How do I access the library’s electronic resources?
+FSU students, faculty, and staff can access the library’s electronic resources using their FSU ID and password. Guests and visitors may access electronic resources within the library building using a guest login.
