The University of California, Merced (UC Merced) library offers a wide range of resources and services to support the academic and research needs of its students, faculty, and staff. As a key component of the university's mission to provide a world-class education, the library is committed to fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and discovery. With its extensive collections, cutting-edge technology, and expert librarians, the UC Merced library is an essential hub of academic activity, providing students with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their studies and beyond.
Library Collections and Resources

The UC Merced library boasts an impressive collection of over 1.5 million volumes, including books, journals, and digital resources. The library’s collections are carefully curated to support the university’s academic programs, with a strong focus on STEM fields, social sciences, and humanities. In addition to its physical collections, the library also provides access to a vast array of digital resources, including e-books, online journals, and databases. With over 200 databases and 50,000 online journals, students and faculty have unparalleled access to the information they need to conduct research and complete assignments. The library’s digital collections include resources such as JSTOR, EBSCO, and ProQuest, providing comprehensive coverage of various subjects and topics.
Special Collections and Archives
The UC Merced library is also home to a number of special collections and archives, including the Merced County Historical Society Archives and the UC Merced Institutional Repository. These collections provide unique insights into the history and culture of the region, as well as the university’s own development and growth. The archives include materials such as manuscripts, photographs, and oral histories, offering a wealth of primary sources for researchers and scholars. For example, the Merced County Historical Society Archives contain over 10,000 historical documents and photographs, while the UC Merced Institutional Repository provides access to over 5,000 university publications and research outputs.
| Collection | Number of Items |
|---|---|
| Books | 1,200,000 |
| Journals | 50,000 |
| Databases | 200 |
| E-books | 500,000 |

Library Services and Support

In addition to its extensive collections, the UC Merced library also offers a range of services and support to help students succeed. The library’s expert librarians are available to provide research assistance, teaching and learning support, and technology help. The library also offers a number of study spaces, including quiet study areas, group study rooms, and collaborative workspaces. With over 100 computers and laptops available for student use, as well as a range of software and equipment, the library is an ideal place for students to work on projects and complete assignments. Furthermore, the library provides research assistance services, including one-on-one consultations, workshops, and online tutorials, to help students develop their research skills and find the information they need.
Research Assistance and Instruction
The UC Merced library is committed to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their academic pursuits. The library’s research assistance and instruction programs are designed to help students develop their research skills, from finding and evaluating sources to citing and referencing. The library offers a range of instructional programs, including workshops, online tutorials, and one-on-one consultations, to support students at all levels of their academic careers. For instance, the library’s Information Literacy Program provides students with the skills to critically evaluate information and use it effectively in their research and academic work.
Key Points
- The UC Merced library offers a wide range of resources and services to support student success.
- The library's collections include over 1.5 million volumes, as well as digital resources and special collections.
- The library provides research assistance, teaching and learning support, and technology help.
- The library offers a number of study spaces, including quiet study areas, group study rooms, and collaborative workspaces.
- The library is committed to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their academic pursuits.
Technology and Digital Resources
The UC Merced library is also at the forefront of technology and digital innovation, providing students with access to a range of cutting-edge tools and resources. The library’s digital collections include e-books, online journals, and databases, as well as a range of digital tools and software. The library also offers a number of technology-related services, including equipment checkout, software support, and digital media production. With over 100 computers and laptops available for student use, as well as a range of software and equipment, the library is an ideal place for students to work on projects and complete assignments. For example, the library’s Digital Scholarship Lab provides students with access to specialized software and equipment, such as Adobe Creative Cloud and Tableau, to support their research and creative projects.
Digital Scholarship and Innovation
The UC Merced library is committed to supporting digital scholarship and innovation, providing students and faculty with the tools and resources they need to engage in cutting-edge research and creative projects. The library’s digital scholarship lab offers a range of resources and services, including digital media production, data analysis, and software support. The library also partners with other campus units to provide students with access to a range of digital tools and resources, including 3D printing, virtual reality, and data visualization. For instance, the library’s Data Science Initiative provides students with training and support in data analysis and visualization, using tools such as R and Python.
What types of resources and services does the UC Merced library offer?
+The UC Merced library offers a wide range of resources and services, including books, journals, databases, e-books, and digital media. The library also provides research assistance, teaching and learning support, and technology help.
How can I access the library's digital collections?
+The library's digital collections can be accessed through the library's website, using your UC Merced login credentials. You can also access digital resources through the library's online catalog and databases.
What types of study spaces are available in the library?
+The library offers a range of study spaces, including quiet study areas, group study rooms, and collaborative workspaces. The library also has a number of computers and laptops available for student use.
In conclusion, the UC Merced library is a vital resource for students, faculty, and staff, providing access to a wide range of resources and services to support academic success. With its extensive collections, cutting-edge technology, and expert librarians, the library is an essential hub of academic activity, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and discovery. By providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their academic pursuits, the library plays a critical role in supporting the university’s mission to provide a world-class education.