The Mckay Library, located in Rexburg, Idaho, is a state-of-the-art academic library that serves the students, faculty, and staff of Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-Idaho). The library is named after David O. Mckay, the ninth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a prominent figure in the history of the university. With a collection of over 300,000 physical items and access to millions of digital resources, the Mckay Library provides a comprehensive and supportive learning environment for the BYU-Idaho community.
History and Architecture
The Mckay Library was completed in 2008, replacing the older Smith Building that had served as the university’s library since the 1950s. The new library was designed to meet the evolving needs of students and faculty, with a focus on technology, collaboration, and flexibility. The building features a modern, energy-efficient design with ample natural light, comfortable seating areas, and a variety of study spaces to accommodate different learning styles. The library’s architecture is also notable for its incorporation of sustainable materials and energy-saving systems, reflecting the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Collections and Resources
The Mckay Library’s collections include a wide range of materials, including books, journals, databases, and multimedia resources. The library’s catalog is fully integrated with the university’s online learning platform, allowing students to easily access and utilize library resources in their coursework. In addition to its physical collections, the library provides access to millions of digital resources, including e-books, articles, and streaming media. The library also offers a variety of specialized collections, including a children’s literature collection, a music library, and a collection of rare and historic materials.
| Collection Type | Number of Items |
|---|---|
| Books | 250,000+ |
| Journals and Magazines | 10,000+ |
| Databases | 100+ |
| Electronic Books | 500,000+ |
Services and Support
The Mckay Library offers a range of services and support to help students succeed in their academic pursuits. The library’s reference desk is staffed by knowledgeable librarians who can provide research assistance, instruction, and guidance on using library resources. The library also offers individual and group study rooms, as well as a variety of technology-equipped spaces for collaborative work and presentations. Additionally, the library provides access to specialized software and equipment, including multimedia production tools and assistive technology for students with disabilities.
Instruction and Outreach
The Mckay Library is committed to providing instruction and outreach services to support the information literacy and research needs of the BYU-Idaho community. The library’s instruction program includes classes, workshops, and one-on-one consultations, as well as online tutorials and guides. The library also partners with faculty and other campus units to develop and implement information literacy initiatives and to promote the effective use of library resources in the curriculum.
- Information literacy instruction
- Research assistance and consultation
- Library workshops and classes
- Online tutorials and guides
What are the library’s hours of operation?
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The Mckay Library is open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The library is closed on Sundays and university holidays.
How do I access the library’s online resources from off campus?
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To access the library’s online resources from off campus, you will need to log in with your BYU-Idaho username and password. You can do this by clicking on the “Login” link on the library’s website and following the prompts to authenticate.
Can I request materials from other libraries if they are not available at the Mckay Library?
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Yes, the Mckay Library participates in a number of library consortia and networks that allow us to borrow materials from other libraries on behalf of our students and faculty. You can request materials through the library’s online catalog or by contacting the library’s interlibrary loan department.
