Learning resources
Musselman Library
Bluffton University’s Musselman Library provides support for learning, teaching and research for all in the Bluffton University community. Beginning with an introduction to the library during the first year, students at Bluffton have many opportunities to experience all that the library offers in resources and services. Librarians provide instruction about research strategies and search tools in classroom settings and through meetings with small groups or individuals at the point of need. Programs in the historic Reading Room highlight student creativity and intellectual pursuits at all levels.
Located at the western side of campus near College Hall, the library seeks to be a key center in a Bluffton student’s educational journey. Flexible seating options and collaborative spaces throughout the library facilitate access to online research tools in close proximity to all of the in-library resources needed for assignments and research. The Archives and Special Collections, including historical collections reflecting the Anabaptist-Mennonite affiliation of Bluffton University, are important to the Bluffton experience and offer unique opportunities for research and study. The library also houses the Curriculum Resource Collections for education students and is home to both the Writing Center and the Center for Career and Vocation.
The library website offers a gateway to the many resources and services available to Bluffton students,
including the library catalog, research databases, e-books and online journals, and
digital media. Through membership in the OPAL (Ohio Private Academic Libraries) and
OhioLINK consortia, students have easy access to materials held in academic and public
libraries throughout the state. Interlibrary loan extends the research options to
resources from libraries across the nation and around the world. WINDOW, the library’s
discovery tool, helps researchers and librarians to work together to locate resources
efficiently, whether for a short essay, a semester-long project or for any information
need between.
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Technology resources
Bluffton’s campus has been designed to provide the needs of 21st century learners. Our classrooms have the technology you would expect – projectors, computers, document cameras and sound systems – with the ability to connect your own computer to the classroom technology. Sharing your work in class is simple and seamless. Beyond that, most classes also have an online presence to supplement the in-person learning with notes, resources and assignments available at all times. Of course, WiFi is available across campus, and each residence hall room has a robust internet connection so your network-connected devices will work as expected.
Bluffton students can install Microsoft Office and the Adobe Creative Suite – standard software in the workplace – on their own computers at no charge. We also provide a student-staffed Technology Center with plenty of computers, printers and scanners available from morning through late night, with no charge for black and white or color printing anywhere on campus. Feel free to print your class notes, meet with a tutor or plan a costumed watch party in your room with friends – complete with themed invitations and paper masks. Cameras and other equipment are available for students to check out at any time with their ID card. Student workers are available to solve any issues in the Technology Center, and Bluffton’s Help Desk supports technology problem that may arise.
Our desire is for all Bluffton students to graduate with technology skills needed
for professional success and life-long learning.
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Please contact the Help Desk (helpdesk@bluffton.edu) if you have questions or need support.
Learning Resource Center
The Learning Resource Center provides academic and personal support in the forms of study groups, tutoring, workshops, individual consultations and follow-up. The center works with students on developing and/or refreshing skills in areas such as time management, note taking, reading, mathematics, test taking and stress management. It is located on the third floor of College Hall.
The director of the center also serves as the counselor for disability services.
Disability services
Bluffton University does not discriminate against qualified students with disabilities. The mission of disability services at Bluffton University is to ensure that qualified students with disabilities are provided access to all programs in order to maximize their educational potential, develop independence to the fullest extent possible and perform at a level limited only by their abilities, not their disabilities. Any qualified student with disabilities who seeks modifications in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, such as academic adjustments or auxiliary aids or services, must submit a request to the university's counselor for disability services. The counselor for disability services will work with the student and other persons as necessary to determine the appropriate modifications. The office of the counselor for disability services is located in the Learning Resource Center on the third floor of College Hall and can be reached at 419-358-3215.
Tutoring
Many departments provide tutoring services free of charge for both departmental and general education courses. Students needing tutoring services should ask their instructors about tutoring services provided for their courses. Students also can consult with the appropriate department chair or the Learning Resource Center.
Writing Center
The Writing Center provides free, individualized tutoring in college writing for all registered Bluffton University students. Upper-class writing tutors provide help in generating and developing ideas, organizing information and correcting grammatical errors. Students can receive help on assignments from any course and on application letters for jobs or graduate and professional schools. ESL students are also encouraged to use this resource. The writing center is located at the entrance of Musselman Library.
July 2022