Library Departments

Hutchins Library serves as the intellectual heart of Berea College, fostering discovery, creativity, and lifelong learning through comprehensive resources, innovative services, and collaborative partnerships. As both a gateway to global knowledge and a curator of local heritage, we connect students, faculty, and staff with the information they need while preserving the unique stories and scholarship of our region.

Our commitment extends beyond traditional library services to embrace the evolving landscape of digital scholarship, educational technology, and open access initiatives. We believe that learning happens everywhere—in quiet study corners, collaborative workspaces, digital labs, and through meaningful conversations with our expert staff. Whether you're conducting groundbreaking research, exploring new ideas, or simply seeking a welcoming space to study, Hutchins Library is designed to support your academic journey and personal growth.

Hutchins Library supports the educational mission of the College by:

• maintaining a rich collection of print, electronic, streaming, and digital materials related to the curriculum.

• maintaining an extensive collection of primary materials and resources related to the Southern Appalachian Region, Berea College, and the surrounding area in Special Collections & Archives.

• supporting research on the Southern Appalachian Region and Berea College’s unique history.

• providing access to and assistance with technology to support class assignments – video editing, workstations, software, printers, scanners, large monitors, media equipment, etc.

• providing a welcoming environment with a variety of comfortable individual and group study spaces.

Hutchins Library is a teaching library that works with students to develop critical thinking and life-long learning skills by:

• assisting students to enhance their skills in locating and evaluating information.

• teaching research skills through library instruction sessions for courses and workshops.

• developing research guides to support courses and specific topics.

• providing research assistance and instruction on a drop-in basis at the Reference Desk.

• providing more in-depth consultation by appointment.