Academic Support Services

Computer Facilities and Media Services

Computing and media services are managed by Neumann University’s Office of Information Technology and Resources (ITR). The Academic Computing Center is located on the ground floor of the Bachmann Main Building and consists of four state-of-the-art computer classrooms and the ITR administrative offices. The ITR staff views computers as tools which support all fields of study, the Mission of the University, and all members of the University community. Neumann University has a high-speed network which connects academic and administrative users, as well as residents in the Living and Learning Centers, to University resources and to the Internet. All network services, such as printing, electronic mail, and instructional programs, are available throughout the campus. Wireless connection to the network is available in many locations. Information about connecting to the Neumann network can be found on the University’s web site.

In the various computer labs, Neumann University has more than 100 computers available for students. These computers run a variety of Windows software, with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) as the standard productivity suite. Software related to various disciplines, such as SPSS statistical software, is also housed in the Academic Computing Center for use by students and faculty. The computer labs and “smart” classrooms throughout the University are equipped with instructor computer stations and video projectors for presentation of electronic slide shows and other local and distance computer-based resources. Computer lab hours are posted at the beginning of each semester.

Distance learning technologies (primarily the WebCT Course Management System) are supported and maintained by ITR’s Academic Technology Group. This group also provides training for Neumann University faculty on advanced instructional delivery systems and related academic software.

The Media Services component of ITR manages the University’s audiovisual resources, including instructional and presentational equipment for ongoing academic use and for special events. In addition, a full-service studio provides students with the opportunity to produce, edit, and screen videos in private areas. For additional information, please call the ITR office at 610-558-5620.

Library Services

Neumann University’s Library plays a crucial role in the learning experience of students as well as in the teaching and research needs of the faculty. The Library contains a balanced collection of more than 100,000 items and a periodical collection of more than 10,000 subscriptions, many of which are in both print and online full-text databases. In addition, the Library also houses a video/DVD and film collection of more than 2,000 materials. All library materials and services are carefully selected to meet the needs of the Neumann University curricula.

The Library is fully automated with access to both the Internet and Neumann’s online catalog, FRANCIS, on 24 computers. The Library’s home page (www.neumann.edu/academics/library.asp) provides access to FRANCIS as well as several online databases, including MEDLINE, ERIC, EBSCOhost, Lexis-Nexis, JSTOR, ProQuest Religion, Wilson Education, Sports Business Research Network, CIAO, NetLibrary, Oxford Engish Dictionary, Faulkner’s, and STAT-USA. In addition, individual and class instruction on the usage of all databases as well as general reference workshops are provided by Library staff.

To supplement its resources, the Library is a member of several academic and health consortia. As a founding member of SEPCHE (The SouthEastern Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education), the University shares library resources and expertise with its seven other partners. SEPCHE member libraries offer equal access including borrowing privileges to the students, faculty, and staff of all eight SEPCHE institutions: Arcadia University, Cabrini College, Chestnut Hill College, Gwynedd-Mercy College, Holy Family University, Immaculata University, Neumann University, and Rosemont College. The SEPCHE collaboration makes available nearly a million volumes, scores of electronic databases, and several special collections on various subjects. Library hours at SEPCHE schools vary, and professional librarians are available to assist users. The materials and services of more than 42 area libraries are also made available through the Library’s membership in the Tri-State College Library Consortium. The Library has access to more than 1,600 health-related videos/DVDs through its membership in the Consortium for Health Information and Library Services. As an active member of OCLC (Online Computer Library Center), the Library is able to provide interlibrary loan service to both students and staff. Our Internet connection enables the Neumann community to have access to the catalogs of all the major libraries in the United States.

Individual carrels and reading tables provide room for group study and private research. The Library’s circulating collection and the Neumann University Archives are located on the third floor.

The Library also houses the Neumann Institute for Franciscan Studies, which was founded by the University on August 26, 1998. Designed to strengthen the vision and charism of Francis and Clare of Assisi within a context of contemporary experiences in higher education, the purpose of the Institute is to integrate teaching experience and student learning, both of which are part of the embodiment of Neumann University’s higher standards and response to future challenges that foster educational excellence. The Institute includes The Sr. Clare Immaculate McDonnell Franciscan Resource Room and The Assisi Room. The Resource Room, founded in 1994 through the inspiration and guidance of Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, President of Neumann University, is open to the public and offers visitors and scholars alike the opportunity to learn more about the Franciscan mission and its values. The Institute fosters the collaborative interchange and integration of Franciscan values and Catholic education at Neumann University.

For faculty, the Institute provides opportunities to design and expand professional and interdisciplinary programs. For students, it maximizes opportunities to demonstrate the practical application of knowledge, especially in its ethical implications. Through academic events, seminars, lectures, programs, and newsletters, the Institute seeks to advance Catholic and Franciscan intellectual tradition, mission, and values, thereby enhancing Neumann University’s identity as a Catholic Franciscan higher education institution of renown.

The Library is open seven days a week, and the staff is always available to offer professional assistance as well as formal and informal instruction in traditional library resources and the latest technology. Even as the Library expands its technological resources, the primary focus continues to be its excellent personalized service and the maintenance of a warm atmosphere that has always characterized relations between the Library and its patrons.