The University Libraries were established in 1957 and now include the main Lied Library (pronounced LEED) and three branch libraries: Architecture Studies, Curriculum Materials, and Music.
The Special Collections section of the library provides unique materials relating to Las Vegas and southern Nevada history, and it houses a Gaming Research Collection and the Nevada Women's Archive.
The LASR (Lied Automated Storage and Retrieval) unit in Lied Library integrates industrial automated materials handling technologies with the online library catalog system to provide an innovative solution to long-term library storage. Three computer-controlled cranes provide access to bins full of stored materials. Library patrons access stored materials through the library catalog. The LASR operator receives the electronic request and activates the appropriate crane to retrieve the materials. LASR is designed to store approximately 600,000 volumes and can be expanded to handle an additional 600,000 volumes. Currently more than 175,000 items are stored in LASR, including older bound periodicals and lesser-used government publications and microforms.
The Media and Computer Services Department in Lied Library provides viewing and listening capabilities for the media collection via an integrated video network system (Safari). This system allows the delivery of analog and digital media to library carrels, preview rooms, multimedia PCs, library classrooms, and conference rooms. The media distribution system is currently equipped to playback VHS, DVDs, CDs, audiocassettes, selected cable channels, and to receive satellite downlinks. This system frees the user from having to move from machine to machine and from physically handling all the equipment and materials, and it links beyond Lied Library and connects with selected branch libraries, conference rooms, and campus classrooms.
Lied Library, the Curriculum Materials Library, and the Architecture Studies Library have implemented a state-of-the-art collection management system using the 3M Digital Materials Flow Management system. The system uses radio frequency identification (RFID), allowing staff to track, identify, and control library material more efficiently. The Digital ID technology is used in the Libraries' self-checkout stations and in the staff workstations to handle borrowing transactions. A handheld scanner is used by staff to rapidly check shelf order, to search for missing items, to perform inventories, and to record in-house use of most items.