Building: Elihu Burritt Library (Campus Map)
Main Office Phone: 860-832-2055
Department email address: elihuburrittlibrary@ccsu.edu

Library Policies

Borrowing Library Materials

Information on loan periods, renewals, and fines and fees for library materials may be found in Information for Students, Information for Faculty, and Information for Guests.

Cell Phone Use

When in quiet study areas such as the 4th floor, please turn off the ringer on your phone and take conversations into other areas of the library if necessary.

Computer Use

Most computers in the building require a BlueNet ID for logon; however, there are a few Citrix terminals located on each floor that do not require a logon. These public access terminals have Internet access and the full complement of subscription databases and E-journal collections. Visitors and guest borrowers may use subscription databases, etc. within the library but are not entitled to remote access. Use of these public terminals is limited to 2 hours per guest per day. All computers are primarily for student use. If students are waiting, visitors and guest borrowers may be asked to give up using a computer prior to the end of the two hour limit. Please refer to the CCSU Computer Use Policy (link below) for detailed guidelines concerning acceptable computer and network use.

Videotaping, Filming or Photographing

Any individual or organization who wishes to videotape, film or photograph in the Elihu Burritt Library must obtain the permission of the Director of Library Services or his designee. A completed form (link to form below) should be presented at the Circulation Desk when you arrive to videotape, film or photograph.

About the Elihu Burritt Library

Library Mission

The Elihu Burritt Library at Central CT State University satisfies the 21st century learning and research needs of its community of learners by facilitating knowledge creation and inspiring intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning.

Goals:

  1. Fully integrate the library's collections and services with the University's curriculum and strategic priorities.
  2. Facilitate the seamless, timely delivery of scholarly materials in the format desired by students, faculty, and staff through a multiplicity of delivery channels availabe to a 21st century library.
  3. Leverage the library's existing space to create a variety of flexible, welcoming learning spaces that fulfill the educational and social needs of the campus community.
  4. Expand the library's reach through broader engagement with the campus community and beyond.

History of the Elihu Burritt Library

Elihu Burritt (1810-1879), for whome the library at Central Connecticut State University is named, was a self-educated scholar, linguist, philanthropist, social activist, diplomat, and early advocate for world peace. The New Britain native was so eager for knowledge that, after he began working as a blacksmith in Boston, he regularly walked some 45 miles to and from the American Antiquarian Society's library in Worcester to borrow books, which were quite precious at the time. Burritt eventually authored some 27 books and articles.

In 2012, Elihu Burritt and his works were honored when the library was designated as a Literary Landmark. Sponsored by the American Library Association, this program encourages communities to maintain special locations linked to a deceased literary figure, author, or his/her work. The CCSU collection contains extensive Burritt correspondence, including personal notes, lectures, photos, and published works, as well as publications about him.

Services Provided:

  • Borrowing privileges for Books, DVDs, Scores, and Audio CDs
  • Kindles, calculators, and laptops for short term loan
  • Research Help (via email, chat, or in person)
  • LibGuides - subject & course-level research guides
  • Interlibrary loan
  • Borrowing materials from other libraries
  • Course reserves, includes some course textbooks
  • Article Databases (available both on and off campus)
  • Electronic Resources (i.e. eBooks, research tutorials, citation tools, etc.)
  • Special Collections and Archives
  • Jazzman’s Café
  • Group study rooms and comfortable seating
  • Printing, photocopying, and scanning
  • 3-D printing
  • Portable Device Charging Stations
  • Extended hours during finals

Support the library!

Support the Burritt Library

Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:00a – 10: 45p; Friday 8:00a – 4:45p; Saturday 9:00a – 3:45p
Sunday 2:00p – 9:45p
Department listing:
Library Director                                                                                                                860-832-2097
Dr. Carl Antonucci
Electronic Resources/Serials                                                                      860-832-2074 or 860-832-2076   
Questions about e-journals and database access.  Contact for suggesting new orders for continuing journal and database subscriptions.
Archives & Special Collections                                                                 860-832-2085 or 860-832-2086   
Questions about the Rare Book Collections, Polish Archives, University Archives, and the Gender Equity Collections.  Presentations for classes using archival and Special Collections materials.
Access Services/Circulation                                                                        860-832-3410    
Questions about borrowing library materials both @ CCSU and within the CONSULS consortium and requests to change your Library PIN.
Acquisitions                                                                                                       860-832-2073    
Questions about materials marked “On Order” in the CONSULS library catalog.  Contact for suggesting materials for purchase or to donate books or audiovisual materials to the libraries general collections.
Curriculum Lab                                                                                                 860-832-2069    
Materials and research assistance for the libraries’ education collections and resources that include children’s books, teaching manipulatives, DVDs, professional teaching materials, etc.
Government Documents                                                                             860-832-2066    
Help with information sources from agencies of federal, state and international governments.
Interlibrary Loan                                                                                              860-832-3408
Questions about ordering materials not owned by CCSU from libraries outside the CONSULS consortium.
ISAR--Information Systems and Resources                                          860-832-3400
Questions or inquiries about availability of new library materials marked “In Processing” in the CONSULS library catalog and requests for rush cataloging. Assistance with 3-D printing.
Reference/Research Assistance                                                               860-832-2060    
Questions or assistance about researching a topic or using library resources both on and off-campus. Assistance with library research instruction for classes. Library Resources and Skills, a one credit general education class.
Course Reserves                                                                                              860-832-3407    
Questions about required and supplemental class materials reserved by professors for their students and include books, journal articles, DVDs, videos, CDs, textbooks, and electronic reserves.

Academic Centers in the Library:
The Italian Resource Center (IRC)                                                             860-832-0103 
Latin American, Latino & Caribbean Studies Center  (LALCC)         860-832-0056   
Academic Center for Student Athletes                                                   860-832-1920
Confucius Institute                                                                                          860-832-1891