Mission and History

Hurst Library Mission Statement

In support of the mission of Northwest University, the purpose of Hurst Library is to provide access to information resources to the university community in a way that will:

Circulation and Technical Services have departmental mission statements.

Hurst Library History

Named after the University's third president, Duane V. Hurst who led the University from 1966 until his retirement in 1990, the Library's history can be seen as one of growth and progress.

In 1959, when Northwest University began to build its campus on its current location in Kirkland, Washington, the Library shared housing with faculty in what is now known as Fee Hall. It was moved to half of the Student Union Building, then to the lower level of the Chapel until the current building was built.

Dedicated on April 10, 1976, the current building contains three levels, with the Library occupying the upper two. These two levels, built to house between 70,000 to 80,000 volumes, are each 8,100 square feet, and currently house over 170,000 volumes. Additionally, the Library provides two study rooms as well as study space, the ability to connect to the Internet and access to online databases.

This collection supports the curriculum of the University. Additionally, there are four special collections:

The Library automated in 1997, replacing the traditional card catalog and manual processes with Endeavor's Voyager, an Integrated Library System. With access to the Internet, students and faculty can now search the Library's database as well as a variety of electronic indexes from the convenience of their home, office or dorm room.

In keeping with the Library's history of growth, it is now straining at the seams. Some seating has been eliminated to create more space for books by adding additional shelving. This hopefully will buy enough time until the lower level of the building can be incorporated into the library's space, or until a new building can be built.