The A. FRANK SMITH LIBRARY CENTER is the centerpiece of our academic buildings. Holdings exceed 312,982 catalogued volumes and periodical subscriptions.

The library's special collections include the papers of Senator John Goodwin Tower, the Clark Texana Collection, and the J. Frank Dobie and Bertha McKee Dobie Collections. The library center also houses University Information Technology Services, Audiovisual Services, and the National Institute for Technology and Liberal Education South Technology Center.

The structure is a blend of classic and modern architecture. In 1966, a modern smooth limestone and glass building was constructed and connected to the original building which had been dedicated in 1939. The 1966 construction and renovation was made possible by a gift from The Brown Foundation, Inc. of Houston, Texas, and gifts from friends of Mr. Herman Brown, a member of the University's Board of Trustees for many years. The 1988 addition, which doubled the size of the previous library, was named in honor of A. Frank Smith, Jr. of Houston, distinguished trustee of the University for many years and chairman of the board from 1977-1987. At the suggestion of the directors of the Cullen Foundation and the Cullen Trust for Higher Education, the University Trustees elected to name the complex in honor of Mr. Smith for his years of devoted service to Southwestern. These two foundations contributed over half of the cost for the renovation and expansion of this facility.

Visit the A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library Center web page. Just click here.

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