Your research starts at Flipper.
The Joseph Simeon Flipper Library is the campus hub for scholarly information and discovery, with access to millions of resources, thousands of journals and eBooks, hundreds of databases, and workshops.
Call for current hours. Summer and holiday hours may vary.
library@allenuniversity.eduFind what you need, fast.
The library uses the Library of Congress Classification system. Not sure where to look? Ask at the desk.
- Get started
Get your library card
Register for your patron barcode at the Circulation Desk. You must be a registered Allen student, faculty, or staff member.
- Find it
Search books & resources
Journals, eBooks, printed books, and hundreds of databases, plus workshops and individual help.
- Research help
Ask a librarian
Narrowing a topic, searching a database, or finding one specific source? A librarian can help.
- Databases
Use DISCUS
South Carolina’s virtual library gives you free access to articles, e-books, and research databases.
- History
W. Broughton Archives
Allen’s historical collection, housed in the Flipper Library.
- Writing help
Allen University Writing Center
Help with papers in any subject, at any stage: brainstorming, organizing, editing, formatting, and citing.
Built by the people of South Carolina.
The Joseph Simeon Flipper Library was an idea in the minds of South Carolinians for many years before it became a reality. Money came in bits from students, faculty, alumni, friends of Allen University, and the loyal ministers and members of the African Methodist Episcopal churches of South Carolina.
- 1941In August, under the leadership of Bishop Joseph Simeon Flipper, the foundation of the stone structure was laid.
- 1943The library was dedicated on Wednesday, March 3.
- TodayThe library serves as the campus hub for scholarship, media, and information, with workshops, individual assistance, and the Allen University Writing Center.
To provide access to a variety of informational resources and formats that strengthen Allen University’s curriculum and support programs by providing the assistance needed to use available resources.
Meet your librarians.
Circulation & Reference(803) 376-5917
- Dean of the LibraryDr. Kiera O’SheaInterim Director, Student Success Center(803) 376-5917
- LibrarianMr. Kordell BondsReference / Instructional Librarian(803) 376-5917
- LibrarianMs. Jacinda OkohReference / Instructional Librarian(803) 376-5917library@allenuniversity.edu
Studying online?
Library resources and DISCUS work from anywhere, so you can research from home.