The OWHL Librarians work closely with the faculty to provide students with the information skills necessary to acquire knowledge and think critically, creatively, and independently. The collaborative instructional program emphasizes the inquiry process and is designed to support students in building competence in the identification, evaluation, and use of a wide variety of information in all media. The Librarians also offer Individualized assistance and instruction.

The OWHL offers students a circulating collection of more than 120,000 fiction and non-fiction books and over 300 periodical titles for both academic and personal use, made accessible through a fully web-based automated catalog. Other resources include an extensive microform collection, a wide variety of full-text electronic reference resources, and a number of Special Collections of rare and unusual materials. Eighteen computers are available for student use for electronic research.

The spacious facility provides opportunities for individual and collaborative work in a variety of settings. Expectations for student behavior are clearly posted throughout the facility. The Garver Room, which houses the reference collection, is reserved for silent study. The Freeman Room, where the current periodicals are shelved, provides comfortable seating for recreational reading and browsing. The stacks are open. A student ID is required to check out materials. Food, drinks, and cell phones are not permitted in the building.