The Muir S. Fairchild Research Information Center (MSFRIC), founded in 1946, is the premier library in the Department of Defense (DOD). It houses well-balanced collections especially strong in the fields of war fighting, aeronautics, Air Force and DOD operations, military sciences, international relations, education, leadership, and management. The Center holds more than 2.6 million items: 530,000 military documents; over 429,000 monographs and bound periodical volumes; 615,000 maps and charts; 150,000 current regulations/manuals; and over 909,000 microforms. The Center also operates a branch library at the US Air Force Senior NCO Academy located at Maxwell AFB, Gunter Annex, Alabama, which provides tailored information collections and services for senior NCO PME. Located in the center of the Chennault Circle, the library was given the memorial name "Fairchild" after the founder and first commander of Air University, Gen Muir S. Fairchild.
An active program of bibliographic publications and indexes facilitates access to the library's holdings and information. Special bibliographies, such as the 386-page Great Warrior Leaders/Thinkers, are published throughout the year. MSFRIC also publishes the Air University Library Index to Military Periodicals, published since 1949.
Muir S. Fairchild Research Information Center's Integrated Library System automates all facets of information access, including identifying, locating, and circulating materials. The Center's on-line reference services include regular research and instructional assistance to the core collection of general and specialized resources. Air University's PME students are provided access to more than 63 subscription and free abstract and full-text resources. Remote access to subscription research resources is provided to AU PME campus and distance students.
Muir S. Fairchild Research Information Center is a member of LYRASIS, a regional network of collaborative member libraries recently formed through the merger of SOLINET, the Southeastern Library Network and PALINET, the Pennsylvania Library Network. LYRASIS provides access and training for the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC). Membership in ASERL, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, promotes collaboration and resource sharing among libraries in the Southeastern U.S. The Center is affiliated at the state and local level with the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries (NAAL). Membership in the Military Education Research Library Network (MERLN) unites the Center's collection in a single online catalog with 30 DOD research libraries.
The Muir S. Fairchild Research Information Center connects the Air Force professional to authoritative and relevant information resources through knowledgeable experts and tailored library tools.
We fuel Air Force research and connect the nation's Airmen to information that makes a difference.
Muir S. Fairchild Research Information Center (MSFRIC) collections and information resources are primarily for the use of Air Force PME students and affiliated faculty. MSFRIC is a Congressionally designated depository for U.S. Government documents. Public access to the government documents collection is guaranteed by public law (Title 44 United States Code). As a selective U.S. Government publications depository, MSFRIC is open to the general public via sponsorship onto Maxwell AFB by Air Force members assigned to Maxwell/Gunter. MSFRIC staff members can only sponsor civilians personally known to them. Non-affiliated civilians desiring physical access to MSFRIC, who do not have a sponsor, should contact the MSFRIC Director's Office for guidance on submitting a written request for access and credential verification.