Ames Library

The Ames Library is the intellectual heart of Illinois Wesleyan University where scholarly information circulates. Congressman Leslie C.

The Ames Library is arranged with the researcher in mind. When conducting research, a library user will find content on a given topic in the same physical location regardless of format so that ease of access is enhanced. For example, when searching in Ames Library for information on Martin Luther King, Jr., a researcher will find books, journal articles, videos, and electronic sources (available o

n scholarly workstations) all in the same place. The Scholarly Workstations are personal computers with unique functions that relate to the physical collection surrounding them. There are seven workstation clusters throughout the library, each with six computers, a printer and help-phone that connects to the Information Services Desk. Each computer runs application software for writing, creating presentations, or working on spreadsheets. In addition, these computers have subject specific software and resources pertaining to the disciplines in the area, integrating spatially the print with the electronic collection. Self-directed researchers are encouraged to use these computers for extended periods of time and to gather together all of the relevant print and electronic sources that are appropriate for the project at hand. By placing the computers within such close proximity to the print and media collection, we enable students and faculty to locate high-quality information regardless of its physical or virtual format, blending technology and tradition. Novice researchers are encouraged to use computers located in the Information Commons so that they may interact with library faculty when assistance or direction is needed. By placing these computers within such close proximity to the Information Services Desk, we enable student and faculty research in new areas with guidance in terms of searching techniques, identification of the best indices, and evaluation of sources. The Thorpe Center, located on the 3rd floor of the library, provides a wide variety of standard and emerging technologies for use within and outside of the classroom. A collaborative endeavor between the Office of Information Technology, the Mellon Center for Teaching & Learning, and the library, the Center provides inviting spaces for students and faculty to work together and to integrate audio and video into presentations and projects. The Center also includes rooms to practice presentation skills and record mock interviews and auditions. Media equipment such as digital cameras, video camcorders, LCD projectors, and slide projectors are available for checkout, as are wireless laptop computers for use anywhere in the Ames Library. A large format poster printer, color printers, scanners, a laminator, and multi-media stations for image and digital video editing also are available for student use. The Tate University Archives and Special Collections is on the 4th floor. The university archives is the repository for the history of Illinois Wesleyan and its present and former students, faculty and staff. Among the special collections are the papers of former U.S. Arends; the Gernon collection of first editions of detective fiction and mysteries; the Schultz collection of 18th and 19th Century British Drama, including The Beggar's Opera; and selections from the personal book collection of former President Minor Myers, jr. These collections provide students with many opportunities to do original research. The library is a member of the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois, a network of over fifty Illinois college and university libraries whose on-line catalog provides access to the twenty-two million volumes held by these academic libraries as well as 750 public and special libraries in the state. Materials not owned by Illinois Wesleyan University can be easily borrowed through inter-library loan.

05/04/2026

The Ames Library will be under construction all summer, but we are still open! They are starting on the the west side of the building, so the east side will be quieter.

05/04/2026

The Ames Library is open 8AM - 4PM Monday - Friday & closed Saturday - Sunday during summer. Stop by!

04/20/2026

We are nearing the end of April, which means National Poetry Month is coming to an end. Swipe to read some facts about poetry! P.S. happy last week of classes!

04/17/2026

Congratulations to Otis Buras, recipient of the 2026 Ames Library Art Purchase Award! "Untitled," pictured above, will be added to the library's art collection for future Titans to enjoy.

04/16/2026

Congratulations to Mannat Kandal, Class of 2027 and recipient of this year's Ames Library Scholarly and Artistic Research Award! She will be exploring how women of color experience appearance pressures through a literature review and interviews. Good luck with your research, Mannat!

04/06/2026

April is National Poetry Month! One of the ways we want to celebrate is to showcase some poetic works from our own IWU faculty! Swipe to see pieces written by Joanne Diaz, James Plath, Michael Theune, & Carmela Ferradáns! All of these are available for checkout at the Ames Library - the call numbers are located underneath each title. Take a look!

04/03/2026

Congratulations to Barbara J. Ford, IWU Class of 1968 for this well-deserved honor! 💚💚💚💚

The American Library Association will award its highest honor, an honorary lifetime membership, to alum Barbara J. Ford (MSLIS ’73) this June at the ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Chicago.

With a career spanning more than 50 years, Ford has made a lasting impact on libraries and communities worldwide. She served as ALA president (1997–1998), championing international collaboration through her initiative “Libraries: Global Reach – Local Touch.”

From leading the Mortenson Center at to advancing international library programs and contributing to organizations like UNESCO, her work has strengthened access to information and education worldwide.

Congratulations, Barbara!

Read the full news release ▶️ bit.ly/4bPQkTW

03/13/2026

The W&L University Library turns 250! They mark their birthday on March 14, 1776, when William Graham purchased 300 books to support the newly rebranded Liberty Hall Academy (now W&L). Happy Birthday from one library to another!

01/20/2026

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King visited the Illinois Wesleyan University campus twice — first in 1961 and again in 1966 — speaking to students and community members during pivotal moments in American history.

We remember his commitment to justice, service, and the enduring power of nonviolence, and we reflect on the responsibility institutions of higher education hold in fostering thoughtful dialogue.

01/20/2026

Chris Sweet, our Information Literacy & Scholarly Communications Librarian, has officially published his first book: “A History of Bicycling in Illinois: 160 Years of Booms and Busts”! Chris was recently interviewed by WGLT on his new book. The article and interview, “Rediscovering an overlooked linchpin of Illinois industry: Bicycling” can be viewed and listened to by clicking the link in our bio. We are very proud of Chris and his hard work! A copy of his book will be available through the library shortly.

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Telephone

+13095563350

Website

http://www.iwu.edu/library/

Address

1 Ames Plz
Bloomington, IL
61701

Ames Library

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