The Ames Library

About

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

Story

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 on 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. Congressman Leslie C. 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.