The Ames Library History

The Ames Library opened on January 9, 2002 and is named in honor of  B. Charles Ames '50 and Joyce Eichhorn Ames '49.

The Ames Library is the intellectual heart of Illinois Wesleyan University. It is here that scholarly information, regardless of format, is gathered, organized, and prepared for dissemination to the University community. In addition, the library provides a place for interaction, collaboration, consultation, study and reflection.

This five-floor building was completed in 2002. Located on the university's south side, the building offers a variety of study facilities ranging from individual carrels to group study rooms. On the entry level, new books, current periodicals, newspapers, and a specially appointed public reading area welcomes library users. Books are in full view on all levels, with contiguous, quiet reading spaces that take full advantage of abundant natural lighting.

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 Music & Media Center is located on the 3rd floor of The Ames Library. The collection includes an array of sound recordings, including recorded performances of the I.W.U. School of Music. A variety of seating is available for individuals listening to compact discs, audio cassette tapes, phonograph recordings, and viewing videocassettes. In addition, two MIDI-computer workstations with 88-note piano keyboards, equipped with composition and music transcription software are available for use, as are three fully equipped group listening rooms. Printed music, books, periodicals, and music videos are shelved in the 3rd floor stacks area adjacent to the Center. Two scholarly workstations are located nearby that offer access to a variety of discipline related databases.

The Tate University Archives and Special Collections is on the fourth floor. Besides materials on the history of Illinois Wesleyan and its present and former students, faculty and staff, the university archives is the repository for the papers of former U.S. Congressman Leslie C. Arends. Among the university special collections are the Gernon collection of first editions of fiction, the Gernon collection of first editions of detective fiction and mysteries, and the Shultz collection of editions of The Beggar's Opera. These collections provide students with many opportunities to do original research.

The library is a member of the Illinois Library Computer System, 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 my Illinois Wesleyan University can be easily borrowed through inter-library loan. The Ames Library is also a selective depository for federal government information.