Herman B Wells Library

/Herman B Wells Library


On the Bloomington campus, the Herman B Wells Library, with its double towers of Indiana limestone, is the visual center of the multi-library system and primarily supports the disciplines of the humanities and social sciences. More than 4.6 million volumes are contained in this building. Especially noteworthy are the collections that support IU’s international and area studies, including interdisciplinary research collections developed in the areas of African Studies, Russian and East European Studies, Uralic and Altaic Studies, East Asian Studies, and West European Studies.

In addition to departments responsible for public service points (Government Information, Maps & Microform Services, Media Services, and Scholars' Commons), Wells Library also houses Library Administration, Business Affairs & Facilities, Collection Development, Digital Collections Services, Research & Learning Services, Libraries Human Resources, Library Technologies, Moving Image Collections and Archives, and Technical Services.

Specially designed student and researcher spaces in the Wells Library include the Learning Commons, Scholars' Commons and Grad Commons.

For a list of spaces and Partner Units in the East and West Towers of the library, see the Wells Library Building & Collections Directory.

Hours

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Featured

Collections

  • Folklore Collection

    The IU Folklore Collection is the largest, most comprehensive library collection devoted to this subject in the world.

Open Exhibitions

Spaces for Individual Work, Study, or Virtual Meetings

Additional Information about Wells Library Facilities & Services

Please also see Wells Library Services for additional service information.

  • Services for Library Users with Disabilities within the Herman B Wells Library
  • For a list of spaces and Partner Units in the East and West Towers of the library, see the Wells Library Building and Collections Directory.
  • InfoShare Days 
    As a popular destination and dependable source for trustworthy information, the Herman B Wells Library attracts thousands of students and other visitors daily. Groups affiliated with IU who wish to benefit from this high-visibility location may participate in InfoShare, a monthly information exchange for members of the academic community. Groups may, for example, promote an event, survey IU students, or recruit members. More information about policies and reservation request form
  • Lost and Found
    Lost something in the Wells Library? Found an item you'd like to turn in?
    Visit the Circulation Desk in the East Tower or phone 812-855-4673 during open hours.
  • Privacy Room for Nursing Mothers 
    Healthy IU and the Libraries have collaborated to provide private, dedicated space, supplies, and equipment for a lactation room in the Wells Library, Room 258, on the second floor of the East Tower. The room is located in the Government Information, Maps and Microform Services Department (GIMMS) to the left of the freight elevator and across from the men's room. A key is needed to access the room; it can be checked out from the GIMMS Service Desk.
    Information about other lactation rooms located on campus can be found on the Healthy IU site.
  • Screening Library-owned Media Items for Large Groups (Instructors Only)
    IUB instructors can make arrangements to use a library-owned media item, and show a film to large groups in the Herman B Wells Library, Media Showing Room, E174. E174 maximum occupancy is 50 people.
    Schedule viewing of library-owned media in the Wells Library (Faculty & Instructors only)
  • Wells Library Telephone
    There is a free telephone available to visitors at the South end of the Wells Library Lobby for local calls. Long Distance calls may be made using a calling card or reversing charges.
  • Emergency Action Plan
    This document includes building-related emergency information: emergency contacts, what to do if you need assistance during an emergency, location of emergency equipment such as AEDs and first aid kits, etc. Emergencies covered by this document include active aggressor, earthquake, fire, severe weather, suspicious activity, and utility failures.

Building Policies

Additional Library Policies