Jackson Library

Dedicated in 2003, IWU’s $11 million library combines learning resources, student convenience, and leading-edge technology in 79,000 square feet of brilliant architectural design.

Jackson Library isn’t just a place full of shelves and books, though. Designed with today’s university students in mind, the facility offers numerous spaces and rooms for studying, meeting, and research. Throughout the library’s three floors, there are multimedia stations, computer workstations, leisurely reading areas, and private study rooms. One special feature is a study center that’s open 24 hours a day, allowing late-night meeting options for small groups. The study center offers individual and group seating as well as Internet access ports, and it is accessible with a valid student ID card only.

To meet the ever-advancing demands of information and communication technology, Jackson Library offers student Internet ports throughout the facility and is also equipped with wireless Internet technology. Over 20 miles of voice and data cable are laid in Jackson’s floors and walls, connecting around 250 available outlets to IWU’s information network. Students with notebook computers can plug in for instant Internet connection, or they can rely on their laptop’s wireless capabilities to go online from anywhere in the library.

Learning resources offered at Jackson Library include more than 110,000 bound volumes, 200,000 micro formats, and 650 journal subscriptions, as well as computerized databases for research (accessible both online and through CD-ROM workstations), and access to the catalogs of most major Indiana libraries as well as other libraries around the world. Additionally, as the second-largest private academic institution in the state, IWU is a major contributor in the PALNI (Private Academic Library Network of Indiana) consortium. This means that through a reciprocal borrowing arrangement, IWU students can share in the holdings of 25 Indiana college and university libraries.

Because it stands in the middle of ten other IWU buildings, Jackson Library was specially designed to accommodate cross-campus foot traffic. While traveling from the Student Center to Burns Hall or from Noggle CMC to McConn for a cup of coffee, students can enjoy an attractive and convenient indoor walkway. This 160-foot main corridor serves as a passage between the center of IWU’s campus and classroom facilities located on the northwest end. With a 48-foot rotunda and a 40-foot glass dome ceiling, the corridor is also an area of noted architectural interest. Along with a large arched exterior glass wall, these features earned Jackson Library a design achievement award, which was given to the building’s designer, to its masonry contractor, and to IWU.

Another feature in the library rotunda is the Hall of the Society of World Changers. Established by the IWU Board of Trustees shortly after Jackson was dedicated, the Society honors people who demonstrate their Christian faith through the quality of their work in a secular world. A bust of each member of this Society is mounted along the wood-paneled walls of the rotunda, displaying the level of esteem IWU devotes to today’s public heroes of faith. The Hall also includes a large granite floating ball fountain etched with outlines of the world’s nations.

In addition to regular services, Jackson Library houses the IWU Media Center, offering media services, equipment, and materials for student use. There’s also a videotaping studio, audio recording bays, and a graphics production laboratory. An excellent juvenile collection is available for the use of education majors, and Off-campus Library Services provide resources and assistance for students in IWU’s Adult and Distance Learning programs. Jackson Library also houses numerous academic offices and services, including College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Academic Affairs and Services Offices, as well as the IWU Archives.

An IWU Namesake

Jackson Library is named in honor of the late Dr. Lewis A. Jackson, a 1931 IWU (then “Marion College”) graduate. In addition to training the historic “Tuskegee Airmen,” Dr. Jackson was a noted educator and entrepreneur.

Library Hours

During regular school sessions, Jackson Library is open the following times:

      Monday through Thursday from 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM
      Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
      Saturday from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Please note that hours change during May Term, summer months, holidays, and session breaks. Please call 765.677.2184 to request the current hours of operation.

Getting There

Jackson Library, 4102 South Selby Street
Jackson Library is located in the center of IWU’s campus, surrounded by ten buildings. Because of its central location, the library has a large corridor which serves as the main foot traffic route through which students can crisscross IWU’s campus.

From the intersection of South Washington and East 38th Streets, proceed east on 38th to South Selby Street. Turn right (south) onto South Selby. Follow this street to its end, which is the helix drive just north of Jackson Library.

Parking

A drop-off and pick-up zone is located on the helix drive north of the library. The parking lot closest to Jackson Library is available directly to the north of Burns Hall, along the east side of South Washington Street.

By Phone/By Mail

Library Administration and Circulation: 765.677.2184
Interlibrary Loans: 765.677.2981
Off-Campus Library Services: 765.677.2178

College of Arts and Sciences:
Dean’s Office: 765.677.2239
Vice President’s Office: 765.677.2239
Assistant Vice President of Academic Support: 765.677.2170

Indiana Wesleyan University
Jackson Library
4201 South Washington St.
Marion IN 46953