8 Shocking Secrets Of The University Of Wyoming Libraries That Go Beyond Books

The University of Wyoming Libraries is far more than just a place to check out books; it is a sprawling intellectual and technological ecosystem that serves as the research and innovation hub for the entire state. As of this December 2025 update, the libraries are actively hosting de-stress events for students and showcasing new, unique collections, proving its commitment to both academic rigor and student wellness.

Anchored by the iconic William Robertson Coe Library, the UW Libraries system combines deep historical archives with cutting-edge digital and physical tools, making it a critical resource for students, faculty, and the public. This comprehensive guide reveals the hidden gems and modern services that define the University of Wyoming’s commitment to 21st-century education and research.

The Core of UW's Intellectual Life: The William Robertson Coe Library

The William Robertson Coe Library, affectionately known as Coe Library, has been the main library for the University of Wyoming since its opening in 1957.

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Today, Coe Library is a multi-level facility that integrates traditional research services with modern academic support. It serves as the primary access point for approximately 1.5 million print and microfiche items, maps, and government documents across the entire system.

Key services available within the main building include the central Help Desk, Interlibrary Loan services, and the crucial QuickSearch box on the UW Libraries homepage, which guides users to items across all branches and spaces.

During peak times, the library also hosts important campus events, such as Wellness and De-stress Events, demonstrating its role as a vital center for student life outside of just academics.

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5 Hidden Gems and Cutting-Edge Spaces You Must Visit

UW Libraries has invested heavily in modern, collaborative spaces that transform the traditional library experience. These facilities offer students access to technology and environments essential for contemporary research and creation.

• The Coe Student Innovation Center (CSIC): This is perhaps the most surprising resource within the library. The CSIC is a 2,500-square-foot makerspace that provides access to state-of-the-art tools and technology. Run by the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, it's a hub for hands-on learning and prototyping.
• Studio Coe and the Digital Scholarship Center: Located on Coe Library's second floor, Studio Coe offers a dedicated Video-Recording Space for students and faculty needing professional-quality media production facilities. The Digital Scholarship Center is the place for advanced research and data visualization support.
• The Quiet Study Floor: For those needing focused, uninterrupted work, Coe Library dedicates an entire level to quiet study. This floor, along with numerous Reservable Study Rooms, ensures that students have a variety of environments to suit their study needs.
• Digital Collections Platform Upgrade: UW Libraries recently enhanced its online presence by upgrading its Digital Collections Platform, making unique, digitized materials more accessible to researchers globally.
• Interlibrary Loan and GoWYLD Access: The library provides robust Interlibrary Loan services, allowing users to borrow materials not held in the UW collection. Furthermore, it manages access to UW-Funded GoWYLD resources, connecting the campus community to a vast network of state-level databases and services.

The American Heritage Center and Rare Collections

The University of Wyoming is home to one of the nation's most significant repositories of historical documents and rare collections, which are central to its topical authority in Western history and archival studies.

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The American Heritage Center (AHC)

While physically separate from Coe Library, the American Heritage Center (AHC) is a crucial part of the UW Libraries system, serving as an archive and special collections library.

The AHC holds premier collections of Western art, history, and culture, with recent exhibitions highlighting its diverse holdings.

Current and recent exhibits have included a focus on the "Advancement of Women in Journalism in the 20th Century" and an exhibition dedicated to outdoor recreation books, showcasing the breadth of its archives.

Emmett D. Chisum Special Collections

Located on the third floor of Coe Library, the Emmett D. Chisum Special Collections houses rare books, maps, ephemera, and government documents.

This collection is a primary source for historical research, including administrative materials, research reports, and a full archive of the student newspaper, The Branding Iron.

In a recent collaboration, UW Libraries and the UW Natural Science Collections Partnership launched the 'Natural Archive' Exhibit at the Library Annex, merging the worlds of historical documentation and natural science.

Beyond the Stacks: Specialized Branches and Key Initiatives

The UW Libraries system extends its reach across campus with specialized branches tailored to specific academic disciplines, alongside system-wide programs designed to enhance affordability and access.

Specialized Library Branches

Beyond the main Coe Library and the Library Annex, the system includes essential subject-specific libraries:

• Brinkerhoff Geology Library: A specialized resource for students and researchers in earth sciences.
• George W. Hopper Law Library: The dedicated library supporting the College of Law, providing extensive legal resources.

These branches, like the main library, have their own specific schedules, with updates like reduced hours during periods such as Winter Break, which began on Friday, December 12th.

Open Educational Resources (OER) Initiative

The library plays a leading role in making education more affordable through its Open Educational Resources initiative.

UW Libraries offers the Alternative Textbook Grant, which encourages instructors to adopt or create free, open-source educational materials.

Interested applicants are required to attend the "OER 101" workshop, a key program hosted by the library to promote the use of free learning materials and reduce student course costs.

Federal Depository Library Status

The University of Wyoming Libraries holds a prestigious status as a Federal Depository Library since 1907.

This designation ensures that the public has free access to essential government information, comprising a significant portion of its overall collection.

In summary, the University of Wyoming Libraries system is a dynamic, multi-faceted institution that expertly balances its role as a steward of historical archives, such as the American Heritage Center, with its mission as a modern innovation center. From the high-tech Coe Student Innovation Center to its robust OER programs, the UW Libraries are continuously evolving to meet the complex needs of the 21st-century learner and researcher.