Roy O. West Library

Roy O. West Library is the primary academic library serving the students and faculty of DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. Named for a prominent alumnus and former United States Secretary of the Treasury, the library functions as a central hub for research, study, and collaboration within the liberal arts institution. Its collections and services support the university's diverse curriculum, ranging from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences and fine arts.

History

The library's origins are intertwined with the growth of DePauw University, which was founded under the auspices of the Indiana Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. For many years, the university's collections were housed in the older Middleton Library. The need for a modern, dedicated facility became pressing in the post-World War II era, leading to a significant capital campaign. Construction began in the late 1940s, funded largely by a generous gift from Roy O. West and other donors. The building was formally dedicated and opened for service in 1951, coinciding with a period of major expansion for American higher education during the Cold War. Subsequent decades saw several renovations to adapt to changing pedagogical needs and technological advancements, including the integration of digital resources and collaborative learning spaces.

Architecture and facilities

The library is a notable example of mid-20th century collegiate architecture, featuring a symmetrical Georgian Revival design constructed with red brick and limestone accents, consistent with the broader aesthetic of the DePauw University campus. The original building was designed by the architectural firm Burns and James. A major addition in 1990 significantly expanded its footprint, adding new reading rooms, stack areas, and infrastructure for emerging technologies. Key interior spaces include the stately Roy O. West Reading Room, numerous group study rooms, a media center, and dedicated areas for special collections. The facility also houses the University Archives, which preserves institutional records and historical documents related to the State of Indiana and the United Methodist Church.

Collections and resources

The library's holdings encompass over 300,000 physical volumes and provide access to a vast array of digital resources, including hundreds of thousands of e-books and scholarly journal databases. Its collections are developed to support the specific teaching and research missions of DePauw University's academic departments, such as History, English literature, Political science, and Chemistry. Distinctive collections include materials related to Hoosier authors, the history of Methodism in the American Midwest, and a collection of rare books. The library is a participating member of the ALI-PALNI consortium, which facilitates resource sharing among private academic libraries across Indiana, greatly expanding the available materials for students and researchers.

Services and operations

The library provides a comprehensive suite of services to the campus community, including research assistance from professional librarians, information literacy instruction integrated into the university's curriculum, and interlibrary loan through networks like OCLC. It offers extensive technological support, including computer workstations, printing and scanning services, and equipment lending. The building is designed as a 24-hour study space during key academic periods, featuring both quiet zones and collaborative areas. Library staff actively partner with faculty on initiatives such as Digital Humanities projects and the management of scholarly communications. Operations are supported by the university's Information Services division, ensuring robust integration of library systems with campus-wide IT infrastructure.

Namesake

The library is named for Roy O. West (1868-1958), a distinguished 1886 graduate of DePauw University. West had a highly successful career as a corporate lawyer in Chicago, representing major clients like the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company. His prominence in the Republican Party led to his appointment as United States Secretary of the Treasury under President Calvin Coolidge, serving from 1928 to 1929. A lifelong and generous benefactor to his alma mater, West served for decades on the DePauw University Board of Trustees, including a term as its president. His philanthropic legacy, which included the lead gift for the library that bears his name, was instrumental in shaping the modern campus of DePauw University. Category:Academic libraries in Indiana Category:DePauw University Category:Libraries established in 1951 Category:Buildings and structures in Putnam County, Indiana