Library and Archives Homepage: Graduate Students and Faculty

Each term, Meadville Lombard library staff put at least one copy of every required and recommended textbook on reserve. Books are put on reserve so that students are able to access the books they need for their classes without purchasing them. Course reserves are shelved behind the circulation desk and are only available to students registered for that class. In some cases, we have extra copies of books that are assigned for courses and those copies are available in the general circulating collection. 

Access Course Reserves

Home delivery is a service available to Meadville Lombard students, faculty, staff, and community library patrons. Any book in the circulating collection published after 1870 (depending on condition) and I-Share items (for MLTS students) can be shipped to to your home. The Wiggin Library covers the cost of shipping library items to patrons, with patrons paying the return shipping. Library materials can be sent via USPS using library rate or media mail. For more information about receiving and return books via the mail, see Using the Online Catalog - USPS Delivery Guide.

To return library items...

Pack the item in a sturdy, secure box or padded envelope. If items are returned in damaged condition due to insufficient packing, you will be responsible for replacement costs. Mail items to:

Meadville Lombard Wiggin Library
180 N. Wabash Ave.
Suite 625 
Chicago, IL 60601

In addition to our extensive print holdings, Wiggin Library provides access to a host of digital resources as well. These can be accessed by clicking the link buttons above the search bar or these links below: 

• Articles and Journals provides an overview of the most common digital databases used by our patrons to access academic articles. Most of these resources are only available to current students and faculty.
• Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, and Reference Resources provides an overview of commonly used reference resources, such as our online handbooks collections and biblical studies resources. 
• UU Resources provides a curated selection of Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist research resources. 
• Subject Guides provides access to library resources organized around specific topics. Of particular note is the A-Z Resource list, which is a searchable list of over 400 digital resources databases and online resources related to religion. 

Wiggin Library has a team of experienced theological librarians serving its patrons. Our librarians are subject specialists in Unitarian Universalism. We can provide research assistance related to Unitarianism, Universalism, Unitarian Universalism, Liberal Religion, Humanism, Spiritualism, and New Religious Movements. 

The Library and Archives also provides support related to citation practices, UU archival research, graduate school reading strategies, and much more. If you think we can help, just ask!

Once you are at 180 N. Wabash, take the elevator to the 6th floor. Once off the elevator, head left and then right to Suite 625. 

No ID is required to use the space or access resources onsite. Identification is only required when checking out books. 

Students, faculty, and staff should present their Meadville ID when checking out books in-person. If a patron does not have their Meadville ID with them when checking out books, they may be asked for a second form of photo ID.

Alum and Community patrons should present their Meadville Lombard borrowing card when checking out books in-person.

Patrons from I-Share libraries must present their school ID and/or library card to check out books from the Wiggin Library or any other I-Share school.

Patrons from ACTS schools must present a photo or school ID and their ACTS library card when checking out books. Students from ACTS schools without an ACTS library card should contact the staff at their school’s library for assistance.

• Two staffed circulation/reference desks for students to work with library staff 
• Laptops that can be checked out 
• Printing Station 
• Photocopier 
• 5 Tables
• 2 individual study carrels
• 4 lounge chairs 
• Reference section, new book display, and periodical section available for patrons to browse
• Restrooms (gender neutral restroom on the 7th floor)

• The library door will be kept locked at all times, except during posted open hours.
• The library encourages students and staff to take advantage of the library space as a place to work individually or in small groups.
• All patrons are expected to respect the library space and resources, and to respect the right of other users to work in a quiet, clean, and peaceful atmosphere. Due to the limited amount of space in the library, the library prioritizes student and course-related use of space.
• Limited food and drink are allowed in the library space. Drinks must have lids and be kept sealed if not being used. Light snacks are allowed with the expectation of maintaining a quiet and clean study environment. Restrictions to food and drink being brought into the library are at the discretion of library staff on duty. All food and drink must be kept off the worktables or study carrels if library materials are being used.

The Meadville Lombard Archives and Special Collections is located right in the center of Chicago's downtown in the Loop. We are open 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday by appointment. For researchers traveling to Chicago, we have special room rates at local hotels. Due to building security, all archive visits must be scheduled ahead of time. To arrange a visit, email us at archives@meadville.edu with the dates and times you want to visit and the collections you would like to use.