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Welcome! UIU’s Henderson-Wilder Library is a unique merger of a 1901 Carnegie library and a 1960s library wing addition creating over 4000 square feet of collection and study space. The building contains over 94,000 volumes across three floors and is home to the University Archives and many historical items from the Civil War to present. Library databases and services are also available online for those students who are attending a center or studying online.

Our library staff is here to support students, faculty and staff in all areas of information and learning. We also welcome the public to browse our collections and Archives.

Library Services

  • Computer lab on 2nd floor with 20 computers available for use by UIU patrons. Check the availability of library rooms and booking information.
  • Through Interlibrary loan, the Library provides access to available published material circulated throughout the United States. Contact [email protected] for assistance.
  • The Education Curriculum Lab contains K-12 textbooks, tests, and resource materials for use by education majors. Contact [email protected] for assistance.
  • GEER Technology Equipment Checkout. UIU students enrolled at an Iowa location (or an online student living in Iowa) may check out a laptop for 1 term (16 weeks) or an iPad for 1 session (8 weeks). Supplies are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Shipping is available at the requester’s cost. Make a Technology Equipment Request
  • The Audio Visual Room is available for use by UIU patrons. Check the availability of library rooms and booking information
  • The Sensory Room, provided by Student Accessibility Services, is a therapeutic space for students with sensory issues to decompress and confront their brain’s negative reaction to external stimuli.
  • Information Literacy Sessions are available to classes as well as individuals to learn how to use library resources. Contact [email protected] for further information.
  • Lamination services are available. Please check with the library when your lamination will be able to be completed. The laminate is 25″ wide; the cost is $.08/running inch.
  • The Henderson-Wilder Library provides free access to U.S. government publications by housing a federal government documents depository. Contact [email protected] for assistance.
  • The Kinney Room has an extensive collection of childrens’ and young adult books, including award winners.
  • Through the Iowa Open Access Program, UIU patrons can use their library cards to borrow materials from other participating Iowa libraries. Contact [email protected] for further information.
  • Iowa Workforce Development’s Virtual Access Point Software is loaded onto three public access computers located by the Circulation Desk for use by anyone.
  • Community members and the general public are always welcome.

Library Policies

Book Return

Please use the book drop on the southeast corner of the library if materials need to be returned when the library is not open.

Cell Phone

Upon entering the library, we ask that you set your cell phone to silent or vibrate. Be considerate of those studying around you. You may take or make a call in an empty room or the entryway of the library.

Circulation

Checkout times:

  • Print materials, except periodicals and Reference, may be checked out for 28 days.
  • Audiovisual materials (DVD, VHS, CD) may be checked out for 7 days.
  • Reserve materials located at the circulation desk check out for 4-hours and must be used in the library unless otherwise specified.
  • Due dates for interlibrary loan items are determined by the loaning library.

Fines and Fees:

  • Henderson-Wilder Library is no longer collecting overdue fines on most items.
  • Patrons are still responsible for returning or renewing the items by the due date.
  • Courtesy notices will be sent by e-mail to patrons 5 days before the due date to remind them to return or renew their items.
  • Overdue fines will still apply to reserve and inter-library loan items:
    • Reserve items: $1.00 per hour/per item, with $10.00 limit
    • ILL: overdue fines determined by loaning library’s policy
  • Patrons are responsible for fees related to lost or damaged items:
    • Items not returned after 90 days (30 days for audiovisual material) will be marked as lost, and the patron will be charged for item replacement and processing.
  • Fee statements for lost or damaged items are sent each term to the patron’s e-mail address if previously not paid. Fees not paid by the end of the school year are turned over to the business office to be billed to student’s account.  Before exiting UIU, all fines and fees are expected to be paid, or materials returned.
  • Fees for lost items will be forgiven if item is returned in good condition.

Food/Drink

  • Use tops or lids on beverage containers (coffee cups with lids, twist top bottles, travel mugs).
  • Do not bring in greasy, sticky, crumbly or aromatic foods.
  • Use care when consuming food and drink while using computers and library materials.
  • Please be courteous and report spills, clean-up crumbs, and place all trash and recycling in appropriate bins.

About the Library

Mission Statement

Henderson-Wilder Library’s mission is to support Upper Iowa University’s undergraduate and graduate academic programs by providing a full range of information resources and services that encourage learning, study, research, and collaboration. The library provides access to collections, both in print and online, that meet the curricular, research and collaborative needs of the total university.

Vision Statement

Henderson-Wilder Library will provide library services to the total university; not just Fayette Campus, but also the domestic centers and, increasingly, international centers as well.

Library History

From 1857-1901, UIU had only literary society and department libraries, and for a short time there was a library housed in College Hall (now Alexander-Dickman). In 1900 Andrew Carnegie donated $25,000 to build a library to be named in honor of his friend, David B. Henderson, first speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from west of the Mississippi. Mr. Henderson had attended UIU in 1861 but did not finish his college studies as he left Upper Iowa to fight in the Civil War. The David B. Henderson Library, a two-story building above a high basement, measuring 87 feet long by 70 feet wide, was dedicated November 11, 1902, during the inaugural celebration ceremonies for president Dr. Thomas J. Bassett. The office of the President and the Treasurer were located on the first floor.

In 1961 a third floor stack area was added to the library. In 1969 the library was renamed Henderson-Wilder Library when the Wilder addition was added with major renovations to the old Carnegie building, increasing total square footage to 43,563. The Wilder addition was named in honor of Frank Wilder, class of 1897, and his wife Mary whose estate gifts made completion of the addition possible.

Statue of David B. Henderson

In 1902, Iowa Governor Larrabee commissioned J. Massey Rhind to create two statues of David B. Henderson – one bronze, the other in masonry. The original bronze statue, located on Main Street in Clermont, Iowa, was used to make a copy for UIU’s statue by Max-Cast Foundry, Kalona, Iowa. UIU’s statue was installed in 1994. The masonry statue was done for the Louisiana Purchase Exhibition in St. Louis, Missouri and shipped to Des Moines, Iowa, for the State Museum in 1905. This statue has not yet been found as it was considered an item in storage.

adult students working together in class

Academic Support

Get the support you need for successful studies through tutoring or accommodations for a disability.

Resources for Faculty

Copyrighted Materials in Online Teaching
Under Section 110 of the Copyright Act, as revised and expanded by the TEACH Act of 2002,
faculty members may use copyrighted materials in their online classes. There are requirements
that must be met, and the most relevant are noted here:

  • The materials to be used are specifically for students in the class.
  • Only those students will have access to the materials.
  • The materials are directly related and of material assistance to the teaching content.
  • The class is part of the regular offerings of Upper Iowa University.
  • A notice stating that the materials are protected by copyright will be included.
  • The students’ ability to further distribute the materials will be limited.
  • The materials will be made available to the students only for a period of time that is
    relevant to the context of the class session.
  • Copies of the materials other than the one needed to make the transmission will not be
    made.