John Shepard Wright Memorial Library
The John Shepard Wright Memorial Library is a valuable but often overlooked asset of the Indiana Academy of Science. Named in honor of John Shepard Wright, a significant benefactor and former chairman of the Library Committee, this collection houses over 12,000 volumes. It is located in the Indiana State Library and Historical Building at 140 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Library Collection and History
- Size and Scope: The Academy’s collection spans approximately 4,500 linear feet and includes non-subscription journals, scientific continuations, and rare publications from nearly every U.S. state and around 75 foreign countries.
- Access and Use: The materials are held in closed stacks but are available to both members and non-members through institutional inter-library loan. The collection is cataloged on the OCLC database, providing global access to these unique scientific resources.
- Historical Agreements: The Academy’s relationship with the Indiana State Library dates back to a 1907 agreement, which remains in effect today. Under this agreement, the State Library houses and maintains the Academy’s collection in exchange for access to the materials.
Additional Resources
- Academy Archives: The Academy’s historical documents and archives are also housed at the Indiana State Library and maintained separately in dedicated filing cabinets.
- Digital Access: Many Academy titles have been converted to digital formats and can be accessed online through public catalogs.
- Research Support: Reference services are provided by the Reference and Government Services Division of the Indiana State Library.
Contact Information
For more information or to request access:
Jocelyn Lewis
Indiana State Library
140 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Email: jlewis2@library.in.gov
