Emily Beck
Assistant Curator
Prepare for your visit
We’ve moved - here’s what you need to know
The Wangensteen Historical Library has moved to the Phillips-Wangensteen Building and is open online and by appointment for Twin Cities students, faculty, and staff with valid U Cards. (Last updated Dec. 1, 2020)Appointments
Materials from the Wangensteen Historical Library are available by appointment. Initial consultations will be held remotely by phone or online during the phased reopening of the Libraries due to COVID-19.
- Plan ahead! A minimum of one week will be required between an initial consultation and a follow-up appointment to use items in order to safely quarantine materials.
- Face coverings are required.
- Physical distancing is required.
Directions, parking, and public transportation
- Directions: Phillips-Wangensteen Building, East Bank, 516 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
- Parking: The closest parking structures are the Washington Avenue Ramp and the Oak Street Ramp. Additional campus parking facilities are also available.
- Public transportation: The library can be accessed by light rail. Take the Green Line, exiting at the East Bank Station.
Building access
Current University students, faculty, and staff can gain library access through any building entrance with a card reader using a valid U Card, Fairview badge, or M Health badge.
At this time, only current U of M students, staff, and faculty may use our spaces. Check Hennepin County Libraries or other public libraries.
Locating materials
Our library catalog features a robust collection search where you can narrow results by names, topics and more. To view materials, please contact us in advance with a list of items that you would like to see and include a call number, title, or author. Please make an appointment to discuss artifacts and objects.
If you have a general research question but aren’t sure how to get started or conduct a search, we are happy to consult with you.
Work space
The reading room is kept cool to protect the historical materials. Bring a sweater or layered clothing for warmth.
Policies
- No food or beverages are allowed in the reading room.
- To protect materials them from damage, please wash your hands before using the collections.
- Pencils only.
- A locker is available for outerwear and bags. Only materials required for your research are allowed in the reading room.
- Devices such as laptops, digital cameras, and cellphones are allowed in the reading room if silenced. There are power outlets around the reading room. Wireless internet is available.
- Materials cannot be checked out and must be used in the reading room. Removal of any materials without express consent of the curator is considered theft.
- Materials that are fragile or rare may need special handling. Staff will explain how to handle the items.
- Consult with the curator before making any reproductions (photographs or scans) of materials.
- The reading room is intended only for researchers using the Wangensteen Historical Library’s collection.
Related staff
Lois Hendrickson
Curator