Prepare for your visit

The Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine is open to the public. Researchers and visitors from outside of the University of Minnesota are welcome. 

Appointments

Appointments are welcome and encouraged. Make an appointment with the library in advance to ensure that materials can be retrieved from our secure storage area prior to your visit. Staff usually cannot retrieve materials while you wait.

Appointments outside of operating hours are subject to staff availability and should be made at least two weeks in advance.

Directions, parking, and public transportation

• Directions: Diehl Hall, East Bank 505 Essex Street S.E. Minneapolis, MN 5545
• Parking: The closest parking structures to the Bio-Medical Library 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

Identification is required for entry into designated health sciences buildings, including the Wangensteen Historical Library in Diehl Hall.   

• Details on health sciences building access changes 

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 last retrieval of the day is at 3:30. The reading room and offices close at 4:30.
• Note that the reading room is intended only for researchers using the Wangensteen Historical Library’s collection.

Related staff

Emily Beck

Assistant Curator, Wangensteen Historical Library

Lois Hendrickson

Curator, Wangensteen Historical Library