Our Organization

Welcome to the University of Wyoming Libraries!

On behalf of the entire team at UW Libraries, I welcome you to use and enjoy our libraries. Whether you are a new student embarking on your academic journey, a faculty member seeking resources to support your research, or a visitor exploring our extensive collections, you belong here.

The libraries are more than just a place to find books and journals; they are vibrant hubs of learning, collaboration, and innovation. We invite you to take full advantage of our services, explore our diverse collections, and study or relax in our library buildings.

If you need assistance or have questions, please reach out to us. We are here to help you navigate your academic journey and to provide the support you need to succeed.

Once again, welcome to the University of Wyoming Libraries. We look forward to supporting you and celebrating your achievements.

Cass Kvenild, Dean of UW Libraries

our mission

University Libraries' mission is to provide information resources and services to meet the instructional, research, and outreach needs of UW students, faculty, and staff regardless of location. UW Libraries is also open and available within the constraints of available resources to the citizens of Wyoming.

University of Wyoming Libraries supports the University’s vision and mission by fostering the open and unrestricted pursuit of inquiry, discovery, and knowledge, and by enhancing teaching, learning and research experiences through collections, services, and study and learning spaces.

Organizational Information

Strategic Plans + Assessments

Advisory Board

UW Libraries Advisory Board was founded in 2003. Their mission is to serve in a working partnership with administrators, faculty, and staff members of the university to promote the growth and development of the libraries and the university.

Advisory Board

Interior photo of Coe Library from above,

 

History of the Libraries

 Since their founding in 1887, the University of Wyoming Libraries have grown from a small collection of three hundred donated books into a vibrant center of learning, discovery, and connection for the university and the entire state of Wyoming. Across more than a century of change, the Libraries have evolved alongside the University of Wyoming itself, transforming modest reading rooms and handwritten catalogs into dynamic spaces that support research, creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Each generation of students, faculty, and librarians has helped shape this story, building a community that reflects the university’s enduring commitment to education and public service.
 

Today, the University of Wyoming Libraries stand at the heart of campus life, linking the past to the future. From preserving Wyoming’s history to supporting new ideas and discoveries, the Libraries continue to inspire curiosity, foster opportunity, and connect people with knowledge that can transform lives.

 

Explore the history of the libraries

A photo of Old Main next to modern Coe Library.

Memberships

The University of Wyoming Libraries are proud members of the following organizations.

Info Carousel Slider

Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries
Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries

 

Greater Western Library Alliance
Greater Western Library Alliance

 

Hathi Trust
Hathi Trust

 

University of Colorado Press
University Press of Colorado 
decorative imag with text that reads UW Natural Science Collections Partnership
University of Wyoming Natural Science Collections Partnership 
Western Regional Storage Trust
Western Regional Storage Trust 

Library Awards + Honors

University Libraries' awards recognize library faculty and staff members for significant contributions to the libraries who have excelled in service, professionalism, and academics.


The Agnes Milstead Distinguished Librarianship Award and the Outstanding Service Award are awarded on an annual basis in the Spring. Recipients may be nominated by peers from the library, university, or the community. Both awards come with a substantial cash award and recipients are honored at an annual spring banquet.

 

Agnes Milstead Distinguished Librarianship Award

 

Outstanding Service Award

Open books.