Business school can be challenging, and business school libraries are among the key resources available to students in meeting the challenge. In recent years, many of these libraries have reinvented themselves to incorporate online and other digital media alongside traditional print holdings. Though there are surely more than thirty impressive business libraries amongst U.S. business schools, the schools in this list are exceptional, and were selected based on the following characteristics.
Size and Variety of Selections — Each library on this list has a collection of more than 50,000 print volumes, and at least some digital resources and databases. Those libraries with an extended collection — meaning books are available from other libraries at the University, or from a nationwide interlibrary loan program — have also been noted.
Additional Services — While most libraries offer basic services such as book check out, interlibrary loans, and printing and copying, the libraries on this list offer additional services valuable to a business student or researcher.
Associations and Reputation — Many of the libraries on this list belong to the nation’s top business schools. In many cases, these programs are more willing and able to provide students with unique collections, more in-depth services, and higher-quality study spaces and materials.
Special Features — In putting together this list, libraries with notable features such as impressive architecture, public access, and accessibility were also considered.
10. Joseph Schaffner Library, Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management
The Joseph Schaffner Library assists students of the Kellogg School of Management with research and information services. In addition to private and semi-private study areas, access to research databases, and research consultations, the Schaffner Library offers a unique set of programs and services especially designed for adult part-time students. The helpful library staff is easily reached via email, text, or instant messaging, meaning students can access library services and assistance from nearly anywhere. Print Volumes: 300,000 Digital Resources: “Thousands” of digitized texts, as well as access to over 100 digital databases Public Access: Yes (limited)
9. University Library of Business & Economics, University of Illinois
University of Illinois’ library is the largest public university research system in the United States, and its Library of Business and Economics includes a Business Information Services department to serve the students of UI’s three business-related schools. This department assists students with everything from completing class assignments, to research consultation, to reserving books from nationwide sources. Additionally, the library has partnered with organizations such as the Illinois Business Consulting, Market Information Lab, and the Illinois Bureau of Economic & Business Research to provide students with even more access to quality information. Print Volumes: 13 million in its extended network Digital Resources: Over 100 digital subscriptions Public Access: Yes
8. The Internet Business and Economics Library, University of Cincinnati
University of Cincinnati’s Internet Business and Economics Library houses one of the top collections for business research in the United States. Its massive collection is located over two floors and is comprised of traditional print resources, government publication materials, e-books, journals, and databases. In addition to providing library patrons with research assistance and study space, the library also offers a number of resources for off-campus researchers and distance learners. A full-time staff of research assistants is available to offer assistance in person, or via phone, email, or live chat. Print Volumes: 110,000 Digital Resources: 4,800 digital journals; Over 200 online databases; Over 116,000 e-books Public Access: Yes
7. Ford Library, Duke University Fuqua School of Business
Duke University’s Ford Library aims to assist students of the Fuqua School of Business with research and study needs. The library’s main book collection is logically separated into categories such as Leadership & Management, Economics & Social Sciences, Health Management & Operations, Finance & Accounting, Marketing, and Careers. Ample carrels, study rooms, and alcoves, most of which are designed with natural light for reading comfort, are available for student use. Additionally, Ford Library houses a number of valuable collections, including the Dorothea F. Peterjohn Leadership Collection, a “virtual collection” of information on leadership and ethics. Print Volumes: 50,000 volumes; 250 print business journals Digital Resources: 50 databases; 1,200 online business journals Public Access: Yes
6. McLeod Business Library, William & Mary School of Business
The McLeod Business Library at the college of William & Mary is a cutting edge information resource center serving Mason School of Business students, faculty, and staff. The library staffs a full-time Professional Business Librarian to fully assist researchers through one-on-one instruction, research consultation, and group workshops. Research materials include two Bloomberg terminals, various databases, periodicals, and selected reference texts. Group study rooms are equipped with monitors, projector screens, and podiums to enhance a training session or group meeting. Print Volumes: More than 50,000 Digital Resources: Access to 32 databases Public Access: Yes
5. Foster Business Library, University of Washington Foster School of Business
The Foster Business Library at the University of Washington is an efficient information resource center that caters to students of the Foster School of Business. The library spans two floors, each of which offers students private and semi-private study spaces, group study rooms outfitted with white boards and LCD monitors, and computers with scanners and printers. For further comfort, students are also able to check out things like headphones, calculators, and even Apple computers. Print Volumes: 60,000 business books (with more added each month), plus an extensive business reference section Digital Resources: Over 100 digital databases and journals Public Access: Yes
4. Judi Prokop Newman Business Information Resource Center, University of Miami School of Business
The Business Library at the University of Miami is described as a “virtual library.” Located within the university’s School of Business complex, the Information Resource Center (IRC)offers a wide array of support and resources to students, faculty, researchers, and visitors. Such services include research consultations and strategizing, frequent workshops, and lectures to complement class curriculum. Library guests are able to access the collection of databases, catalogs, and websites via a number of permanently-installed laptops. Print Volumes: 3.2 million in extended network; On-site print volumes are limited to distinctive manuscripts and notable print volumes Digital Resources: More than 75,000 electronic books and growing Public Access: Yes
3. Crocker Business Library, University of Southern California Marshall School of Business
The Crocker Business Library provides quality resources, information, and services to USC’s Marshall School of Business students. As a result, the library has become an important complement to classroom instruction. The library subscribes to an extensive collection of digital databases to ensure students and faculty are accessing the most current information. Researchers can also choose from the vast print collection of key reference works, including a number of print journals and periodicals. Finally, the library is equipped with ample study space, technology hubs, and reference staff. Print Volumes: 4 million in extended collection Digital Resources: Over 100 digital database subscriptions Public Access: Yes
2. Management Library, Cornell University Johnson School
Cornell University’s Management Library is so thorough, it’s considered to be a key contributor to success as a business student. The award-winning library staff consists of five members eager to offer help with course assignments, interview or corporate briefing preparation, research, or the writing of business plans. Frequent workshops are offered each year on anything from current business topics, to job searches, to tutorials on industry tools such as Bloomberg, Capital IQ, and Mintel. Though the library is open to any Cornell student, Johnson School students have additional access to 24-hour reading rooms. Print Volumes: Nearly 8 million in its extended collection Digital Resources: Over 100 digital databases Public Access: Yes (limited)
1. Dewey Library of Management & Social Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management
According to MIT, the Dewey Library of Management & Social Science is redefining the role of the 21st-century library. Though numerous carrels, tables, and study rooms are available for traditional student study, Dewey can also be accessed from classrooms, dorm rooms, or through the library’s mobile website. Inside the library, students can use technology-enabled rooms for collaborations or virtual meetings. To navigate the huge collection and extended network of MIT libraries, students are offered access to in-person consultations, frequent workshops, and online tutorials. Print Volumes: 3 million in extended network Digital Resources: More than 100 digital subscriptions Public Access: Yes (limited)
