About Us
The University of Nebraska Kearney Library was built in 1963 and named after professor of English Calvin T. Ryan. An addition to the library was completed in 1981-82 that doubled its size. Study and classroom seating accommodates over 1,100 library users. Group study rooms, individual study carrels, photocopying and scanning facilities, three instructional computer labs, and a coffee shop and lounge are available. The Calvin T. Ryan Library is centrally located on the south-east end of campus just west of the bell tower.
In addition to library collections, offices, and services, the Calvin T. Ryan Library currently houses the Mitchell Communications Center and the Learning Commons.
The Calvin T. Ryan Library is a member of the University of Nebraska Consortium of Libraries (UNCL). UNCL furthers teaching, learning, and research through the sharing of collections, expertise, and programs. Additional information about member libraries and their collaborative work can be found on the UNCL website.
- Books: Over 210,000 print titles and over 250,000 print volumes. More than 130,000 e-book titles.
- Periodicals: Over 600 print subscriptions, and more than 120,000 periodical volumes. Online access to around 87,000 periodical titles.
- Online Databases: The library subscribes to more than 250 online databases and e-resources including Academic Search Premier, Academic OneFile, JSTOR, LexisNexis, and Ebooks on EBSCOhost.
- More about the library: The library has collections in other formats, including: compact discs, DVDs, games, kits, and more.
- University Special Collections & Archives: The Library's Special Collection is a collection of about 2,600 published items, concerning the history of Nebraska, the Plains, and the West. Some of the items are rare and many of them are irreplaceable. Items are cataloged and searchable via the library catalog.
- UNK Archives collects unique materials related to the past and present of the university; other foci include the history of education and the history of central and western Nebraska. Items date from 1905 to the present and include papers, film, pictures, digital files, and much more.
- United States Government Depository: The Calvin T. Ryan Library has been a selective U.S. Government Depository since 1962. The collection consists of items in print and micro-formats with access to thousands of government publications in online formats. The online collection grows by about 1000 documents per month.
- Nebraska State Government Depository: The Library is also a Nebraska State Depository with items in print, micro- and online formats.
- In Brief Online News and information from the Calvin T. Ryan Library @ UNK
- In Brief: Library newsletter from 2007 to 2016
- Over 100 computers are available to library users, including those in three computer labs and laptops circulated within the library.
- The library has 3 Wepa printers on the main floor.
- Wireless access is available to authenticated users within all UNK buildings. Go to the wireless tutorial page for additional instructions and the required software for full access to the wireless network.
- Library Computer Software List
Computer Labs
To reserve a class or meeting room please contact a librarian.
Main Floor Computer Lab
- Smart Projector
- 1 instructor computer
- 7 desktop computers
- 10 laptops in the cart
- 10 laptops available at Circulation Department
- 44 seats.
East Lower Level Lab
- Smart Projector
- 1 instructor computer
- 30 desktops
- 33 seats
West Lower Level Lab
- Projector
- DA-Lite Projector Screen
- 1 instructor computer
- 20 desktops
- 20 seats
Additional Rooms
To reserve a class or meeting room please contact a librarian.
Curriculum Classroom
- Located on the east side of lower level
- Smart Projector
- 1 instructor computer
- 30 seats
Curriculum Meeting Room
- Located on north side of lower level
- Cart Projector with desktop
- TV with DVD player
- Soft seating
- Tables for study groups
Jennings Room
- Located on northwest corner of second floor
- Cart Projector with desktop
- Tables for study groups
Lactation Room
Calvin T. Ryan Library provides a lactation room for students, faculty, and staff, and is available all hours that the library is open. This room is located on the main floor of the library. The room is available on a first-come, first served and is equipped with a changing table, rocking chair, and sink. Please visit the Circulation Desk if you have any questions.
Study Rooms
The library has four study rooms available for student use. Social Work students may reserve Room 115A, located on the main floor. The remaining study rooms are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Lower Level:
- Ed Dadey Field Piece, Assemblage
- Robert C. Therien, Jr. Watergarden I Plus II - Rumors, Oil on Canvas
- Harold Holoun Platte River Skyscape, Oil on Canvas
First Floor:
- Robert Benzel Passages, Fiber Work
- George Lundeen The Flatlander, Bronze
- Dan Howard Summer by the Platte, Oil on Canvas
- Keith Lowry Northwest of 70th, Oil on Canvas
- Marilyn Belschner Calvin T. Ryan, Pastel
- Frederic Remington The Bronco Buster, Bronze Replica
- Vanacker title unknown, Colored Etching
- Pierre Les Bicoques, Colored Etching
- Artist unknown After Van Neste, Colored Etching
- Artist unknown title unknown, Reproduction of Colored Etching
- Debra Babbitt Calla Lilies, Watercolor
- E. Araki Fee, Colored Lithograph
- Charles Welch Unnatural Wonder, Photo Engraving
Second Floor:
- Raeford Lewis Abstraction #3, Oil on Canvas
- Kimberly Wills Skating Heritage, Watercolor/Prismacolor
- Robert Wood Rocky Coast, Reproduction of Oil Painting
Library Location
Campus Map