Marian Library
“De Maria numquam satis — Never enough about Mary”
In 1943, the Marianists of the University of Dayton founded The Marian Library to commemorate a triple centennial to be celebrated in 1949-50: the arrival of the Marianists in the United States (1849); the death of Father William Joseph Chaminade, founder of the Society of Mary (1850) and the founding of the University of Dayton (1850).
Supporting Learning and Scholarship
The Marian Library is recognized both nationally and internationally as a center for scholarship on the Blessed Virgin Mary. It serves the research needs of faculty and students of the University of Dayton and visitors worldwide. It also documents the diverse expressions of popular devotion to Mary, and it provides public outreach through its exhibits, programs and reference services.
The Marian Library’s collections are developed and maintained to preserve and provide access to materials that support the mission of fostering Marian scholarship and sound Marian devotion. Comprised of works in over 150 languages, collections consist of books, periodicals, articles, artworks and religious artifacts.
The Marian Library is central to the University of Dayton’s Catholic and Marianist identity. Student organizations, prayer groups or individuals are welcome to interact with collection materials for the purposes of prayer, contemplation and reflection.
Focused on Every Flyer
The Marian Library is full of books and ephemera on the Blessed Virgin Mary and is a great source for religious studies majors. But did you realize that the Marian Library is a great source of information and support for ALL undergraduate and graduate students?
"I knew that the Marian Library had an extensive collection about Mary, but I did not know that it could cross so many disciplines like art history, gender studies and book history."
Research Assistance
The Marian Library can provide the primary and secondary sources needed for projects across many disciplines.
Instruction and Class Offerings
Marian Library faculty join forces with faculty from across University Libraries to offer instruction throughout the academic year. Our librarians have assisted with courses such as Vocation and the Arts, Images of Medieval Women in Literature, Narratives of Medicine, Early Medieval Europe, Social History of the Middle Ages, Music of Christmas, Faith Traditions: Beliefs in Dialogue, Exploring Art and Faith, History of Graphic Design, Introduction to Photography and several more.
"I have learned that our library is more than a place with books and somewhere to study. It has many beautiful and meaningful collections. I also am interested in taking a mini-course through the library now to learn more."
Exhibits, Events and Programming
There are several Marian Library sponsored events and programming opportunities throughout the academic year. Many of these opportunities will coincide with our exhibits.
“This program was my first introduction to the Marian Library. It showed me, rather than telling me, the work that is done to preserve and share the connections between UD and its religious heritage.”
Collaboration with and support of University of Dayton teaching faculty is a fundamental charge of the Marian Library.
Research Assistance
The Marian Library is filled with primary and secondary sources to support academic research across various disciplines.
Class Instruction Sessions
Building a class visit or assignment around archival materials, art or rare books can help achieve a variety of learning outcomes. Librarians work with teaching faculty from across all disciplines to supplement classroom work with opportunities to develop primary source literacy and a broad range of other learning goals. Classes at all levels, from introductory to advanced, are welcome in the Marian Library.
Marian Library Resident Scholar Fellowship
This summer fellowship supports research and artistic endeavors that make substantial use of the Marian Library collections.