About Us
The Marian Library is a rare and distinctive collection of the University of Dayton Libraries, still embracing its original motto — “De Maria numquam satis — Never enough about Mary.”
History
In 1943 Marianists at the University of Dayton founded the Marian Library to commemorate a triple centennial to be celebrated in 1949-1950: the arrival of the Marianists in the United States (1849); the death of Marianist cofounder Father William Joseph Chaminade (1850) and the founding of the University of Dayton (1850).
Supporting Learning and Scholarship
The Marian Library serves the research needs of faculty, staff and students of the University of Dayton and visitors from around the world. We document diverse expressions of devotion to Mary and provide public outreach through exhibits, programs and reference services.
Comprising works in over 150 languages, the collections consist of books, periodicals, articles, artworks and artifacts.
Though researchers are the Marian Library's primary audience, students, prayer groups and members of the public regularly visit to interact with the collections for prayer, contemplation and reflection.
The Marian Library is an active contributor to the learning goals of the University of Dayton, supporting faculty and students holistically with our materials, instruction partnerships and exhibits.
Collaborative Support for UD Teaching Faculty
Partnering with 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. Schedule an appointment to get started.
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 all disciplines to develop primary source literacy and a broad range of other learning goals. Classes at all levels are welcome in the Marian Library. Find out more about our instruction and academic support and start the conversation.
Marian Resident Scholar Fellowship
This summer fellowship supports research and artistic endeavors that make substantial use of the Marian Library collections. Learn more about the Resident Scholar Fellowship and the application process.
Holistic Support for UD Students
The Marian Library is a great resource for undergraduate and graduate students of many disciplines.
Student Opportunities
- The Marian Library can provide the primary and secondary sources needed for projects across many disciplines. Schedule a research appointment with one of our librarians to discuss the possibilities.
- Each year the Marian Library sponsors learning events and programs, many of which coincide with our exhibits.
- Students may use Marian Library materials for prayer, contemplation and reflection.
- Our reading room is often available as a study space.
Marian Graduate Student Fellowship
This summer fellowship supports research and artistic endeavors that make substantial use of the Marian Library collections. Learn more about the Graduate Student Fellowship and the application process.
"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."
Working Together in the Marianist Spirit
- The Marian Library is included in the Forever Marianist Initiative, which ensures that the Marianist values central to UD’s mission and identity will always be part of the UD experience.
- The Marian Library fosters a close relationship with the International Marian Research Institute, a center in the College of Arts and Sciences. The institute was launched in 1975, springing from the Marian Library Summer Institute. The Marian Library supports the research and scholarly efforts of the International Marian Research Institute.
- The Marian Library provides assistance to faculty and students in the Marian studies offerings in the Department of Religious Studies. In addition, library personnel frequently collaborate with other units on campus including English, Campus Ministry and art and design.
- The Marian Library maintains a connection with the Mariological Society of America, including housing its archival materials.
