Indiana Colleges & Universities
Top college and university libraries in Indiana
These college and university libraries stand out for their collections, special collections and archives. Public access varies, so each entry says how visitors can use the library.
Indiana University LibrariesIndiana University Bloomington
As the largest research library system in the state, IU Libraries serves not only its students, faculty and alumni but all residents of Indiana. Its Lilly Library, dedicated on October 3, 1960, holds approximately 450,000 books, 8.5 million manuscripts and 35,000 puzzles, and offers free weekly tours. The IU Libraries Moving Image Archive presents a popular and free public monthly film series.
Hesburgh LibrariesUniversity of Notre Dame
The Hesburgh Library opened on September 18, 1963 as the Memorial Library and was renamed in 1987 for Notre Dame's longtime president, Theodore Hesburgh. Its collection reached one million volumes in 1970. In 2015 the university began major renovations to modernize the building's interior.
Purdue University LibrariesPurdue University
Purdue University Libraries include the Black Cultural Center Library, the Aviation & Transportation Technology Library and the Hicks Undergraduate Library. Its Archives and Special Collections preserve the Barron Hilton Flight and Space Exploration Archives, documenting the history of flight and space exploration as experienced by Purdue alumni, and the Susan Bulkeley Butler Women's Archives.
Bracken LibraryBall State University
Bracken Library, the main library of Ball State University in Muncie, opened in 1975. The Brutalist building holds a collection of over 1.5 million print volumes, along with periodical subscriptions and microforms.
The most beautiful college library in Indiana
Hesburgh LibraryUniversity of Notre Dame
The exterior façade of the Hesburgh Library facing the football stadium carries a 134-foot by 68-foot mural called Word of Life, more commonly known as Touchdown Jesus. A reflection pool sits in front of the building. The library is named for Theodore Hesburgh, who served as the university's president from 1952 to 1987.
Last verified: November 2, 2026. Visitor rules, hours and borrowing policies change, so check the library's website before you go.
About colleges and universities in Indiana
The State of Indiana boasts many different colleges and universities within its borders. It is the home to two large public university systems, as well as several other public universities. It also has many different private and liberal arts colleges within the state as well. Some of the most well-known universities in the state include Indiana University, Purdue University and the University of Notre Dame.
Indiana University is the largest public university system within the state. Its flagship campus is located in Bloomington, and the school was founded in 1820. The Bloomington campus has the largest enrollment, and is home to its most prestigious academic programs such as the business school, music school and the law school. There are 8 other campuses within the Indiana University system, three of which are combined with the Purdue System.
The Purdue University system consists of the main Purdue campus in West Lafayette, Indiana. It was founded in 1869 as a land-grant institution. Other campuses within the system are located outside of Chicago and in rural Indiana near Westville. The Purdue University College of Technology is also located in West Lafayette, but is a separate entity from the main university.
Other public universities in Indiana include Ball State University, Indiana State University and the University of Southern Indiana. The Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana is also located in the state.
The University of Notre Dame, located in South Bend, is probably the most well-known private institution in Indiana. It is a Catholic university with two other universities located nearby, College of the Holy Cross and the College of St. Mary. Notre Dame was founded in 1842 by Fr. Edward Sorin, who also served as the first president of the university. At the time of its founding, Notre Dame was an all-male educational institution. The first women were admitted to Notre Dame in 1972. To this day, the residents halls are single-sex living facilities. Holy Cross is still an all-male college and the College of St. Mary is an all-female college. Notable alumni include Regis Philbin and Condoleezza Rice.
The oldest university in Indiana is Vincennes University, which was founded in 1801. Vincennes is a public university and is located in Vincennes, Indiana. There are seven bachelor degree programs available at Vincennes, but most programs at this university are two-year programs. Unlike most two-year schools, Vincennes is a residential university.