Edward Neisser Library
The Edward Neisser Library and Learning Center is committed to supporting the educational, informational, research and service programs of Erikson Institute.
About the Library
The library’s mission is to foster a climate of service to the campus and community; impart skills that enhance academic success and lifelong learning; and provide facilities, equipment, and resources necessary for the successful performance of the Institute’s mission.
Our library offers a specialized collection in all areas of the curriculum, including over 5,000 children’s books and 300 assessment and screening tools. Librarians specializing in research, instruction, online collections, and interlibrary loan assist faculty, staff, and students in finding information resources for their life, work, and study.
Using the Library Collections
Visit our website at library.erikson.edu to learn about our physical and online collections and to connect with our librarians.
Library Hours:
Spring Semester Hours | January 6th – April 6th
- Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday – Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Friday: Building closed, available via chat/email from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
- Spring Break Hours 😎 : The Library will be open during Spring Break (Friday, Feb 28 – Thursday, March 6). We will operate on the Intersession hours of operation (below).
Spring Intersession Hours | April 7th – May 9th
- Monday – Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Friday: Building closed, available via chat/email from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Planned Closures:
- Monday, January 20th (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
- Monday, May 26th (Memorial Day)
- Thursday, June 19th (Juneteenth Holiday)
Library staff is also available by phone (312-893-7210), chat, and email.
Visit the Library
Erikson Institute is a private building, but we are open to current students, staff, and faculty members at higher education institutions. Please contact us in advance at (312) 893-7210 to arrange your visit. On the day of your visit, please bring your college or university ID card.
If you are here for a professional development event or meeting, you are welcome to utilize the library’s computers, databases, and assorted materials.
We are unable to extend borrowing privileges to users who are not Erikson staff, faculty, students, or alumni. To borrow library materials, contact your local library’s interlibrary loan department.
Meet Our Library Staff
The Edward Neisser Library and Learning Center supports Erikson’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The librarians at our physical space in downtown Chicago are always available to help, and our online tools facilitate off-site research and learning.
Karen Janke, MSLIS, Library Director
Karen directs the library and helps users in their research and assists in copyright interpretations. Karen is an alumna of Bates College and of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign School of Information.
Diana Sykes, MSLIS, Access Services Librarian
Diana processes course readings and interlibrary loan requests, supervises library assistants, and takes the lead on collection maintenance, circulation, and security. Diana is twice an alumna of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Blanca Hernandez (He/Him/El), MLIS,
Instruction and Outreach Librarian
Blanca leads library instruction efforts, facilitates research consultations, and works on outreach and programming for the library including social media and the library website. Blanca is an alumnus of Millikin University (BFA) and Dominican University (MLIS).
Explore our archives
Our archives support Erikson’s mission of education and research by collecting, organizing, preserving, and providing access to our historical records. The archives feature a physical collection of items in the library and a digital collection of photos.