About
The Elizabeth Huth Coates Library serves as the campus living room for many Trinity students as they collaborate on projects, read and research, and study for exams.
In addition to hundreds of thousands of research and reading materials, the Library houses Special Collections, the Collaborative for Learning and Teaching, Tiger Learning Commons, Writing Center, and the Digital Print Center.
The library, part of Trinity’s national historic district, served as the capstone of the master building plan for Trinity’s Skyline Campus, and it brought together under one roof Trinity academic collections. It was the last campus building overseen by O’Neil Ford and consisted of only the 3rd and 4th floors when it opened in 1979. Coates had a major renovation in 2002 when the Information Commons was created on the 3rd floor adding robust technology to the library.
Fast Facts:
Hours of operation
The library's current operating hours, as well as any special hours, can be found on the library's website.
- Books and bound periodical volumes — 688,626
- Additional volumes of government documents (federal, state and City of San Antonio) — 10,261
- Microforms — 37,000
- Access to over 120,000 electronic subscriptions
- Media (including VHS, Videodisc, DVD, CD, and recordings) — 38,266
- Databases — 297
- Reader spaces available — 750
Training/Meeting Rooms
Rules for reserving and using instruction spaces and meeting rooms in the library.
Study Rooms
Learn how to access and reserve a study room in the library.
Starbucks
Starbucks -- Comfortable atmosphere, wireless environment and, of course, a full range of delicious and aromatic coffees, light snacks and desserts await you. Starbucks is located at the entrance of the Elizabeth Huth Coates Library.
Library Mural
In “Man's Evolving Images, Printing and Writing," artist James Sicner merges 800 images, 5,000 languages to create a unique tribute to the evolution of art. The circular wall surrounding Coates University Library's central staircase, fittingly, represents a peak of artistic creativity on campus.
Special Collections and Archives
The Special Collections and Archives division of Coates Library collects, organizes, preserves, and makes available rare books, manuscripts, other special collections, and archival material to the Trinity community and researchers at large.
Circulation Desk
Ask a librarian about our borrowers guidelines, the interlibrary loan, renewals, and more.
IT Service Center
Trinity University’s Information Technology Services (ITS) provides technical support to all faculty, staff, and students of Trinity University. ITS...
Mellon Initiative Program
The Mellon Initiative promotes undergraduate research in the arts and humanities at Trinity University in San Antonio.
Student Accessibility Services
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is dedicated to guaranteeing that students with disabilities have equitable access to all aspects of Trinity’s...
Technology Commons
Located on the first floor of Coates Library, The Technology Commons, the focal point of the facility, provides users with high-end Windows and Mac...
The Collaborative for Learning and Teaching
The Collaborative for Learning and Teaching is a support center on campus for Trinity faculty and teaching staff to find resources and learn more...
Tiger Learning Commons
Nestled in the heart of Trinity’s Coates Library, the Tiger Learning Commons (TLC) is a centralized hub for academic coaching, writing and...
Training and Engagement Center (TEC)
Located on the first floor of the library, the TEC provides training opportunities for the many services and software that’s provided to the campus...
Events and Booking Information
Booking Information
Tiger Faculty and Staff
Host an Event
Planning a large event or activity? Contact Conferences and Special Programs for more information about event planning on Trinity’s campus.
Reserve a Space or Place
Make individual space or room reservations through T-Space at tspace.trinity.edu. You’ll need your Trinity network username and password, and an idea about the date, time, location, and size of your event.
Students: Reach out to a faculty or staff sponsor for more information on event planning and space reservations.
Community Members
Host an Event
Want to use a facility or space on Trinity’s campus for your next large event or activity? Contact Conferences and Special Programs for more information.
Reserve a Space or Place
Rooms, halls, and outdoor spaces can be reserved for events such as guest lectures, meetings, or other smaller activities. Contact Conferences and Special Programs for more information.
Directions and Parking
Address: 14 N Campus Dr, San Antonio, TX 78212
Directions To Coates Library
Parking and Accessibility
General Parking
Rules for parking lots marked for student, faculty, and staff permits are enforced year-round daily until 4:30 p.m. Visitor spaces are marked in several lots, including the Laurie Auditorium lot to the east of the Library and the lot immediately adjacent to the Library on the north. The Laurie lot requires a one-block walk up a hill and is not recommended for visitors with disabilities.
Accessibility Accommodations
Contact
For further assistance, please call the Trinity University Police Department at 210-999-7070.
Downloadable Maps
Contact
Coates Library
210-999-8127
Fax: 210-999-8182
Email us – Ask a reference question or request information: asklib@trinity.edu
Circulation Desk: 210-999-8127
Information Technology Services (ITS): 210-999-7213
Front Office: 210-999-8161