The Davis Library

The Kathryn & Shelby Cullom Davis Library houses one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive insurance collections of American and international insurance material. The 120,000+ volume collection encompasses the insurance industry from its very beginnings with some dating back to 1569 to comprehensive resources which provide analysis of current issues. 

The Davis Library was founded by the Insurance Society of New York in 1901 and was endowed by Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis in 1974. The Library serves the research needs of ISNY members, and the students and faculty of the former College of Insurance, now the School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Sciences, St. John’s University, Manhattan Campus.

Library Privileges for ISNY Members
ISNY Members & Corporate Sponsors of the School of Risk Management are granted library research privileges detailed on this page for the duration of their membership.   If a member identifies an item not found in our collection we will make a reasonable effort to provide access to that specific information.  Because we no longer issue special ISNY library cards, we ask that members bring with them a company ID or letter of introduction from their organization each time they use the library.

Member Privileges:

  • Access to the library collections of 120,000 books and 300 current periodical subscriptions, and a variety of digital (online and CD-ROM) products. Members may now access our Davis Library Catalog online. 
  • Remote access to specific online databases through InsureAccess. Request access by sending an e-mail to davislibrary@stjohns.edu.
  • Members may now access a large number of business and humanities resources through the Davis Library online at St. John's Web site.  Access to these resources is limited to the Davis Library, Manhattan campus.
  • Access to extensive vertical files or articles, speeches, sample forms and policies on a wide range of insurance topics over the past ninety years.
  • Basic telephone reference and research services provided by a knowledgeable and responsive library staff (additional fees may apply).
  • Bibliographies on specific insurance topics compiled upon request to davislibrary@stjohns.edu.
  • Borrowing Privileges - lending period is generally one month but may be less depending on the specific item.
  • Note: Library access and privileges are restricted to the Davis Library only and are not transferable. 

Additional Information 
Tel: (212) 227-5135
Fax: (212) 815 - 9272
davislibrary@stjohns.edu