Visitors to the Library

Welcome to the University of Chicago Library!

The University of Chicago Library welcomes visitors to its spaces and to consult its collections.

Before Your Visit

We encourage you to contact the Library before your visit if you would like assistance in using our resources.

  • Ask a Librarian: our librarians can help you plan your visit, confirm availability of specific collections, and provide guidance on making the most of your time at the Library
  • Visiting the University of Chicago Library: our guide for visitors provides an overview of Library services and spaces and links to helpful research tools
  • Library Help Guides: additional guides are available on specific topics and Library collections

Visitor Passes

You may get a visitor pass to the University of Chicago Library by checking in at Regenstein Library's entry desk.

Visitors who wish to use the University’s wireless network or Library computers, or who wish to visit for more than a few days should bring a current, government-issued photo ID.

UChicago Library Access Cards

Visitors who wish to use the University of Chicago Library for more than a few days may request a UChicago Library access card.

Please bring a current, government-issued photo ID to the the ID & Privileges Office in order to be issued a Library access card.

Library access cards are valid for a year from the date of issue and may be renewed by visiting the the ID & Privileges Office.

There is no charge to be issued a Library access card; replacing a lost card will cost $20.

Electronic Resources, Library Computers, & Wireless

Visitors may access the Library’s electronic resources while in Library buildings by using the University wireless network or Library computers.

Visitors need to present a current, government-issued photo ID to be issued credentials for the University wireless network or Library computers.

See Computers and Wireless for more information.

Printing Unavailable

Starting December 14, printing and copying will be temporarily unavailable to visitors.

See printing.uchicago.edu for the most current information.

Who Can Borrow

Some visitors, such as UChicago alumni and researchers from universities with reciprocal agreements, are eligible to borrow materials from the Library.

See Who Can Borrow for more information.

Group Visits and Library Tours

Large groups of 10 visitors or more are encouraged to contact Circulation in advance to reduce delays when arriving for a visit.

Library tours must be prearranged, and are offered on a limited basis, with priority given to groups affiliated with the University of Chicago. See Library tours for more information.

Access for Children under the Age of 18

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or teacher when in Library buildings, in conformance with the University's policies regarding minors on campus.

Children will be issued their own visitor pass. Children under the age of 2 do not need to be issued a visitor pass.

Some minors in authorized University programs, classes, or groups are exempted by this policy.

Additional Policies for D'Angelo, Social Work, and Special Collections

Some campus libraries have additional policies regarding visitor access.

  • Visiting the Special Collections Research Center requires a pre-arranged appointment. No appointment is needed to visit the exhibition gallery.
  • The D’Angelo Law Library is restricted to current University of Chicago Law School students, faculty, and staff only. All other users may request access to the D'Angelo Law Library collection by pre-arranged appointment only.
  • Walk-in access to the Social Work Library is limited to Crown Family School students, faculty, and staff. All others should use the Ask a Librarian form to request access.

Getting Here and Getting Around

  • See Libraries and Hours for the service hours and locations of the six campus libraries.
  • See Visiting the University - Plan Your Visit for maps and directions to campus, transportation options, and suggestions for accommodations in Hyde Park.
  • See Visitor Parking for locations and fees for parking garages and lots. Free parking is available on the street, but can be difficult to find during the day.

Services for Users with Disabilities

See Services for Users with Disabilities if you need assistance in accessing our collections.

Policies While Visiting the Library

We expect all users to abide by all Library policies, including Library Conduct Policies.

The University of Chicago Library reserves the right to bar anyone from any or all parts of its premises. Disruptive or inappropriate behavior or any other violations of Library policies may result in suspension of visitor access.

The Library may limit visitor access during especially busy periods.

Safety Resources on Campus

Enroll in the cAlert System by texting "calert" to 226787 to receive emergency alerts from the University of Chicago Department of Safety and Security.

The UChicago Safe mobile app is a quick and easy way to access campus safety information.