Visiting Crerar Library

The John Crerar Library is the science library of the University of Chicago, and has collections in physical, biological, medical, and technological sciences.

The Crerar building is also home to the Department of Computer Science; the Media Arts, Data and Design Center (MADD); the Computer Science Instructional Laboratory (CSIL); PSD Graphic Arts; and Peaches Cafe @ University. For information about visiting these departments or others in the building, contact them directly.

Crerar Library is located at 5730 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60637. For Crerar's location relative to the rest of campus, search the UChicago Map for Crerar Library, or search your favorite location app. Once in the building, the Crerar Library collections and circulation desk are on the lower level.

For information about Crerar's Building and Circulation hours, see Libraries & Hours.

Crerar is open to unaffiliated visitors; come down and speak to library staff at the circulation desk about a pass. Visitors who need internet access will be required to show a government-issued ID and provide a valid email and phone number, per campus internet policy. See visitor policies for most campus libraries.

Visitors who wish to borrow from our collection should see Who Can Borrow? for eligibility and more information.

Reference

Researchers who would like assistance using our library offerings during their visit are encouraged to contact our Ask a Librarian service in advance. 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. On-demand help from a reference librarian is not available at Crerar, but by reaching out in advance you may be able to make an appointment to meet with a librarian.

Once you arrive on campus, our Library Help Guides can provide starting points for your research.

Computers and Printing

As a smaller departmental library, we recommend that visitors who only need a computer or printers visit the Regenstein and Mansueto Libraries, located just a block away from Crerar. Review Printing.uchicago.edu before visiting for details and price.

Library Access Card

Visitors who plan on visiting regularly should consider getting a Library Access Card from the ID & Privileges Office at the Regenstein Library. Obtaining a card requires a government-issued ID, and will work for access at Regenstein, Mansueto, and Crerar Libraries. There is no charge to be issued a Library access card; replacing a lost card will cost $20.

Corporate Members

Crerar Corporate memberships can be purchased annually by companies and organizations to obtain borrowing privileges from the Library's physical collections and access to electronic resources while on campus. Contact crerar-corporate@lib.uchicago.edu for more information on membership.