How do I find books?

To find books at all of our campus libraries, use the Library Catalog. You can access the Library Catalog from the front page of the Library's website.

In the search box, enter your keywords and select the type of search. Additional search features are available by using Advanced Search.  

For complete details on Library Catalog features, visit the Library Catalog Help documentation. 

Current University of Chicago faculty, other academic appointees, postdocs, students, and staff may request materials via the Library Catalog to be paged by Library staff and then pick up available items at our campus libraries. Using our Paging & Pickup service, you can request items for pickup at the Library of your choice; materials are normally available within three business days

Learn more about Paging & Pickup.

If you need a book immediately, we recommend retrieving the item from the bookstacks. Once you have located the book(s) you need, visit the Circulation Desk for checkout.

Not on the shelf? Please request the item for pickup in the Library Catalog and staff will look for the missing book.

Please note that some Library locations, such as Mansueto Library and the Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, do not have open shelving and all items must be requested.