Library Services and Collections for Study Abroad

Before you visit any library for research:

1.  Check their website to see what their visitor policy is, and
2. Check their collections (use their catalog) to see if they have what you need.

Identification

• UChicago ID card;
• “Government-sponsored” ID
  Passport, Driver’s License, etc.;
• Check the library's visitor guidelines to see if they require other forms of ID before you go.

Proof of Need

Before you visit, check the library's requirements for visiting. The following items are commonly requested:

• A letter of affiliation. If another library requires a letter or other documentation from the University of Chicago Library, you may request such documentation from the ID & Privileges Office;
• A letter from the program coordinator or your thesis advisor (on University letterhead);
• A research statement or proposal. Some collections and libraries will require a prepared statement about your research that outlines your proposed project, the collections you intend to look at, and your intended timeline. 

Libraries can differ greatly around the world. Here are some things to consider:

• Libraries may only be open to researchers, not for study space (check the library's website before you go);
• You will be unlikely to check out materials (unless your Study Abroad site has made special arrangements);
• Many libraries do not allow wireless or computer access for visitors;
• Not every database to which a library subscribes will be available to visitors;
• Many academic libraries are decentralized, with specific libraries for departments or residential colleges;
• Most libraries have "closed stacks", meaning that you will need to request an item to be paged in order to view it;
• Materials may be organized in different ways (e.g. different classification systems);
• Libraries may not have online catalogs or reference services;
• There may be fees for services or access;
• Most materials will not be online (this is also true in the U.S.).