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Undergraduate Student Life

Library Resources

The University of Chicago Library is a great resource for all students at any point in their studies. We do more than help you find books. Get to know us, because we can make your studies a lot easier and more rewarding! Check out how we can help:

  • Course Reserves: College faculty often place some course materials on reserve, or on short loan, at the Library.  Other articles and readings may be placed online (e-reserve). Students can access course reserves through Canvas (canvas.uchicago.edu), the University’s course management system.
  • Textbooks: Students can check the Library Catalog to see if the textbook they need is available.  However, the Library is not able to purchase textbooks for every course. Students can see if they can obtain the text via our partner libraries using Interlibrary Loan. If the book is not available, we advise students to speak with their instructor about putting a copy of the book on reserve at the Library.
  • Interlibrary LoanIf the Library does not own the item you need, or if the item is checked out, you may use Interlibrary Loan. Most books can be obtained in four to five business days and can be borrowed for 12 weeks. This service is free, and you can request as many items as you need.
  • Scan & Deliver: If you need a copy of an article or book chapter that the Library owns in print, you can use our Scan and Deliver service to request a PDF copy. The service is free, and most articles and books are delivered for download within four business days. 
  • Ask a Librarian: Students can obtain help online via our Ask a Librarian service.  Students can send a question via email, text, or instant message from any location from the Library’s web site.
  • One-on-One with a Librarian: Students can also schedule a meeting with a librarian about an assignment, or get one-on-one assistance with their research papers. The Library has librarians who focus on research in specific majors, as well as staff who have expertise conducting research with data and GIS.
  • Guides & Videos: The Library offers a wide variety of guides to help students find information by major or type of resource.  Go to guides.lib.uchicago.edu for a full listing. The Library also has a wide variety of short 1-2 minute tutorials available on its YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/uchicagolibrary.
  • Tech Support: IT Services TechBar in Regenstein Library provides drop-in tech support and equipment lending.
  • Book a Room: The Library’s Book a Room system allows groups of two or more students to reserve study rooms up to 3 hours a day. Regenstein’s A Level and 1st floor offer drop-in collaborative study space.

 

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