Washington University in St. Louis

Libraries

The Washington University Libraries are a great academic partner for Washington University students and faculty members, and a resource for independent scholars as well as the surrounding community.

John M. Olin Library

Libraries across Campus
The Danforth Campus is home to Olin Library (the main library) and nine school or departmental libraries.

The University Libraries strive to provide the best possible research tools and most informed research advice to members of the Washington University community, while working to expand access to information for people around the world. Students and faculty benefit from gaining early familiarity with the Libraries’ collections and services; comfortable, convenient facilities; and friendly, knowledgeable staff.

From any of our University Libraries’ homepages, you can check library locations and hours, browse holdings, request or renew materials*, view many online books and articles*, chat live with a staff member, and learn about our unique collections.

*Certain services are limited to current Washington University students, faculty, and staff.

Get to know WUSTL Libraries

Traditional service, fantastic facilities, exceptional resources, constant innovation

Today, the University Libraries continue to fulfill the traditional roles of an academic library: providing books, journals, and other research resources; diverse study spaces; expert librarians; and ready service. Technology has revolutionized libraries, however, allowing them to provide far more information resources and offer more services than ever before.

In fact, libraries are key players in changing how people access information. Washington University Libraries and other research libraries are full partners in a complex effort to make more materials instantly available online to their users across the globe. For instance, our current students, faculty, and staff can gain immediate access, 24/7, to our vast — and ever-growing — number of resources and services, regardless of whether they are in one of our libraries, a nearby dorm room, or across an ocean.

Find out what’s in it for you.
Get to know the Washington University Libraries.

Students studying

Great Spaces
Olin Library offers extensive study areas, diverse seating, day lockers, a technology center, and exhibits, as well as a café that is open 24/7 during the academic year.