Oh, how I’ve missed the tip tap of keyboards in the Information Commons and the sounds of silence emanating from Periodicals.
Welcome to the 2024-2025 academic year, Wildcats! This week, visit the tables just outside the Main and Mudd Libraries to say hello and get to know your library!
Can’t get enough? More orientation events to come:
10-minute library primer tours
Friday, September 20, 2pm to 4pm
Main Library
Explore Your Library: Library Olympics
Tuesday, October 1, 10am to 5pm
Main Library
&
Wednesday, October 2, 10am to 5pm
Mudd Library
Here is a brief list of must-know updates from your libraries:
What’s up with Deering?
Deering Library is currently closed for renovation, but we’ve shifted things so that the spaces, services, and collections you need are still available for you. Deering is expected to re-open in fall 2025.
Where do I find special collections and archives?
The McCormick Library of Special Collections and Archives is temporarily operating out of the lower level of University Library! You can make appointments and request collections using the same process as before.
Plan a visit to the McCormick Library
Can I still get things from the Art and Architecture Collections or Asian Languages Collections?
The circulating collections from Deering are available to be requested. Sign into NUsearch, place a request for the book you are seeking, and then pick it up from the circulation desk after you receive a confirmation email.
Do you have alternatives to Deering 208 as a meeting space?
Fill out the request form for libraries event spaces and a library staff member will get in touch about available spaces.
Where’s the quietest study space?
We’ve moved some furniture to make more room in Periodicals on the first floor of Main Library to increase quiet space. The towers on the third and fourth floor are also quiet study space.
What about private space?
We have reservable study and project rooms for collaborative work and quiet individual spaces for AI-proctored exams, virtual presentations, and Zoom interviews. Check out the availability on the library calendar.
Where can I get my course materials?
Try these four options to get your materials for class:
- Course reserves: Instructors have the option to place required and/or recommended materials on reserve for class use. They can be checked out from the circulation desks at Main and Mudd Library on a shortened loan period. To see if your class has materials on reserve, use the dropdown menu in NUsearch to choose Course Reserves and then search by course name, instructor name, or department.
- E-books: Ebooks that allow for multiple simultaneous users may be available for the library to purchase for full class access. Use NUsearch to search for titles that are already available via the catalog. If you’d like to place a request for an ebook we do not currently have in the catalog complete the Purchase Suggestion Form.
- Interlibrary loan: If we don’t have a book in our collection, interlibrary loan (ILL) is a good option for finding and borrowing assigned course materials. Typical loan periods are 12 weeks. Search libraries worldwide and request using your NetID.
- ‘Cats 4 ‘Cats Lending Library: ‘Cats 4 ‘Cats is a “take-a-book leave-a-book” collection where students donate their textbooks and other course materials for other students to use in future quarters. Any student can take materials they need for class, use it for the term and return it at the end of the quarter. The collection is currently available in Core, on the second floor of Main Library. Browse a list of books available online.
How can I print or scan in the library?
Printers and scanners are available in Main and Mudd. A full list of locations can be viewed on the library site, but the McGowan and Astrahan Information Commons just inside the entrances of both libraries are the easiest locations to find.
You can print using your own laptop or device or from one of the library computers. For current students, printing costs are deducted from your Cat Cash (Wildcard) account. You’ll begin by logging into your Northwestern Print account with your NetID and password.
See step-by-step printing instructions
How do I meet with a librarian?
Librarians have expertise in particular subject areas and are here for you when starting your research and projects. Reach out to the librarian supporting your program to set up a time to meet or to get help with a particular topic.
If you would like to reach out to a general contact, email library@northwestern.edu. You can also chat live to get immediate assistance on the library website.