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New Students: A Guide to the NU Libraries

Assistance is Available

Knowing where to start, or what the next step might be, isn't always obvious.
There are many ways to get in touch with library staff.
We love answering questions!

 

In-Person

University Library - ask at the Information Desk just past the Welcome Desk and down either the short flight of stairs or elevator.

Each of the locations within University Library (Herskovits Library of Africana, Transportation Library, Music, Art) and the Deering Library (McCormick Library of Special Collections & University Archives) has staff available to assist you

Mudd Library - staff at the Service Desk at the library entrance can help you

Maps of the Library buildings may help you get around!

 

Telephone - Text 

Call us at 847-491-7658 or text us at 847-868-9059 during our hours of operation

 

Online

Chat - Use the Pop-Up button available on all library webpages

EMail

Send an email to library@northwestern.edu; questions are usually answered by the next business day

 

You can find these options linked from the Use the Libraries tab on the homepage shown below:

  1. The AskUs page provides in-person, telephone, email, and online chat options for asking your question.
  2. Feel free to contact the Subject Librarian responsible for the subject area of your question
  3. You can request a Research Consultation using an online form - this will be sent to the person most familiar with the topic of your question who will respond with an answer or to schedule a time to meet (in-person or Zoom).

Public Libraries

Public libraries are open to all and provide excellent places to study as well as a range of collection materials and community services.  Books, DVDs, streaming video, online audio-books, meeting rooms that can be reserved, and much more are available.

To get a library card, which is required to access online services and to take out materials, typically requires proof of residency within the city that the library serves.  Proof of residency can include a lease or a bill that shows your current address, i.e. electric bill.  Check the specific public library website for what they require to issue a library card.

The Evanston Public Library is only a few blocks from campus

1703 Orrington Avenue
(847) 448-8600
Contact Information 

 

The Chicago Public Library has 81 libraries throughout the city.  A large central library, the Harold Washington Library Center, is located downtown.  Enter your Zip Code to find a library near where you live.

The website can be viewed in Spanish, Polish, or Chinese.

Harold Washington Library Center
400 S. State Street
Chicago, IL 60605
Contact Information 

 

Navigating NU Libraries

There are 4 library locations on the Evanston campus.

The Styberg Library of the Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, located on Sheridan Road between Lunt Hall and the Ford Engineering Design Center, is also included in NUSearch and materials can be requested for use by NU faculty, staff, and students.  Campus map showing the Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary location.

Additional libraries are located on the Chicago campus.  Collections in these libraries are included in NUSearch and can be requested for use in Evanston.