Public Library Access to Eckhart Library

If you wish to consult government documents, please see the Government Documents Access web page. Some of the rare Scince books are in the Department of Special Collections, for access please consult the Special Collections Access page.

Note that the information below applies to Eckhart and Crear Libraries only. For access to other University of Chicago Libraries besides, please see Basic Information: General Public Library Access. Generally most University libraries are not open to the public.

In keeping with John Crerar's will, both Crerar and Eckhart Libraries are open to the general public for scholarly research. Public hours are 8:30am - 5:00pm, Monday through Saturday. In honor of Mr. Crerar's wishes we observe the following:

• Library's public hours are 8:30 am - 5:00 pm., Monday through Saturday. There are no public hours on Sunday or during holidays.
• A picture ID and verification of current address (e.g., a driver's license) is necessary to enter the building, except for those researchers consulting government documents. You will be asked to sign in on our entrance binder. (Regular public users can apply for a library card--see below.)
• Access is granted to those making use of the Library's collections for research purposes. Persons engaged in other activities may be asked to leave.
• The Library has "open stacks," and we encourage you to make use of any items which aid your research, but no library material may be taken from the building. Photocopiers are available for your use.
• Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied and supervised by their parents.
• Please do not eat, drink, or smoke inside the a U of C library. We also encourage you to be considerate of your fellow researchers in your activities.

The Eckhart Library collection of approximately 55,000 volumes contains research level monographs and journals in math, statistics, and computer science. The math collection includes materials in all areas, while the statistics collection covers all and also contains statistical analyses. The computer science collection strengths are theoretical computer science, including mathematical aspects of computing, computational complexity, algorithms, logic, and the use of computers to solve mathematical and scientific problems. Some selected materials, including popular computing materials, inactive journals, older books, and elementary titles, in all three subjects are located in the John Crerar Library. We encourage you to use the library catalog to make sure where the books are located.

You can also view directions to Eckhart Library.

INFOPASS Users

Eckahrt Library, like other University of Chicago libraries, is a member of the INFOPASS system (more information...scroll down). However, you do not need an INFOPASS to use Eckhart as long as you come with a photo ID during public hours.

Extended Privileges for Scholarly Research

• Unaffiliated persons who are engaged in scholarly work may also apply for extended privileges by forwarding a written statement (via US Mail or email) of their research needs to the Privileges Office.
• If the Library approves the request, the person may receive:
  • Reference Privileges for 7 consecutive days for $10
  • Quarterly Reference Privileges for $50
• Researchers must present a current photo ID upon arrival.

See the Interlibrary Loan pages for information on ILL services to non-University of Chicago users.

Privileges Office Contacts and Hours