Selected University of Chicago Resources

Beginning Research at the University of Chicago Library
Search the University of Chicago library catalog for books and other material by clicking on "Advanced Keyword" to take advantage of the catalog's limit and sort options. Also look at the tabs near the top of the catalog screen--from "Main Catalog" to "New Acquisitions"--to see other services and options available to you. For example, if our library doesn't own an item, click on "Other Catalogs" to search for it elsewhere, or click on "Interlibrary Loan" to request material from other libraries.

Use the Database Finder for access to additional databases, and use e-Journals for access to online journal titles. The Electronic Resources list describes these research tools and others, ranging from Electronic Text Services, a detailed guide to humanities monographs online, to RefWorks, a bibliographic management tool paid for by the Library.

Research Guides by Subject provide overviews of University of Chicago Library resources as well as links to other Web sites and resources in the discipline. If your research focuses on anthropology or history or another specific area, begin with the subject guide for that area. These pages warrant browsing. Discover the section on The History of Slavery and the Diaspora within African American Studies and titles such as these within the Video Collection. The Special Collections Research Center holds rare books, manuscripts, and the University archives; use their finding aids & databases to identify interesting material.

Tip: Click Help, near the top of every library page, for details on computers and computing labs, for answers to frequently asked questions, to register for library workshops, or for other sorts of helpful information.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask a librarian. Responsibility for African Studies collection development and specialized reference work is shared by subject specialists.

African Studies Material at the Center for Research Libraries
The University of Chicago is a member of the Center for Research Libraries. Scholars and researchers from CRL member institutions have free and unlimited use of the CRL collections through interlibrary loan. You may also make appointments to use Center materials in the CRL Reading Room. Some relevant collections are described in CRL's guides to African Studies material, to Dissertations, and to Newspapers. Note the Cooperative Africana Microform Project.

The Africana Collection at Northwestern University Library
Faculty, benefits-eligible staff and registered students with current Library Privileges at the University of Chicago are eligible to apply for privileges at libraries on Northwestern's Evanston campus, including privileges at the Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies. Northwestern's Program of African Studies provides information about various activities and campus events.

University of Chicago Library
Find out what's new at the library, what course materials have been specifically designated for a class you are taking, what services and facilities are available, and review library access and policies information. If any library basics are unclear or if you do not find what you need, please ask a librarian.

University of Chicago Programs
Explore the University web site for programs of interest, including an African Studies Workshop, the Committee on African and African-American Studies, and Anthropology or History or other academic departments.