Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Jewish Studies Collection at the University of Chicago Library
Where are Jewish studies resources located?
Most resources are located at Regenstein Library (the humanities and social sciences library), but there are additional resources at other libraries on campus, including the D'Angelo Law Library and the SSA Library. Because Jewish studies is a diverse, interdisciplinary field, at Regenstein Library, most Jewish studies resources are interfiled with the rest of the collection. For example, books on Judaism as a religion will be found in the BM classification in the third floor bookstacks. Books on the history of Israel will be found in the DS classification in the fifth-floor bookstacks. In addition, there is a Jewish studies reference collection in the fourth-floor reading area. The Rosenberger Library of Judaica is housed as a separate collection within the Special Collection Research Center on the first floor of Regenstein Library. Recently received Jewish studies journals are located in the Current Periodicals section of the second floor; older volumes are shelved by call number in the bookstacks.
How do I find titles in the online library catalog?
As technology improves more bibliographic records in the University of Chicago Library's catalog contain Hebrew script. However, currently the catalog can only be searched using transliteration and romanization of Hebrew. Since Hebrew script rarely contains vowels, romanization is particularly difficult. The University of Chicago's online catalog uses the Hebrew romanization system developed by the American Library Association and the Library of Congress. The romanization tables can be found on the web.
In general, here are a few rules to help in searching for Hebrew and Yiddish books.
The definite article in Hebrew ה is separated from a word by a dash, as in הכלב ha-kelev, the dog.
If the definite article begins the start of a title, then the ha- is removed.
If the word begins with “-וה”, it is romanized as veha-, as in והכלב veha-kelev, and the dog.
Conjunctions such as ל, מ, כ, ב are almost always separated by a dash, as in la-kelev, to the dog
Initial schwas are always transcribed as “e” regardless of pronunciation, as in תשובה, teshuvah.
Semihut forms ends in “e” not “ey”, as in בני ישראל, bene Yisra'el.
Difficult Hebrew words to romanize
Hebrew abbreviations
(rashe tevot)
What is the Marvin Fox Collection and where is it located?
The generous donation of the private library of Marvin Fox (1922-1996) has increased the University of Chicago Library's holdings in Judaica, especially in the study of Maimonides. Many books from Professor Fox's library have been added to the Library's general, circulating collection. Portions of Professor Fox's library were also added to begin a Judaica Reference Collection, located in the fourth-floor reading area. The Library is very grateful to the family of Professor Fox and for assistance of Professor Michael Fishbane.
How are resources selected for the Library?
Because Jewish studies is an interdisciplinary field, several librarians select materials in Jewish studies, including, but not limited to, subject specialists for religion, philosophy, history, art, music, Germanic studies, Slavic and Eastern European studies, and geography. To request a title simply complete a request form, and your request will be forwarded to the appropriate selector.
What CD-ROM resources does the library have and how can I access them?
The Library owns several CD-ROM resources in Jewish studies, including BibleWorks, the Bar-Ilan Responsa Project, the Sol and Evelyn Henkind Talmud Text Databank, and Soncino Classics. These are located in a CD-ROM tower connected to one of the computers in the fourth-floor reading area. Due to copyright restrictions, these resources cannot be networked or checked out.
Who can I contact for help with my research?
Depending on your topic, you may need to contact more than one subject specialist. Consult our list of subject specialists for the person who appears to be the best match for your topic. For general reference questions, you may complete an online form or stop by the "ask a librarian" desk.