College Students - Graduate Students - New Faculty - Students with Disabilities
College Students
Are all undergraduate students required to take a Library orientation program?
College students are not required to take a Library orientation session during O-Week. However, they are strongly recommended.
The Library orientation programs are classified as "Academic Preparation" in the O-Book and contain information that will be helpful in navigating the Library during your first few weeks on campus. Below are some student comments about the Library orientation programs from previous years:
- It was the most useful session during orientation I have been to!
- The session was highly informative-probably one of the most helpful things I've heard all week. The librarian was very friendly and willing to answer questions. Also, it was exactly 1 hour! I feel ready for the Reg! Thanks!
- A lot better than coming in blind. I would have never been able to find the catalog on my own.
- The tour/presentation was well put together, especially because of the fact that those of us on the tour were able to walk through the process ourselves after it was explained to us.
- I left with an overall feeling of understanding on how to utilize the resources at the Reg.
- Tour was very good and helpful. I'm glad I took it, especially just to familiarize myself with the area.
Which libraries hold orientation programs for undergraduates?
Harper, Crerar, and Regenstein Library offer orientation programs for undergraduates. View our schedule.
What days and times are these programs available?
Programs are held throughout the day on the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of Orientation Week. View our schedule for dates and times.
What information is covered in the programs?
The Crerar and Regenstein Libraries' programs include the following information:
- How to find course reserves.
- How to determine if the Library owns a particular book or journal.
- How to find a book or journal in the bookstacks.
- Library policies and procedures.
- A brief tour outlining Library facilities, services, and collections.
Harper Library provides a tour of the reading rooms and collections, and an introduction to the Harpter/USITE computing cluster.
What if I cannot attend a Library orientation program during O-Week?
Additionl Library workshops are scheduled throughout fall quarter. A list of times and locations will be posted in early September. If you cannot make these sessions, you can schedule an appointment with a librarian.
What other Library-related programs are available for undergraduates during Orientation Week?
The Library has an information table for students and their families in the Regenstein Library on opening day. The Special Collections Research Center also holds an open house on that day from 9-2:30 pm.
The Library also participates in the Student Resources Fair, which is held during 1st Week.
Graduate Students
Will there be a Library Orientation session/tour for my program?
Check with your department's orientation schedule to see if a Library program is included. Some programs are posted on our graduate orientation calendar. However, this list is not comprehensive. If you do not see your program listed, bibliographer for your subject area.
I work for a department/division of the University and would like to arrange for a Library orientation for our new students. Whom should I contact?
Contact the bibliographer for your subject area to arrange for a program. Since many departments include a library program as part of the graduate orientation programs, it is an extremely busy time for the Library. As a result, we recommend that you contact your bibliographer as early as possible about the program so that we can schedule a location and time.
What types of sessions are available?
The type of session depends on your department's needs, the librarian or bibliographer providing the session, the size of the group, and the classroom spaces that are available in the Library.
What if I cannot attend my department's Library orientation program?
Our bibliographers can also meet with students individually for an introduction to resources in their area. You can also register for one of our Library workshops which have been scheduled during fall quarter.
New Faculty
My department would like to arrange for a Library instruction program for our new faculty member. Whom should I contact?
You should contact the bibliographer for your subject area to arrange for a program.
What services does the Library have to support teaching and student coursework?
Please review our guide The Library as a Teaching Resource.
Users with Disabilities
Who do I contact to make special arrangements for a Library orientation program?
Contact the following librarians at the campus library which is holding the specific program:
- Crerar Library (Science, Medicine, and Technology)
Barbara Kern, Co-Director, Science Libraries Division
(773) 702-8717 -- bkern@uchicago.edu
- D'Angelo Law Library (U.S., Foreign, and International Law)
Sheri Lewis, Associate Law Librarian
(773) 702-9614 -- shl@uchicago.edu
- Eckhart Library (Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics)
Brenda Rice, Bibliographer for Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science
(773) 702-8774 -- bsr2@uchicago.edu
- Harper Library (General Reading)
Eileen Libby, Harper Librarian
(773) 702-1199 -- lib3@uchicago.edu
- Regenstein Library (Business, Humanities, and Social Sciences)
David Larsen, Head of Access Services
(773) 702-8626 -- d-larsen@uchicago.edu
- Social Service Administration Library (Social Work/Social Welfare)
Eileen Libby, Social Services Librarian
(773) 702-1199 -- lib3@uchicago.edu
More information about services for students with disabilities.