Visiting Crerar Library
COVID-19 Information for Visitors
Visitors to the Library are required to follow the University’s current COVID-19 guidance. For details, see UChicago Campus Visitor Information.
Masking
As part of the University's health protocols, individuals with symptoms of respiratory illness should get tested and wear a mask around others until the symptoms are gone. In other circumstances, the decision to mask is your own; we ask everyone to be courteous of others and respect their choices.
The John Crerar Library is the science library of the University of Chicago, and has collections in physical, biological, medical, and technological sciences.
The building is also home to the Department of Computer Science; the Media Arts, Data and Design Center (MADD); the Computer Science Instructional Laboratory (CSIL); PSD Graphic Arts; and Peaches Cafe @ University. For information about visiting these departments, contact them directly.
Location
Crerar Library is located at 5730 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60637. For Crerar's location relative to the rest of campus, see the Map Detail for the John Crerar Library. Once in the building, the Crerar collection and circulation desk are on the lower level.
Hours
For information about Crerar's Building and Circulation hours, see Libraries & Hours.
Who Can Visit the Library?
In addition to the visitor policies for the library as a whole, Crerar has specific policies depending on a visitor's need.
Unaffiliated Researchers
Researchers not affiliated with the University of Chicago who have identified books or other resources available in the Crerar Library can visit the library from 9am - 5pm, Monday through Friday, and Noon to 5pm Saturday, with the last sign-in at 4:30pm. Bring a government issued ID to the Crerar circulation desk for access.
Unaffiliated Medical Students and Residents
Unaffiliated med students and residents studying for a UCMLE Step exam or working at a local hospital can study at Crerar during regular building hours. You will need to show a schedule permit for the exam or a photo ID from the hospital where you're employed.
Corporate Members
Crerar Corporate memberships can be purchased annually by companies and organizations for borrowing privileges from the Library's physical collections and access to electronic resources while on campus. Contact crerar-corporate@lib.uchicago.edu for more information on membership.