Reading Room Access

The Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collection Research Center reading room is open on a walk-in basis for University of Chicago faculty, students, and staff and by appointment only for general public researchers. Requests for materials should be submitted at least one business day ahead of visit.

Appointments will open up on a rolling basis throughout the quarter. Researchers needing to make travel plans are welcome to Contact SCRC staff about possible reservations further out.

University of Chicago Faculty, Students, and Staff

The reading room is open for walk-ins on a first come, first served basis. Appointments are not required, but are recommended to guarantee a seat.

Reserve a seat in the Special Collections reading room with the UChicago Reservation System.

Non-University of Chicago Researchers and UChicago Alumni

Appointments are required for general public and UChicago alumni researchers. Reserve a seat in the Special Collections reading room with the General Public Reservation System.

If Reservations are full, you can add your name to the Reading Room Seats Waitlist. A Special Collections staff member will contact you if a seat opens up.

See Visitors to the Library for more information about access.

All Researchers

Once your reading room appointment has been confirmed by Special Collections staff via email, request your materials using your SCRC Account and the links in the Library catalog or the Finding Aids Database

You can request up to 10 books or standard archival boxes or 6 archival storage containers (from unprocessed collections)

Please Note the Following:

• General public researchers should not come to Special Collections if you have not had a confirmation email from SCRC staff.
• If you are not feeling well, please respect everyone’s safety and email the SCRC staff to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

Hours of Operation

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday

• 9am - 4:45am

Wednesday

• 10am - 4:45pm