John M. Olin Library

Exterior image of Olin Library at night

The John M. Olin Library is the central library of the Washington University Libraries system, housing general-interest materials and collections in the humanities, sciences, and engineering.

You may search library collections in the Classic Catalog or Primo, and by exploring our Research Tools & Guides. Olin Library is also the location of many general services for the Washington University Libraries.

Please visit the Services and Borrowing & Returns pages for details about Library services and Olin Library’s Help Desk, borrowing privileges, circulation policies, fines and fees, and more.

Collection Locations and Floor Plans

Find out more information on exhibition locations and where materials are housed within Olin Library’s five floors.

Data Services Spaces & Tools

Data Services and the Research Studio are located on Level A of Olin Library and support the data needs of Washington University.

An empty table with chairs and a large screen within the Data Services Research Studio.
A photo of the Worlds of Imagination exhibition with students investigating the materials. A Worlds of Imagination promotional sign describes the three parts of this exhibition: Making Your Move, Board games from the Dowd Modern Graphic History Library; Imagining Fantastic Stories, children's literature from the Rare Books Collection; and Playing with Money, play money courtesy of the American Numismatic Association.

University Library Exhibitions

In addition to a number of digital exhibitions, Olin Library hosts a number of rotating and permanent exhibition spaces. See the Olin Library Collection Locations page for floor plan maps.

Services

Find out more information about the services offered at Olin Library including circulation policies, Interlibrary Loan, and proxy borrowing.

Study Rooms

See group study rooms in Olin Library and learn about other Olin Library spaces.

Research Support

The University Libraries provides a variety of resources to aid in your research. Learn more about the research tools and resources available to you both on- and off-campus.

Newman Exploration Center

The Newman Exploration Center offers a vibrant and dynamic space in the John M. Olin Library and showcases Washington University’s broad and varied international activities undertaken by our students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Whispers Café

Located on the ground level of the Olin Library, Whispers Café offers an expanded coffee and tea program, more grab ‘n go options, and a great place to sit and chill.

Olin Library Amenities & Technology

Olin Library offers many welcoming spaces, technology-related services, as well as audio and visual materials for our users.

Olin Library Guidelines & Policies

Learn more about Olin Library building access and usage.

Plaza Scripts

Curious about the scripts displayed on the Olin Library plaza? We’ve created a PDF guide about them.

Exterior roof of the Olin Library with a yellow ginkgo tree.

Self-Guided Tour of the John M. Olin Library

Check out our Self-Guided Tour for more information about the spaces and services available in the John M. Olin Library.

Contact Us

Departments in OlinPhoneEmail
Administration(314) 935-5400libadmin@wumail.wustl.edu
Data Services(314) 935-5492j.moore@wustl.edu
Help Desk – Circulation(314) 935-5420circ@wumail.wustl.edu
Interlibrary Loan (ILL)(314) 935-5442ill@wumail.wustl.edu
Research & Liaison Services(314) 935-5410ref@wumail.wustl.edu
Reserves(314) 935-5451reserve@wumail.wustl.edu
Special Collections(314) 935-5495spec@wumail.wustl.edu

Directions to Olin Library

Google Map directions

John M. Olin Library
MSC 1061-141-B
Washington University
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130
Phone: (314) 935-5420
circ@wumail.wustl.edu