For Visitors and Alumni

Library visitors can obtain temporary credentials by presenting a photo ID at the nearest Library Help Desk. Temporary credentials do not provide access to remote subscription databases. These credentials are good for 30 days. Temporary credentials are not renewable but new credentials can be requested as needed.

Library visitors can browse the catalog and wander the stacks. Some Library services, such as public computers, eResources, and in-person reference consultations, are limited and/or based on availability.

While visitors to the Julian Edison Department of Special Collections reading room are always welcome during their open hours of operation, Special Collections research visits are by appointment only and limited capacity. Please see the Plan Your Visit portion of the Special Collections Research & Access page for more information.

Washington University alumni and St. Louis residents can check out materials from the University Libraries by joining the Century Club. Basic membership is $100 per year (this does not include off-campus access to most databases and e-journals).

Current Eliot Society members who have committed or already paid for the 2022 fiscal year (July 1, 2021 – present) can renew their library card privileges onsite at Olin Library. If you do not have an Eliot Society card, please bring a copy of a gift receipt or contact the Director of Advancement for the University Libraries Rebecca Wagner before your visit and your information will be passed to the circulation staff. 

If you wish to renew or start a Century Club membership and gain a library card valid for one year, you can make a gift of $100 or more to the University Libraries online in advance (please be prepared to show your gift receipt) or bring a check or credit card to the Olin Help Desk.

Cardholders at some public libraries in the St. Louis area may check out books from Washington University Libraries with an INFO-PASS. Ask your library if it participates in the INFO-PASS program.

Washington University is a member of MOBIUS, a consortium of over 60 academic and public libraries in Missouri and beyond. Students and faculty members at other MOBIUS institutions can check out books using their university ID. MOBIUS users who do not live in the St. Louis area are encouraged to request items via the MOBIUS catalog and have them delivered to their home library, rather than checking them out in person.

Washington University participates in the SHARES Onsite Borrowing Program. Faculty, staff, and students from participating universities may obtain a courtesy borrower card and check out books from Washington University Libraries. Individuals must request a card from their home institution prior to visiting Washington University using the SHARES Onsite Borrowing Application. The card only allows for borrowing books. The card does not permit interlibrary loans or remote access to electronic resources.

Washington University participates in the OCLC reciprocal borrowing program. Faculty members at other OCLC academic libraries may check out books from Washington University Libraries by obtaining an OCLC card. Faculty members must request the card from their institution’s library. The card only allows for borrowing books. The card does not permit interlibrary loans or remote access to electronic resources.

All Washington University Libraries are wheelchair-accessible. If you require additional assistance, please contact the library directly. Visitors can call Disability Resources at (314) 935-5970 or the Habif Health & Wellness Center at (314) 935-6666 for more information about assistance navigating the Danforth Campus.

If you have difficulty retrieving materials from the stacks or other library areas, please notify the staff at the Help Desk. They will be happy to retrieve the materials for you. Students with disabilities should contact Washington University Disability Resources, part of Cornerstone: Center for Advanced Learning, for additional information and assistance.