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 where materials are housed within Olin Library’s five floors.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.