For Visitors and Alumni

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

Library visitors can browse the catalog and wander the stacks. Some 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.

WashU alumni and St. Louis residents can check out materials from the WashU 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 WashU 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 Libraries online in advance (please be prepared to show your gift receipt).

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

WashU 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 must request items via the MOBIUS catalog and have them delivered to their home library. Due to the MOBIUS migration to a new software platform, they are no longer eligible to check out materials on-site at WashU Libraries.

WashU 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 WashU Libraries. Individuals must request a card from their home institution before visiting WashU using the SHARES Onsite Borrowing Application. The card only allows for borrowing books; it does not permit interlibrary loans or remote access to electronic resources.

WashU participates in the OCLC reciprocal borrowing program. Faculty members at other OCLC academic libraries may check out books from WashU 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 WashU Libraries are wheelchair-accessible. If you require additional assistance, please contact the Libraries 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 staff at the Olin Library Help Desk. They will be happy to retrieve the materials for you. Students with disabilities should contact WashU Disability Resources for additional information and assistance.