Visitor Information

The UW-Madison Libraries emphasize service and see over 4,000,000 visitors every year. Library staff take an active interest in serving the teaching, research and scholarly activities of UW System students, faculty, staff, and the citizens of Wisconsin as well as visiting scholars.

Using the Collections

Print collections

Visitors are welcome to access library collections during open hours. Visitors to Memorial Library can view additional information here.

Campus visitors with an existing campus library card can use the Library Catalog to request items be placed on hold and then either drop in or schedule an appointment to pick the items up. Read more about the Pickup by Appointment service, where we get the books off the shelf, check them out for you, and have them ready for you to pick up quickly from Memorial Library at your appointment time.

Online resources

Visitors may access electronic resources by visiting campus libraries during open hours.

Wisconsin residents may access selected electronic resources without traveling to Madison by using Badgerlink and other local library resources.

Members of the Wisconsin Alumni Association also have access to selected electronic resources via their WAA Membership.

Access to Wisconsin Historical Society

Anyone can visit the Wisconsin Historical Society and use their resources. For more visitor information, see their website.