Visitor Access

The award-winning University of Minnesota Libraries are open to the public. With millions of titles available in our general collections and treasures held by our archives and special collections, we are among the University’s and the state’s greatest intellectual assets. Visit one of our many libraries today!

Access to Materials in Library Buildings

Visitors may access physical materials (books, journals, videos) within library buildings. Current students, faculty, and staff may check out materials using their U of M identification card. Learn about borrowing options for visitors on our "Borrowing Privileges" page

We encourage visitors to contact the specific library of interest prior their visit, especially when planning group visits. Doing so helps us provide you with the best possible research experience. If you are not sure where to start, please contact Wilson Reference at (612) 626-2227 or email at wilsref@umn.edu.

Access to Computers and Online Resources

Current University of Minnesota--Twin Cities students, faculty, and staff have unlimited access to library computers.

All other visitors must stop by a library service desk to sign up for computer workstation card by presenting a valid government issued photo ID. This card will give the visitor up to two hours of computer access per day and is valid for six months. After six months the card may be renewed with library staff.

Additional visitor computer access is available by joining the Friends of the Libraries or qualifying for a Special Borrowing Privileges card.

Visitors may use library computers to access most of our licensed indexes and databases and electronic books while using library computer workstations. Visitors are expected to abide by University Libraries policies.

Off-Site Access to Online Resources

Due to licensing restrictions, off-site access to online resources is only available to current University of Minnesota--Twin Cities students, faculty, and staff.

Minnesota residents can take advantage of the Electronic Library of Minnesota for journal articles, ebooks, and more. You can also look through our list of freely available databases.

Alumni have additional options through the Alumni Association.