Library carrels

Carrels are available to provide study space for projects and research work for which library material is needed. They are not intended to serve as offices, conference rooms, or storage space and carrel users must adhere to the carrel use agreement. The libraries have two locations with graduate student study carrels, with most being in Wilson Library (West Bank) and a limited number (10) being in Magrath Library (St. Paul Campus).

Carrel use agreement

  • Carrels are NOT a secure area. Do not store any valuables in them. The Libraries are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
  • All library materials kept in a carrel must be checked out to the carrel user. If not, these materials are essentially missing from the collection. Carrel users not following this rule may have their carrel assignment revoked.
  • Please keep your volume level to a minimum. Speaker output is not allowed, and conversations should be kept quiet.
  • The Libraries' food and drink policy applies within carrels. All beverages must have lids. Food cannot be cooked in a carrel. Electronic appliances used for food preparation (hot plates, rice cookers, etc) are prohibited.
  • Walls and doors cannot be marred with tape, nails, or other hanging devices. Individuals may be charged for significant damage to the carrel.
  • Smoking is not permitted in carrels, as per the University's smoke- and tobacco-free policy.
  • Carrels are intended for the assigned user only and are not transferable to other users.
  • Lost or unreturned carrel keys will result in a $75 rekeying fee; this fee is not refundable if the lost key is later returned. Lost keys should be immediately reported to the Libraries.
  • Carrels must be cleared of all personal belongings and library materials when the carrel key is returned. Renewing a carrel online will not affect the actual due date; carrel keys must still be returned by the initial due date assigned.

Back to top

Wilson Library

Wilson Library houses most of the carrels available on campus. 

Graduate students

Graduate carrels are assigned on a per semester basis (Fall, Spring, and Summer). The application form is typically open for about a month and a half and closes the week before the semester starts. Carrels are then assigned via a lottery system during the first week of the semester and available for pick-up by the second week. Depending on the volume of applications, there may sometimes be a waitlist. Carrels must be cleared of belongings and library materials and vacated by the carrel key’s due date.

2025 Summer Semester graduate student applications will be accepted between Monday, April 14th and Friday, May 16th

Faculty and staff

Carrels are assigned as available and the form can be filled out at any time. Rooms are renewed on a yearly basis each January. 

Contacts

Apply for a carrel

Back to top

Magrath Library

Magrath Library has a limited number of carrels (ten) for faculty and graduate students. They are assigned on a first come, first served basis. 

Graduate carrels are assigned on a per semester basis at the beginning of each semester. Carrels must be cleared of belongings and library materials and vacated by carrel key’s due date. 

Faculty carrels are assigned as available and are renewed on a yearly basis.

Contacts

Apply for a carrel

Back to top

Law Library

Law Library carrels are managed on their study carrel page.

Back to top