Visitor Information

Welcome

Welcome to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University Libraries. In addition to serving the teaching, research and scholarly activities of Carolina students, faculty, staff, and the citizens of North Carolina, we welcome the use of our collections and services by researchers and scholars not affiliated with a university.

Access to Library Collections

Everyone is welcome to make on-site use of the libraries; however, those who do not have a current, formal relationship with UNC must pay an annual fee for a Borrower’s card in order to check books out. The Borrower’s card also provides access to the libraries’ public computers, but does not include off-site access to the libraries’ online licensed resources or services such as document delivery or interlibrary loan. UNC Alumni, resident visiting scholars, and Triangle Research Library Network (TRLN) affiliates have special borrowing and access privileges.

Visiting Scholars and Postdocs with official UNC Appointments

Visiting scholars must receive official appointments to a UNC college, school, department or organized research unit. Your UNC One Card serves as your library card. Once you have received your UNC PID and Onyen, you are automatically registered to begin using library resources.

The libraries provide access to collections, borrowing privileges, and other services to our visiting scholars and postdocs including:

  • Access to online resources are available on campus and remotely via the libraries’ proxy server.
  • 180 day loan period for most circulating books plus online renewal through My Library.
  • Carolina BLU book delivery to a nearby University Library or to a campus box number, if you have a departmental address.
  • A faculty study, in the Davis Library if space is available.

We encourage researchers to take advantage of our research consultation services and welcome suggestions from visiting scholars for titles to purchase.

If you do not have an official appointment with UNC but are in the area for research, please contact Davis Library Circulation or Research & Information Services at the Davis Library Service Desk, by phone, email, or chat for assistance with access to resources and services.

Library Computer Use

Computer use varies by library, but in all libraries academic work has priority.

Wireless Access

Several of the libraries provide access to the University’s guest wireless network.

Copying/Printing/Scanning

Copiers, printers, and scanners are available throughout the libraries. Most copiers and networked printers accept UNC One Cards, University Guest Cards, and cash. University Guest Cards (copy cards) can be purchased from an automated machine called a Tar Heel Teller. The cards cost $1, but have no value when dispensed. Money must be added to the card using the same Tar Heel Teller. Public scanners are also available throughout the libraries. Please ask at the nearest service desk for assistance or more information.

Request for Tours/School Group Visits

Many of the libraries offer tours of their buildings and collections for individuals and groups, as well as special presentations for school groups. To help us plan for your visit, please use our tour request form.

Children in the Libraries

Children are welcome, but for their safety, those under 14 must have adult supervision at all times.

Disability Access

University Libraries are committed to providing access to their collections, resources, and services to all library users, including people with physical and learning disabilities. Disability parking spaces are available across the UNC campus. Disability access to each library varies. Please contact us if you need assistance.

Directions & Parking

Carolina’s libraries are distributed across campus in more than a dozen locations. Visitor parking is available Monday through Friday at designated lots. Closer parking may be available Monday through Friday after 5pm and on weekends, but availability varies. Check the UNC Transportation & Parking website for more visitor parking information.