For Visitors and Alumni

While visitors to the Julian Edison Department of Special Collections reading room are always welcome during their open hours, Special Collections research visits are by appointment only, and capacity is limited. Please see the Plan Your Visit portion of the Special Collections Research & Access page for more information.

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 remote, off-campus access to electronic resources and online databases. They are not renewable, but new temporary 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.

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 within the last twelve months 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 Program Officer for Danforth & University Initiatives Jaclyn Halaz before your visit. 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. MOBIUS members are not 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.