How to Reserve a Room

The interface for reserving a room in the libraries can be confusing at first. Here are steps and suggestions that should help.

To get in to the campus room reservations system (EMS), click on the link on the Libraries reservation page, or go to https://uwmadison.emscloudservice.com/web/samlauth.aspx


Click on either of the “Create A Reservation” links to see the available reservation options.


You will see a number of choices available to you from different campus service units. Options in the Libraries start with “Libraries”. Click on ABOUT to see more details and rules about each space type. Click on BOOK NOW to continue making the reservation for a space type.


In the left column, enter the date and time for your intended reservation. Click the SEARCH button.


You should see a list of library study rooms for the date and time chosen. Green “+” icons indicate rooms that are available at the time requested. Click on a green plus to select a room.

TIP: Click on Locations: Add/Remove in the left column to limit the display to a specific building.

Click on NEXT STEP at the top to continue. (DO NOT click on Create Reservation at this time.)


4 items are required on this last page of the reservation form:

  • Event Name is the description of your reservation. Note that in some locations this could be displayed on public room schedule signs, so make sure the language is appropriate.
  • Event Type is not critical, select whatever is appropriate for your reservation.
  • Group is not critical but it is required. Select “No Group” or whatever choice is appropriate. If no choice is visible, click on the magnifying glass to search for more choices and select one. If no choices are available, fill out this form and we can fix your account.
  • 1st Contact Name can be your name.

Click on the green Create Reservation button to complete your reservation.