Visit Memorial Library

Visitors are welcome!

Memorial Library supports study and teaching at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Central to our mission are the vast collections we develop, the expertise we provide, and the excellent services we offer. We welcome the larger community of researchers and the general public to visit. Please also review the University of Wisconsin – Madison Libraries’ commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Access

To enter Memorial Library, patrons must produce a valid UW-Madison Wiscard, University of Wisconsin System ID card, Community Borrowing card, or Visitor’s Pass. Please visit our Access page for further details.

Campus and UW System affiliates

Please show your Wiscard or UW System ID card to the staff member at the Welcome Desk.

Community members and other visitors

Please provide your Community Borrowing Card, if applicable. You may also be asked for a photo ID. Visitors without cards may obtain a day pass at the Welcome Desk once every 7 days with valid identification. Visitors requiring more frequent access should apply for an Extended Day Pass.

Learn about and apply for a Community Borrowing Card.

Preparing for your visit

Review the library’s days and hours of operation as well as directions, transportation, and parking information. Contact us if the date you wish to visit is not listed.

Memorial Library offers a range of services for individuals with disabilities.

Ensure availability

Before you arrive, search the Library Catalog and review Memorial Library collections to ensure the resources you are interested in are held at Memorial Library and available. See our How to Use the Catalog page for guidance, or contact Memorial staff with questions. If an item(s) you want to use is located at one of our shelving facilities, please request the materials 3 business days in advance. If you are unable to place a request, please contact Memorial staff.

Computer access

The majority of our computers require a UW-Madison NetID and password to login and use the workstations. If you have your own device, you may connect to the wireless network as a guest and have access to the majority of our electronic resources. If you do not have a UW-Madison NetID and password, and cannot bring a wireless device to the library, please contact Circulation Support with the date you plan to visit to request a Guest NetID. Receiving a Guest NetID may take at least 24 hours, and requests are processed only on weekdays.  If you are requesting an Extended Day Pass, we will initiate the Guest NetID process on your behalf.

Extended access to Memorial

Researchers wanting to use Memorial Library resources onsite over a period of days or weeks may apply for an Extended Day Pass.

Once you have arrived

Service Desks

Visit the Circulation & Information Desk to have your questions answered. You may also check out materials and have materials retrieved from closed collections at the Circulation & Information Desk.

Computer Use

Computers for public use are available in several locations, but most require a login to use. Learn more about what we have and how to get wireless access on our Computing and Technology webpage. When in the library, you will be able to use most of electronic resources to which we subscribe.

Print/Copy/Scan

We have a variety of scanners, black and white printers, and black and white photocopiers. Visit our Print/Copy/Scan webpage for more information.

Navigating the Library

Search for your item(s) by call number in our Stack Guide or locate a specific area of Memorial using the Floor Plans.

Also in Memorial Library

These units may have hours different from Memorial Library. Please visit their page(s) for hours and information.

Other resources and amenities