For Students

Student studying on campus beneath a tree.

The WashU Libraries are a powerful network of academic resources featuring 9 libraries (7 locations on the Danforth Campus, one on the West Campus, and one at the WashU Medical Campus), vast print and electronic collections, and expert librarians whose priority is helping students and faculty find the information they need.

Explore Collections | Library Spaces | Research Help | Special Collections
Graduate Students | Advisory Group | Stay Connected

Website Overview

This video provides a brief tour of the WashU Libraries website, your gateway to key academic resources including catalogs, databases, research support, special collections, and more.

Explore Our Collections

WashU Libraries house approximately two million print books, more than 60,000 print journals, over two million e-books, and hundreds of databases, as well as a wide selection of audio-visual materials, manuscripts, and more.

Discover Remote Resources

A wealth of research and academic materials is available remotely. Our electronic resources, databases, and research guides are accessible 24/7. Use your WashU credentials to access scholarly resources from off campus.

eJournals & eBooks

Learn more about our eJournals and eBooks (including the OverDrive Collection on Libby).


Library Spaces and Group Study Rooms

Students are welcome to utilize our numerous locations across the Danforth campus and reserve study spaces for individual or group work as needed.


Expert Research Help

All students are encouraged to seek help from subject librarians to refine their research topics and locate resources for assignments. For graduate students, they can also provide library instruction or create research guides for courses. 

You can find contact information to schedule a one-on-one phone, email, or virtual consultation with a subject librarian, or to ask a question via our 24/7 chat service.

Enhance Your Data and Organize Your Research

If you need guidance in understanding, managing, sharing, or analyzing data, or visually communicating through graphics or maps, our Data Services team can help. Organize your research or plan a project with the assistance of our knowledgeable and experienced staff.

Data Services offers consultations via a virtual help desk, Monday through Thursday; see the Data Services page for further details.


Access Unique Collections

A staff member shows special collections materials to a student.

The Julian Edison Department of Special Collections houses a vast range of rare primary source materials in several diverse collecting areas. Explore our archival projects and digitized collections on our website, or contact our curators for more information or assistance.


Support for Graduate Students

In addition to everything listed on this page, WashU Libraries offer services and resources tailored to graduate students:


Five students studying and chatting at a table in Olin Library.

Libraries Student Advisory Group

The Libraries Student Advisory Group (LSAG) is an opportunity for students to have an active voice at WashU Libraries.


Stay Connected

WashU Libraries offers much more than just books! Learn all about our upcoming workshops to support your research, events like lectures and film screenings, diverse exhibitions in Olin Library, awards and leadership opportunities, and more by subscribing to our monthly newsletter for students, Shelf Help. And also follow us on Instagram! That way you won’t miss out on the latest news about resources, services, and tips for success.

Working at the Libraries

We offer employment and internship opportunities for students that offer a variety of ways to engage with the Libraries and hone and develop your skills or interests. Visit our Student Employment page to peruse our current employment opportunities.

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Services for Students

See our collections, remote resources, library spaces, expert assistance, research support, and more.

Services for Faculty & Staff

Our collections, services, and resources are available to all faculty and staff with a valid WashU ID.

Services for Visitors & Alumni

Learn more about ways visitors can utilize WashU Libraries collections and services.