Tours & Field Trips
Tours are available to school and adult groups interested in learning more about John M. Olin Library. Availability is contingent on the capacity of staff and library spaces, which varies throughout the year.
If you would like to request a tour, please review the options below and fill out the Tours & Field Trips Interest Form at least 30 days before your visit. A Libraries staff member will respond to your request within 4-7 business days to make the arrangements.
Current WashU faculty and staff should contact the subject librarian for their department to coordinate a guided visit to Olin Library. If you require library instruction, please visit our Instruction page to learn more.
Tour Types
Tour options may also be combined for a more comprehensive review of bibliographic research, data resources, or special collections primary research methods.
A general tour focused on John M. Olin Library with an overview of the building’s history and interesting features, including current exhibitions on view.
Approximate time required: 1 hour
This tour will provide information and assistance on conducting research at an academic library, such as identifying primary or secondary sources, leveraging databases, navigating the stacks, and using other relevant research tools.
Approximate Time required: 1-2 hours (may vary based on group size and other factors)
This tour will focus on computationally intensive research tools, services, and spaces, such as capturing digital 3D data in the Data and Visualization Exploration (DaVE) Studio, exploring research and creativity in the Audiovisual, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality (AVA) Studio, or seeing the resources available in the hybrid Research Studio lab.
Approximate time required: 1-2 hours
These options can also be combined for a more comprehensive review of research methods and data services resources.
Visit the Julian Edison Department of Special Collections for an overview of our collecting areas, special collections spaces, and current exhibitions.
Approximate time required: 1-2 hours (may vary based on group size and other factors)