New Private Carrels Program for Graduate Students

Starting in January 2026, WashU Libraries is launching a new program to better align our spaces with community needs. The private “Studies”–small, private spaces on levels A & B of Olin Library–will transition from service primarily for faculty, to being available to graduate students. This change was taken after careful consideration of user feedback and in consultation with the Faculty Libraries Council.

Graduate students in Arts & Sciences, McKelvey School of Engineering, Olin Business School, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, School of Public Health, and the School of Continuing & Professional Studies will be eligible to utilize the new Private Carrels service.

There will be two levels of service for this program: short-term and long-term.

Short-term Private Carrel reservations will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students should visit the main Olin Library Help Desk to request a short-term Private Carrel.

A long-term Private Carrel program will allow graduate students to be assigned to their own Private Carrel through June 2026. Assignments will be made via a very brief application process, which is open from January 12 through January 30. Eligible applicants will be chosen via a random selection process, with notifications and assignments beginning in early February.

Private Carrels are intended only for private study. They are not temporary offices and should not be used to hold office hours or host any noisy activities. Full usage guidelines are available online and will be posted in each carrel.