Information for Visitors to the UGA Libraries

Anyone may visit our libraries and use materials, databases, and resources on-site.  During public hours, Main Library visitors without a UGA ID will need to register as a visitor at our Security & Visitor Check-In desk by presenting a government issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.).

Access, at the following locations, is limited to current UGA Faculty/Students/Staff using their UGA ID and to UGA affiliates and scholars/students with a valid higher education ID:

  • Main Library after 6pm
  • McBay Library after 6pm
  • Miller Learning Center after 9pm

Access may be limited due to space or security considerations, but visitors generally have access to the following:

  • Library stacks
  • Special collections
  • Licensed databases
  • Wireless internet
  • Scanners and printers
  • Library repository materials
  • Research workstations 
  • Microfiche/Microfilm Readers
  • Assistive technology devices

All visitors must comply with UGA Libraries Conduct Policy. Expressive activities must comply with UGA's Freedom of Expression Policy.

Some services may require advance preparation, such as accessing special collections or materials from our repository. Contact one of our libraries for more specific details about these services.

Parking

Information about parking may be found at each library location page.

 

Alumni

UGA graduates may request borrowing privileges with the UGA Libraries. Please visit the Alumni Borrowing web page or contact the Access Services Department at 706-542-3256 or email maincirc@uga.edu for more information on Alumni library privileges. 

Other Borrowers (non-UGA or University system affiliates, visitors)

Other Borrowers will need to apply for UGA Library privileges. Please see the link for details or contact the Access Services Department at 706-542-3256 or email maincirc@uga.edu for more information.

University System of Georgia affiliates (faculty, staff, and students)

Bring your University ID card to borrow from our collections. Students at USG or other higher education institutions may use their student ID to enter the Main and McBay Libraries after 6 p.m. or the Miller Learning Center after 9 p.m.

Online Resources and Computing

The UGA Libraries subscribe to hundreds of research databases, over 48,000 electronic journals, and approximately 400,000 full-text e-books, which visitors can access on campus.

Members of the general public may use public-access computing stations at the Main Library and Miller Learning Center (ask for login credentials at the security desk), as well as the McBay Science Library. Guest wireless on campus is available through the self-service UGA_Visitors_Wifi.

Research Help

Librarians are available to help you in person at each library, as well as by phone (706-542-3251), email, and chat.

Genealogy

The Main Library and the Hargrett Rare Books and Manuscripts Library contain genealogical materials. Ask for help at the reference desk in the Main Library, or in the Special Collections building.

Printing and Copying

Please see our Print, Scan and Copy page for detailed information about these services.

Libraries and Collections

Main Library

The Main Library holds materials relating to the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts. It also houses the Media Collection and Map & Government Information Library. Additionally, it is the home of Research and Computational Data Management, the Digital Library of Georgia, the University of Georgia Press, and the Georgia Review.

McBay Science Library

Located in the heart of South Campus, the Shirley Mathis McBay Science Library houses materials related to the natural, physical, and life sciences, as well as medical and technical subjects. It is also home to the Makerspace, and the South Campus Writing Center and GradsWrite: Graduate Writing Center.

Miller Learning Center

The MLC is a collaborative effort of the University Libraries, Enterprise Information Technology Service (EITS) and the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). The MLC offers beautiful study spaces including 96 group study rooms; hundreds of computers, printing, and tech lending (laptops, DSLR cameras, projectors, and more); great classrooms hosting courses from across the disciplines; and support for teaching and learning with full time computing, research and classroom support staff on hand. It's also home to Jittery Joe's for coffee and snacks and, during the fall and spring semesters, is open 24 hours.