Services to the Community
Welcome to the University Library Systems (ULS) at the University of Pittsburgh, where we collect, organize, preserve and provide access to a diverse array of information resources in support of the University's goals of excellence in research and teaching.
These collections and services are staffed and funded to serve the scholarly needs of the University of Pittsburgh faculty, students, and staff; however, we welcome Pittsburgh community visitors to access our major academic research library.
Please note that priority is given to the University's faculty, students, and staff, and services for our visitors are subject to some restrictions on their use.
Visitors may not find the same kinds of information or resources that they encounter in a neighborhood library.
While it is the policy of the ULS to provide reasonable access to the collections for all categories of users, the ULS does make a distinction between access (library use) and borrowing (home use) privileges.
In general, visitors may use the collections within the ULS but cannot borrow materials for use at home without a special borrowing card. If you are not affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh, you may purchase a Special Borrower's Card at the Hillman Library Ground Floor Circulation Desk. The cost of the card is $50.00 for Pitt alumni and $100.00 for all others. The card is valid for a period of one year, but DOES NOT permit access to most licensed online electronic resources.
Local students
Several local colleges and universities have made arrangements with us to cooperatively allow for books to be borrowed. If you are a student at one of these institutions ask your librarian about this reciprocal borrowing program.
Services available to visitors
Assistance using PITTCat+, the online library catalog
Access to print books and journals in libraries on a self-help basis
Access to certain library resources open to the public, such as D-Scribe collections ,any open access electronic books and journals, and PITTCat+, the library online catalog
Assistance in locating appropriate collections and services
Limited telephone and e-mail assistance. Telephone and e-mail requests will be handled along with in-person requests in the order received
Visitors may access materials of interest in the collections of the Archives Service Center
Brief answers to user reference queries. For queries that require extensive research, visitors should consult their own institutions' libraries or their public libraries, where further services may be available. Users from Allegheny County , for example, can take advantage of the resources and services of the EIN and the Carnegie Library.
Questions regarding the use of the University of Pittsburgh libraries may be directed to the Hillman Library Reference/Information Desk at (412) 648-3330.