Wilson LIbrary SELF-GUIDED Tours
Use any of these resources to prepare to lead your students on a visit to Wilson Library.
Wilson home page provides many practical links, including hours, directions, and floor plans.
Welcome to Wilson practical guide to using Wilson Library for research
Virtual Tour of Wilson
With enough advance notice we may be able to help you plan your visit. One week or more - preferably at least two weeks - prior to your visit, contact Mary Schoenborn. We can check for any schedule conflicts ( holidays, other tour groups, etc.).
YOU NEED TO KNOW . . .
- When we're open - Check the Hours page and semester schedules. Some of our holidays may differ from those at your school.
*Please do not bring groups during the last two to three weeks of the semester, when our students need increased access to computers, library resources and quiet space to study for University course examinations.
No visits during FINALS WEEK* (see calendar)
- Getting locations and call numbers from MNCAT before your visit can give your students more time to explore the building and the collections when they're here.
- Most computers require logon with U of M ID? Staff can log on for you, but they will also need to keep some computers available for use by U of M students. The need varies by time of the semester, etc.
- Printing from computers requires a Gopher Gold card. Plan your strategies in advance. You may wish to buy one card to be shared by the group. Inform your students. You can also download files to a flash drive.
- We have a coffee shop with pastries, sandwiches and beverages. Clarify your expectations regarding it with your students before they arrive.
- If you are bringing a group for History Day research, visit our History Day Research Guide and contact the History Day Coordinator at histday@hist.umn.edu . This is essential for History Day visits, and you'll be glad you did!
- If your group is a College in the Schools class, please see the College in the Schools Instructors' Guide to the University Libraries and contact Malaika Grant at: grant044@umn.edu
- Wilson covers most of the arts, humanities and social sciences. Exceptions include Music Library (nearby in Ferguson Hall). See also Which Library? for a complete list of subjects and locations.
LET US KNOW
You are not required to get permission to visit Wilson Library before you bring a group here. However, your group will have a better experience if you notify us in advance of the:
- date and time of your visit
- size of your group
- topics they're planning to research.
COMPUTERS
Before You Visit
Our online resources that can be searched before you come include:
Unrestricted Periodical Indexes
K12 Research Project Calculator (Guide for Teachers - from MINITEX)
Using Computers in the Library
The mission of the University Libraries - Twin Cities Campus is to provide the information and services that are necessary to support the instructional programs on the Twin Cities Campus, the research and outreach programs of the entire University. Guests who are not affiliated with the University are welcome to use our print and electronic collections.
Priority for use of collections and workstations is given to University of Minnesota students, faculty, staff and others engaged in research activities. Non University guests are welcome to use our collections and our electronic resources.
The open access workstations available for non-University guests are marked with yellow labels. There are open access computers on every floor. These workstations provide access to MNCAT (our online catalog), licensed databases, and most World Wide Web sites including federal and state government sites.
Please Note:
Personal e-mail, chat and gaming activities are prohibited on our workstations. Block lists have been installed on the open access workstations in Wilson Library to prohibit access to free e-mail, chat and gaming sites.
Users of workstations shall not make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software, alter software configuration, or engage in any illegal or criminal activities. Patrons who engage in behavior that disrupts others' use of Libraries facilities for teaching, research, administrative or public service may be denied further access to the library and the public computer workstations.
If you have any questions regarding library services or policies please ask at a first floor service desk (Reference or Circulation) in Wilson Library.
Library GUIDES
PRINTED GUIDES
Basic guides are on the display racks in the first floor lobby.
Reference Room QuickSheets are one-sheet guides in the reference room, placed near the appropriate call number. Each lists a few basic print reference resources and core online indexes for the following subjects: African Studies; Anthropology; Art; Current Social Issues; Dictionaries, Languages, Linguistics; Economics; Education; Ethnic Groups in the United States; Film Reviews; History [general]; History of Countries South of Rio Grande; History, United States; Islamic Studies; Journalism; Literature; Middle East; Political Science; Psychology; Science; Sociology; Tests; and Theater & Performing Arts. Other longer subject guides may also be available on a variety of subjects.
For online resources, use the SUBJECTS menu (also called Research QuickStart).