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. Observing this courtesy ensures support of K12 visits and resources.
Please do not bring a group during FINALS WEEK* (see calendar)
- Books: Save time! Search MNCAT before your visit. When you arrive you will know locations and call numbers, and have time to search subscription databases, and explore the building and the collections.
- Computers: most computers in Wilson require logon with U of M ID. As a guest, you may ask a staff member to log on for you. We need to keep some computers available for use by U of M students. The availability 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.
- College in the Schools: please see the College in the Schools Instructors' Guide to the University Libraries and contact Kate Peterson for information.
- History Day: explore 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!
- Subjects in Wilson - 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.
- Need a break? The basement level has a coffee shop with pastries, sandwiches and beverages. Clarify your expectations regarding it with your students before they arrive.
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:
Free Periodical Indexes (no login needed)
K12 Research Project Calculator (see also 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 . There's also a shorter list of basic resources by SUBJECT on the Undergraduate Virtual Library page.