Latest Update: Monday, January 11, 2021
The libraries are here to help you succeed. As the University adjusts its posture, so do the libraries with appropriate modifications to services and facilities. Please continue to check this page for updates and additional details.
There are now three ways you can access library materials.
Please note that the emergency electronic access to HathiTrust full-text books has stopped because of copyright restrictions. It is possible that something that was available electronically before, is now only available in print. Print books that were in the emergency access program continue to be available to you via direct access in libraries or no-contact pick up.
Reciprocal borrowing accounts for local/regional University affiliates, including Carnegie Mellon University and PALCI members, are not being issued at this time. Please contact your local college or university library for assistance locating library materials.
If you still have items checked out from last spring, don’t panic! You do not need to renew or return library materials at this time unless they have been recalled. All library materials (excluding Health Sciences Library System and Barco Law Library) checked out during the 2019-2020 academic year (including E-ZBorrow and Interlibrary Loans) are now due April 30, 2021.
However, Users can renew their own items any time by going into 'My Account' on PittCat. If your PittID is expired, you will need to contact Panther Central to renew it. Ask Us if you have any questions! See our FAQ for more information about returning your materials.
Visit https://newpittcat.pitt.edu for more information and be sure to check out this introductory video! You're welcome to join us for a workshop overview of the new PittCat and introduction to search functionality. Workshop presenters will review basic and advanced features of the system, followed by Q&A. See the upcoming workshop schedule on our event calendar.
The Reading Rooms at Thomas Boulevard and Hillman Library (third floor) are open by appointment only. Appointments need to be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance. For the safety of our researchers, visits will be limited to maintain social distancing. All researchers are required to wear a self-provided mask and complete a daily self-attestation form for each visit. We will provide gloves to handle the materials.
Please contact us to schedule an appointment. A member of Archives & Special Collections will follow-up with you to discuss your research request.
The new Digital Interactive Wall is hosted by Archives & Special Collections on the third floor of Hillman Library. While practicing social distancing, please use the disposable styluses provided to interact with the digital wall which is being cleaned on a regular basis. We ask that you please do NOT sanitize your hand to touch the screen since topical hand sanitizer can damage the screen's surface. Please enjoy your visit and contact us with your feedback or questions.
As stated above, you do not need to renew or return your materials to the library at this time, unless they have been recalled. Please be assured that no fines will be imposed on items that have had their due dates extended. However, all library materials checked out during the 2019-2020 academic year are due by April 30, 2021. This includes E-ZBorrow and ILL materials.
Note that we are quarantining all returned materials for three days (72 hours) before they’re checked in, so items may still appear on your account for several days after you return them. Rest assured, you will not receive any fines for this delay.
If you wish to return physical materials to Hillman Library, please use the external book drop near the ground floor entrances (Forbes Avenue side) just down the ramp and on the left before you reach the doors. Hillman Library’s book drop is open and available for book drop-offs anytime.
If you would like to return your materials by mail, you can do so to the following addresses:
ALL Oakland Campus libraries:
Hillman Library
Donald S. Wood Service Desk
3960 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Note: Hillman Library’s bookdrop is open and available for book drop-offs anytime (located at the Ground Floor entrance, Forbes Ave side)
Bradford Campus:
Hanley Library
300 Campus Drive
Bradford, PA 16701
Note: Bradford’s Hanley library has a book drop outside that can also be used for returning books
Greensburg Campus:
Millstein Library
150 Finoli Drive
Greensburg, PA 15601
Johnstown Campus:
Owen Library
450 Schoolhouse Road
Johnstown, PA 15904
Note: Johnstown's Owen Library has two book drops. One is in the Owen Library building's first floor lobby, and the other is outside the Owen Library building's ground floor entrance.
Titusville Campus:
Haskell Memorial Library
504 East Main Street
Titusville, PA 16354
Enter your query into PittCat search as usual. Then, filter your results by clicking “Available Online” in the “Customize Your Search” sidebar. You will find hundreds of thousands of e-books and e-journal articles, freely available for Pitt affiliates.
For more information about online resources, see our PittCat guide.
Please complete the E-reserves Request form.
Please contact Archives & Special Collections directly via the Ask an Archivist form.
Lockers are not available for general use at this time. If you need to access items previously stored in a locker or carrel, please Ask Us. Ph.D. carrels at Hillman Library are accessible to assigned students and graduate students only, following social distancing protocols.
We have subject specialist librarians for over 70 areas. Click here to find yours. We also provide Digital Scholarship Services and Electronic Theses & Dissertation Support. If you’re a faculty member at one of our regional campus libraries, please contact your library for assistance.
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact the ULS Director, Kornelia Tancheva at tancheva@pitt.edu.