University of Pittsburgh Library System

Hillman Library Public and Access Services

The Hillman Library Public and Access Services team provides guidance and support for members of the Pitt community and beyond. By removing barriers and clarifying processes, we facilitate the discovery of library resources. As part of an inclusive, holistic educational experience, we're a supportive and responsive partner for researchers and learners as they ask questions, broaden horizons, and create knowledge.
We are committed to:

1. Empowering library users by encouraging dialogue, promoting inclusivity, and increasing equity of access
2. Facilitating connections to promote research and scholarship
3. Providing knowledgeable and courteous service for library users in locating and utilizing materials and resources effectively

We provide the following services and support:

Resource Sharing & Fulfillment

• EZBorrow – If the University Library System does not have a book that you need, EZBorrow allows Pitt students, faculty, and staff to directly request and borrow items from our partner libraries. 
• Faculty Office Delivery – Faculty members may set up direct office delivery of library materials from within the ULS or from EZBorrow or Interlibrary Loan.
• Get It! – Materials in the University Library System, including the Thomas Blvd. Library, can be requested via Get it! and delivered to your location of choice or scanned and sent via email.
• Interlibrary Loan – If the University Library System does not have a book or article that you need, you can submit your request through Interlibrary Loan and the materials will be borrowed on your behalf from another library.
• Scanning Services – In addition to scanning materials requested through the above fulfillment services, we collaborate with library colleagues to offer specialized scanning and digitization services for large-scale or special items.

Donald S. Wood Service Desk

• Circulation & Access – Using an active Panther card, students, faculty, and staff of the University may borrow library materials. We’re available to help with any questions related to loan periods, renewals, or fees.
• Course Reserves – Faculty and instructors can select library materials or provide personal copies of course readings they would like to make available for students on Course Reserve. The ULS also offers electronic reserves available through a password-protected interface. Students have the option to suggest materials for course reserve and we work directly with course instructors about the possibilities.
• Reference & Referral – For anyone visiting the Desk in person, we provide directional or introductory research guidance on using the Library and our resources. We offer a singular point of contact for visitors, students, faculty, and staff in determining the next steps in their research process. You can also reach us via telephone, text, or chat! If you have questions that are more in-depth, we’ll put you in contact with the appropriate library expert or specialist to schedule a consultation.
• Technology Lending – In addition to circulating library materials, you can checkout laptops, headphones, external batteries, phone chargers, portable whiteboards and markers, and more!

Collections

• Access to Microforms and Maps – We facilitate in-library access to collections of microforms and maps that are located at Thomas Blvd. Library, as well as any technology required to view or scan these materials.
• Secure Access On-Site – For researchers who request to use non-circulating library materials, our specialists facilitate the access to and security of those materials.
• Stacks Maintenance – In collaboration with ULS colleagues, our specialists maintain and manage the book stacks in Hillman Library, including the transition of materials to Thomas Blvd Library and to various floors of the Hillman Library during the top-to-bottom building renovation.

Spaces in Hillman

• Dissertation Writing and Graduate Study Rooms – Hillman Library houses these quiet spaces where PhD candidates and graduate students pursue their program degree. Our specialists maintain the secure access to the rooms and provide regular communication for users of the spaces.
• Lockers – Self-service lockers on the third and fourth floors of Hillman Library are available on a first-come/first-served basis.
• Open 24/5 (during academic year) – Our specialists maintain the Hillman Library’s hours of operation during the 24/5 schedule throughout the academic year and 24/7 during the final three weeks of each semester, ensuring access around-the-clock to library resources and study spaces for the Pitt community when they are needed the most.

Please ask us if you have any questions!