Prepare for Your Visit

Non-research visitors

  • The Fearrington Reading Room on the third floor is open for quiet study and to the public.
  • North Carolina Collection Gallery on the second (main) floor is open to the public with exhibitions.
  • The Saltarelli Exhibit Room on the third floor is open to the public.

Free access to wireless internet is available throughout campus and the library building.

If you have questions about our services and spaces, check out our FAQ page.

Before you arrive for a research visit

The Research Room at Wilson Library is open for use of Special Collections materials. Due to the high demand for space, appointments are strongly recommended. The Research Room’s hours of operation differ from the rest of Wilson Library.

Schedule a virtual research consultation if:

  • This is your first time conducting research with Special Collections materials.
  • You are a researcher not affiliated with UNC
  • You are planning an extended research visit of more than 3 days

All other researchers are also encouraged to discuss research needs and service options with a librarian before visiting:

At least two full business days before you plan to visit the Wilson Library Research Room, you should

  1. Review the Research Room’s hours of operation,
  2. Schedule a virtual research consultation,
  3. Register as a researcher, and
  4. Submit requests for collection materials. Indicate which day you plan to visit at the bottom of the requesting form.

The Research Room has limited space for groups of four or fewer researchers. If you would like to visit with a group, please email wilsonlibrary@unc.edu to schedule your appointment. All researchers in a group must register as researchers in our online system.

Request digitization

You may also submit a request to have material digitized using your research account. The availability of digital copies is subject to copyright, the condition of the materials requested and usage restrictions.

When you arrive

Location

Wilson Library is located in the center of UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus, directly across South Road from the Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower. If using a GPS device to locate us, use this address:

200 South Road
Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Parking

Parking options within a few blocks of Wilson Library include:

  • The Rams Head Parking Deck at 330 Ridge Road
  • Metered parking along South Road and Country Club Road

Check UNC-Chapel Hill Transportation and Parking’s Visitor Parking page for the current status of parking availability and a visitor parking map.

Disability access

The accessible entrance to Wilson Library is the east-side entrance of the building, facing the Undergraduate Library.

UNC-Chapel Hill disability parking spaces are located behind the Undergraduate Library, directly across from Stadium Drive. They are accessible from the South Road entrance.

Inside the building, the elevator is located past the east-side stairwell. The elevator allows access to all public areas in Wilson Library.

Check in for your research appointment

  1. Enter through Wilson Library’s front or east (accessible) doors and proceed to the lobby on the second (main) level.
  2. Check in for your appointment at the reception desk.
  3. Staff will assign your seat and remind you of the library’s policies and procedures.
  4. Wash your hands with soap and water before entering the Research Room. Hand sanitizers may leave a residue on collection materials. Reception staff will direct you to the nearest restrooms.

First time researchers

On your first visit to the Wilson Library, you will need do the following

  1. Present a form of identification. This could be:
    • Your UNC-Chapel Hill OneCard or other school ID card.
    • Your driver’s license.
    • Other government-issued identification.
  2. Have your photograph taken at the reception desk for your research account.
    • This is required of all research room users and allows us to confirm your identity each time you visit without having to present your identification again. Your photo is confidential and we will not share it.

What can I bring into the Research Room?

  • Face mask
  • Camera
  • Cellphone (set to silent or vibrate)
  • Laptop (without its sleeve or bag)
  • Loose leaf paper (no more than 10 sheets)
  • Pencils
  • USB drive

All other belongings must be stored in lockers, including:

  • Bags, purses, and pouches
  • Notebooks, notepads, binders, and folders
  • Drinks (including water bottles)
  • Food (including mints, gum, candies, and cough drops)
  • Pens
  • Scanners
  • Lighting equipment

Staff will ask to inspect items you bring into the Research Room as you enter and exit.

Inside the Research Room

Using collections materials

  • Ensure your hands are cleaned with soap and water before you handle materials.
  • The material you requested in advance will be available at your table on one cart.
  • Remove only one box or one volume at a time.
  • Follow guidance from staff about handling collection materials. Use book cradles for volumes and use cotton gloves for photographs.
  • You may only use collection materials in the Research Room. Materials do not circulate.
  • On-demand retrieval of collections may not be possible during your appointment.

Be aware that

  • Security cameras and library staff monitor the research room at all times.
  • Filming and video require advance notice and permission.  Please email us at least two weeks prior to any potential visit for these purposes.

Making copies of library material

Use our equipment for reference scans

There are two types of scanners available to you in the Research Room:

  1. An overhead scanner (KIC Bookeye IV). Save your files to a USB drive or send them to an email address.
  2. HoverCams: high-resolution, standalone document cameras. HoverCams attach to your Mac or Windows computer and allow you to save images directly to your laptop.

Use your equipment for reference scans

Bring your camera or camera phone into the research room to take digital photos of materials. Flash photography is not permitted at any time.

Order copies

Place a reproduction request for the following:

  • High-resolution scans
  • Audiovisual material
  • Material that requires special handling

Your reproductions will be delivered electronically following your research visit.

Frequently asked questions

If you have questions about our services and spaces, check out our FAQ page.

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