Frequently Asked Questions

Wilson Library is open to the public during operating hours. Please note that food is not permitted inside the library. Securely covered drinks that will not spill if tipped over may be brought in.

Wilson Library and Research Room Hours

• Wilson Library is generally open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Research Room hours are:
  • Monday: 10 AM – 4PM
  • Tuesday: 10AM – 7PM
  • Wednesday – Friday: 10AM – 4PM
  • Saturday and Sunday: Closed
  • Appointments are highly encouraged
• Visit the Libraries’ hours page for a current schedule. Hours may change during holidays and intersessions.

Wilson Library Spaces

• The Fearrington Reading Room is open for quiet study.
• The North Carolina Collection Gallery and Saltarelli Exhibit Room are open with exhibits
• The Research Room is open for researchers using Special Collections materials. Appointments are highly encouraged.

Access materials in person

The Research Room at Wilson Library is open by appointment.

Scheduling a virtual research consultation may be helpful if

• You are a researcher not affiliated with UNC-Chapel Hill.
• This will be your first time conducting research using Special Collections materials.

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

• Write to wilsonlibrary@unc.edu.
• Schedule a virtual consultation.

Access materials online

Some of the Library’s unique materials have been digitized for research, teaching, and discovery. The Exhibitions and Collections pages are good places to start.

If you are looking for specific materials or have questions about accessing collections, write to us at wilsonlibrary@unc.edu.

You may request limited reproductions of collection materials through your user account. Note that copying services may not be available for some materials and can only be done as conditions and restrictions allow. Visit our Request Copies page for more information.

Yes, you can make a photoduplication request through your user account and indicate that you need to publish the item.

Classes are welcome to schedule an instruction session to visit the library and learn using Special Collections materials with the aid of one of our instruction librarians. Use our online form to request an instruction session and we will be in touch to talk through your instruction needs.

Yes, request items through their catalog records using your Onyen or borrower’s card credentials.

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 33 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.

• The Fearrington Reading Room (quiet study) on the third floor.
• The Wilson Library lobby on the second (main) floor.
• The Music Library on the first floor.
• Seating on the first-floor hallway.

No food is permitted inside the library. Securely covered drinks that will not spill if tipped over may be brought in.

The Pleasants Family Assembly Room is reservable on weekdays by University departments and offices. For more information, please review our Guidelines for Use.

There are five places where visitors can view exhibitions. All physical exhibits are currently on the second (main) floor.

• The North Carolina Collection Gallery.
• The Saltarelli Exhibition Room on the third floor
• The Pleasants Family Assembly Room.
• Display cases along the main hallway leading to the Research Room.
• Browse exhibitions on our Exhibitions page.

While we are unable to offer guided tours at this time, you are still welcome to visit and explore public spaces in the library:

First floor

• The Music Library.

Second (main) floor

• The North Carolina Collection Gallery.
• The exhibition in the Pleasants Family Assembly Room.
• Display cases along the main hallway leading to the Research Room.

Third floor

• The Fearrington Reading Room.
• The Saltarelli Exhibition Room.

Contact us for more information about Wilson Library’s available services and spaces.