Plan Your Library Visit

The Library is a public non-circulating, closed-stack collection. This means materials remain in the Museum, and shelves are not open for browsing.

To prepare for your visit:

Search the Library’s catalog: Explore our online catalog to identify books and materials relevant to your research.

Tips for Searching the Collection

• The library’s catalog cannot compensate for misspellings or incorrect citations.  
• While some article titles are indexed, searching by journal title is a more reliable means of finding your article.
• Use the options in the left navigation panel to filter results by format, date, and other criteria. (If you plan to run several searches using the same filters, select Retain Filters at the top of the left-side panel).
• Advanced search options are available.
• The library’s electronic resources include both open-access materials and subscription-based databases. If a link prompts you to log into the Field Museum Remote Proxy, this means public access is available onsite only. Library staff and affiliates may contact the Library to set up remote access privileges.

For researchers studying the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition:
We maintain a comprehensive inventory of related materials. We recommend reviewing this inventory before submitting your research requests.

For researchers studying Field Museum specimens:

The Field Museum welcomes researchers from around the world to study our specimen collections. Many also take advantage of the Library during their visit, and we are happy to support their research needs. If you plan to use library collections in addition to specimen collections, please contact the Library in advance to schedule an appointment.

Library appointments for visitors are available Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Appointments are made on a first come, first serve basis. Any member of the public with a need to use library materials may request an appointment. 

When requesting an appointment, please include a list of the titles you wish to view so we can ensure they are available. We recommend making your request at least 48 hours in advance. Appointments will be confirmed at least 24 hours before your visit. Walk-in visitors will only be accommodated if staffing and space are available.

To schedule your visit or to make an inquiry about the collection, please use this contact form [link].

Upon arrival, Library visitors will sign in with Protection Services who will issue a visitor pass. Protection Services will notify the Library’s Reference Desk (x7887), and a staff member will escort you to the Reading Room, located on the Museum’s 3rd floor. 

All materials must be used in the Library’s Reading Room. Researchers are expected to follow library policies during their visit.

If you are visiting only the Library, you do not need to purchase Museum admission. For travel and parking information, see our Directions & Parking page.