Welcome new students: Here’s what you can do at your library
Welcome! As you begin your academic journey at Boston University, the BU Libraries are here to guide you. Our expert librarians and array of resources can help you dive into your classes, develop new research skills, and learn. Explore the list below to learn about just some of the tools, resources, and supports available to you–no matter your major, schedule, or academic focus.
Get Expert Research Help
BU librarians can help you develop a search strategy and find scholarly sources, show you how to use resources and tools, and answer questions about the research process. Just Ask a Librarian!
Visit askalibrarian.bu.edu to call, chat, text, email, or set up an appointment with a librarian.
If you aren’t sure where to begin, use BU Libraries How-To Guides to get started with the research process and research more effectively.
Study and Collaborate
The BU Libraries branches offer a variety of seating options and noise levels so you can find the study spot that best meets your needs. Open study spaces offer three zones of noise levels—silent, considerate, and collaborative—to accommodate different needs.
Reservable spaces are also available across BU Libraries locations for individual study or group work.
Browse all Libraries study space options.
Borrow books & access scholarly materials
The BU Libraries provide a wide variety of high-quality scholarly materials, including academic databases, eJournals, eBooks, and print resources, scores, video and audio recordings, and other items. You can even sign up for a subscription to the New York Times and browse newspapers and magazines in PressReader.
BU Libraries Search provides a single place to search our collections. Review tutorials and FAQs to get the most out of BU Libraries Search.
If you need materials beyond the BU Libraries collections, we may be able to obtain them from another library for you. Learn about making an Interlibrary Loan request.
Use subject specific tools & resources
BU Libraries collections include industry-specific databases, and the Pardee Management Library provides access to a Bloomberg terminal. Library Research Guides and Course Guides offer topic- and class-specific resources to help you find quality sources in your areas of research.
If you need help, meet with a subject specialist librarian.
Explore special collections
The Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center at the BU Libraries is the University’s central repository for archives, personal papers, and rare books. Its collections include the papers of notable individuals, the records of organizations, and rare books. Learn more about our special collections, make an appointment for archival research, and visit one of our curated exhibitions.