Hours
Our hours are:
Monday – Thursday, 8 am – 10 pm
Friday, 8 am – 7 pm
Saturday, 9 am – 7 pm
Sunday, 9 am – 10 pm
On Site Appointments
Do I need to make an appointment to come to the Library to study or use a computer?
Yes. Appointments are available for 2 hour blocks up to 3 times a day during library hours and must be booked online. Our usable space has been significantly reduced due to social distancing requirements and to ensure a safe environment must be more closely regulated.
- You must have completed the Emory Fall 2020 Onboarding to return to campus. Clearance will be verified by library staff prior to approving the appointment. Please check your onboarding status before making an appointment.
- Entrance requires Emory card swipe access into the library.
- To use a printer please make an appointment to use a workstation.
- To use our specialized software, please make an appointment for a specialized software workstation.
- Non-Emory members of the public are not allowed on campus at this time. Please consult the Return to Campus plan for updates.
For further assistance with appointments,
please contact Ask a Librarian or call our Information Desk at 404-727-8727.
Spaces Available
What spaces are available to reserve?
Appointments may be made in 2 hour increments up to a maximum of 6 hours per day for the following activities:
| Activity | Maximum Duration | Advance Booking | Max. Days in Advance | Number Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Study Spaces (Table or seat) |
6 hours | 12 hours | 14 |
Plaza Level: 19 Level 1: 33 |
| Workstations (Includes 2 with specialized software on Plaza Level) |
6 hours | 12 hours | 14 |
Plaza Level: 9 Level 1: 3 |
| Course Viewing Room | 6 hours | 12 hours | 14 |
Plaza Level: 9 |
Research Support & Consultations
How can I ask a research question?
We provide virtual reference and research services through Ask a Librarian, Monday to Friday, 8 am - 6 pm and Saturday and Sunday, 9 am - 6 pm. All queries will be routed to the appropriate person.
Can I meet with an informationist?
Yes! You may reach out to individual informationists or click the button below to schedule a consultation via Zoom.
For other WHSC Library staff please see our library directory.
Classes, Workshops & Library Instruction
Can I schedule a library instruction session for my students in the Fall?
Yes. To request library instruction to support a specific class or assignment, please contact us with details at Ask a Librarian. Your request will be directed to an informationist who will work with you.
Are there general library instruction sessions for the Fall?
Yes. We are offering our workshops via Zoom. Woodruff Library also hosts classes that you are welcome to attend. Consult their Events Calendar for days and times.
Questions about PubMed, EndNote, Grey Literature, Systematic Reviews?
We also offer virtual Office Hours: See Calendar of Workshops & Open Classes for dates/times.
Specialized Software
Can I still use the specialized software?
Yes. To use our specialized software, please make an appointment for one of our two specialized software workstations. Students may also request remote access to on-campus workstations to use the software.
Course Reserves
How do I access course reserves?
Faculty may make content available to their students through Course Reserves or may send requests to Ask a Librarian. Our informationists can assist you in finding online versions of physical books or replacement readings.
Students can access Course Reserves through the LITS website.
Will the Library offer print course reserves on site in the fall semester?
No, there will be no reserves due to coronavirus hygiene and sanitation issues.
Online Materials
Do I have access to eBooks?
Yes. Use the library catalog, discoverE, to search for eBooks. On the left-hand side of the results screen, you can select to show only "Full Access Online" or "eBooks." If you wish to limit a search just to eBooks, you can also use the Advanced Search and select material type: eBooks.
Where are the databases?
icon that links to full-text.
Can I access eJournals?
Yes. The eJournals A-Z list provides a list of all electronic journals licensed by Emory Libraries.
Tools for Finding Full Text
What's the easiest way to find full text articles?
There are several plug-ins available to the Emory community that make it easier to identify Emory digital resources.
Option 1. LibKey Nomad, for Chrome, Firefox, & Edge is a free plugin that helps you access articles. Once it has been installed, the LibKey icon pops up on pages for electronic articles that are available through Emory. Learn how to install the plug in: LibKey Nomad Installation.
Option 2. Another option is to install the Emory Proxy Resolver Bookmarklet for Chrome, Firefox & Safari. If an article web page suggests you need to pay for the article, use this bookmarklet to see if it's available for free through Emory. To install on your browser:
Option 3. If you use Google Scholar, turn on the the Emory holdings in Settings > Library Links.
Borrowing Information
Library stacks are closed, however physical items may be requested for contact-free pick up. To request an item, please follow these steps:
- Go to the Library Catalog (discoverE) and sign in with your Emory NetID in the upper right corner.
- Search for the item you want and click on the title.
- Click on the Locate/Request Item tab. Click on Request and fill in the required fields. Set the Pickup Location to Woodruff Health Sciences Ctr.
- When the item is available for pick up, you will receive an email notification.
- The item will be placed in a labelled bag on a cart in the outer vestibule of the Woodruff Health Sciences Center Library. (All physical items are quarantined for 48 hours prior to delivery.)
- Items may be picked up during regular Library hours.
How can I get books or articles?
Current Emory students, faculty and staff may request electronic delivery of book chapters and journal articles from the Emory Libraries collection. Requests in compliance with fair use guidelines will be scanned and delivered as PDF files via your ILLiad library account.
Can I get Interlibrary Loan (ILLiad) of non-Emory items?
Can I renew my books online?
Yes. Library materials owned by Emory Libraries may be renewed conveniently online by logging into your Emory Library account in discoverE with your NetID and password. View the “Loans” section to see a list of materials currently checked out to you. Simply select “Renew All” or renew individual titles as needed. You may also email Ask a Librarian for assistance with renewing items.
Is there an option to pick-up books without being on the RETURN TO CAMPUS list?
No. You must have completed the Fall 2020 Onboarding process.
Historical Collections
Historical Collections currently provides remote research services to facilitate access to the collection (staff will examine or scan materials on your behalf). Beginning August 19, 2020, Historical Collections will be available for research by appointment only on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10am to 4pm.
To schedule an appointment or for any other queries, please contact Historical Collections staff via email at historical.collections@emory.edu.
LaserGene Remote Access
Lasergene may be accessed off campus by first logging in to the Emory VPN, then launching Lasergene.
Returning Materials
How do I return books?
Due dates for materials currently on loan from any Emory library have been extended through September 1, 2020. All fines and late fees incurred between March 11th and September 1st will be waived.
- Books may be returned to the cart in the outer vestibule of the Woodruff Health Sciences Center Library during business hours. (1462 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30030)
- 24 hour return access is available at the book drops are located on either side of the main entrance of the Woodruff Library. (Directions)
- If you are not in the Atlanta area, you may self-ship the items using a courier of your choice that offers package tracking capabilities. Please be sure to include your name and contact information and use the following address:
Attn: Stacks Department
Robert W. Woodruff Library
Emory University
540 Asbury Circle
Atlanta, GA 30322
404.727.6873
- If you reside outside of the Atlanta area and face a financial hardship that impacts your ability to return library materials, please complete the following Request for Assistance form and a staff member will be in touch to discuss assistance available for the return of library materials.
Please email Ask a Librarian for further assistance.
On Site Safety
What precautions are you taking to protect library users and staff and minimize risk of infection?
- Emory Safety Protocols must be followed.
- We are maintaining a low-density environment and practicing consistent social distancing.
- Emory Building and Residential Services has increased the frequency and intensity of its cleaning regimens in some areas, focusing on common areas such as bathrooms, dining facilities, and meeting rooms.
- There are cleaning supplies readily accessible throughout the library. In addition to wearing your mask at all times, we ask that you wipe down keyboards, mouse, and table surfaces before and after use.
- Library staff are sanitizing computers, printers and scanner each evening.
- All library materials are quarantined for 48 hours before delivery to users.
Online Teaching Resources
Who can I ask about copyright considerations?
Ask a Librarian!
Email us at
http://health.library.emory.edu/ask-librarian
Check your spam folder if you don't receive a reply.