The University of Kansas Libraries

K-12 Groups: Visiting the KU Libraries

Enhance Research

KU Libraries has access to many sources most K-12 school libraries simply cannot afford and are not available for free on the internet.  At KU libraries students can access newspapers and magazines from across the country and the world, or even read from scanned images of historic newspapers like the New York Times and the Times of London dating back through the 19th century.  Digital image archives and encyclopedias can help expand research projects across all areas of the curriculum, including the arts and the sciences.

Build Information Literacy

A trip to the KU Libraries is an engaging way to meet the Kansas State Department of Education's Library Media and Technology Standards.  In addition to learning how to find information, students of any age will benefit from exposure to a university library, helping to ameliorate student anxiety and familiarize students with the many resources that are available.

Promote Higher Education

Visiting the KU Libraries and the KU campus provides students the opportunity to see for themselves the excitement and energy generated in a dedicated community of learners.

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• Please contact us at least one month in advance of the date you wish to bring your students to the KU Libraries. Please contact Bayliss Harsh at bharsh@ku.edu to discuss your visit and the needs of your students.

• Please keep in mind that visits may be difficult to accommodate during peak periods of the University's semesters (typically mid-September through October and February though the end of March).

• Please be prepared to share and discuss your students' research assignments with a librarian prior to your visit to assist us in planning a session that will meet your goals for your students.

• At least one teacher, school librarian, or media specialist must accompany students.

• Depending upon the number of students, they may need to be divided into groups.

• KU has seven campus libraries. Follow the link for a listing of the campus libraries and collection.

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Many groups visiting the KU Libraries come to Watson Library, the University's oldest library, located near the Union. Watson houses the social sciences, humanities, education, journalism and social welfare collections.  Watson Library also has the resources and spaces to help make your visit productive.

Classrooms

We will reserve a private room with computer access for students to the library catalog, electronic databases, the internet, and MS Word.  Large groups may need to be divided into groups..

Checking out materials

Kansas school students may be able to check out some KU Libraries materials. This necessitates prior arrangments, with notarized application forms and payment returned to the KU Libraries two weeks prior to the date of the visit. Please review our policies concerning material checkout (coming soon!). Click this link for the appllication form (coming soon!) . 

Computers

The computers at KU require a valid university log in to use.  Visiting groups may be provided temporary computer access in a reserved location.  Each computers has MS Word, Powerpoint, Excel, and web browsers.

Photocopiers

Cash and coin operated photocopiers are available for students to use. Standard copies are 10 cents each.

Printing

We are unable to accommodate printing by non-KU groups. We recommend students use web-based email or flash media to transport or save documents,  web sites, or journal articles.

Finding books in Watson Library.

Stack Map

Hours

Library hours by location.

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Many student groups visit the Kenneth Spencer Research Library, whose collections include: archives, manuscripts, rare books, and regional history.  If you wish visit this library, please call: 785.864.4334.

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Getting There

Driving Directions

Campus Maps

Grayscale (500 KB)

Full Color (1MB)

Interactive Campus Map

Parking

Visitor parking is available. Contact the KU Parking Department (785.864.7275) for more information.

Food

The Hawk Stop

When KU classes are in session, light snacks and drinks are available at Watson and Anschutz Libraries, Monday through Friday.

Kansas Union

The Market is located on the third floor of the KU Union and serves Pizza Hut pizza, burgers, salads, sandwiches, sushi, and more (see the full list of menu items).  Please contact the Market with an estimated time of arrival at the Market and the number of students you expect.

Downtown Lawrence

There are dozens of restaurants and places to eat in Lawrence's historic downtown, which is about a 15 minute walk from the Watson Library. Check out the Lawrence Visitors' Guide for more information.

While at KU

Spencer Art Museum

The Spencer Art Museum displays works from its 25,000 piece permanent collection in seven galleries, with special and traveling exhibits located in four additional galleries.  Visit the Spencer Art Museum web site for tour information.

Open:10am–5pm, Tuesday through Friday (closed Mondays)

Natural History Museum

Located in Dyche Hall, the KU Natural History Museum houses live insect, fish, and reptile exhibits, the panorama of North American wildlife and plants, a collection of large fossils, and an interactive evolution learning exhibit. Visit the Natural History Museum web site for tour information.

Open: 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday

Campus Tours

The office of Admissions and Scholarships hosts campus tours.

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Library Instruction staff will work with your students to provide help using the University Libraries.  To promote an atmosphere of collaboration between area schools, their media specialists and the KU Libraries' staff. Our objectives include:

• Contributing to the success of student research
• Instructing students in information literacy skills in anticipation of their successful transitions from high school to college
• Promoting positive student attitudes toward academic libraries
• Promoting KU and higher education