The Gelman Library building is closed May 17 - August 17, 2024. During this time, library services and resources are available. Please see below for more information on how to access those services.
When, What, and Why
When will the Gelman building be closed?
The Gelman Library building will be closed May 17 - August 17, 2025.
During this time, library services and resources are available. Please see below for more information on how to access those services.
Will Eckles and VSTC Libraries be open?
As is customary, Eckles Library is closed for the summer.
Virginia Science and Technology (VSTC) Library is open regular hours.
Why is the Gelman building closed for the summer?
Beginning in summer 2024, Gelman Library began a significant HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system maintenance project to enhance the overall infrastructure of Gelman Library. The completion of this project in 2026 will ensure a more sustainable and comfortable environment for our academic community, but it will require closing the Gelman building for three consecutive summers (2024, 2025, and 2026).
Obtaining Circulating Materials
How can I get books?
GW students, faculty, staff, alumni with borrowing privileges and visiting researchers with borrowing privileges may request books or physical materials for pick up at Burns Law Library. Burns Library is located approximately one block east of Gelman at 716 20th St NW.
Book retrieval and pick up is easy and convenient. Details on book retrieval and pick up.
Book pick up appointments are available Monday-Friday: 8:30am - 6:30pm and Sunday: 12:30 - 5:30pm.
How can I get course reserves?
Electronic reserves (e-reserves) are available via Blackboard. In order to provide equitable access and greater availability, the library provides e-reserves (such as e-books and chapter or article PDFs) whenever feasible.
Returning Circulating Materials
Can I return materials at Gelman while it is closed?
Yes. Although books will be picked up from Burns Law Library, they should be returned via the Gelman Library book drop.
The library book drop is open 24/7, and you may use it to return your library materials at any time. When facing the Gelman building, the book drop is located to the far right of the revolving doors. A standing sign with an arrow points to the book drop.
Can I return materials to Eckles or the Virginia Science and Technology Campus Library?
Yes. Both libraries have a 24/7 book drop you may use to return materials at any time. Items from Gelman, Eckles, and VSTCL can be returned to any of those three libraries.
At VSTCL, a blue bin for returns is located inside the north vestibule of Enterprise Hall. A book drop slot is also provided on the wall between Enterprise Hall Classroom #176 and the Library #179.
At Eckles, the book drop is located directly outside the front door to the building.
Can I return items by mail?
Yes Please mail items to:
The George Washington University Gelman Library
Attn: Access Services Department
2130 H St. NW
Washington, DC 20052
Please pack your books securely in a bubble mailer or sturdy box to avoid damage and shifting during transit. We strongly suggest that you use a trackable mailing method such as USPS, UPS or FedEx. Please note that you are responsible for library materials until they are received by a staff member.
Accessing Specialized Collections
How can I access materials in the Special Collections Research Center
The Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) will be closed May 17 - August 17, 2025. Researchers who were planning to visit Special Collections during this time period should contact the SCRC as soon as possible to discuss their needs.
Digital resources and guides are available online:
How can I access materials in the Global Resources Center?
The Global Resources Center (GRC) will be closed May 17 - August 17, 2025. Researchers who were planning to visit the GRC during this time period should email the GRC as soon as possible to discuss their needs.
Finding Study Space
Where can I find open study space?
For faculty and for students enrolled in summer courses, the Burns Law Library will be available during the Gelman building closure. While normally available exclusively to law students, Burns will provide individual and collaborative study areas.
PLEASE NOTE: Books and services from the Burns Library continue to be available only to law students and faculty. Please see above for how to order books for pick up, obtain course reserves, or access specialized collections from Gelman. Please visit the Gelman Ask Us page to chat, email, or schedule a virtual consultation with a librarian.
- Classrooms throughout campus are unlocked and available for individual or group study when not in use. Please check the building hours.
- The University Student Center (800 21st Street, NW) offers study spaces of varying sizes. Open spaces include the Great Hall, Columbian Square, Student Center Terrace, Student Center 2nd Floor Lobby, and Student Center 4th Floor Lobby. Smaller study rooms are G07, G08, G09, G10, G12, G14, G15, 400, and 401.
- District House (2121 H Street, NW) B1 Level Commons and B2 Level Commons are open study areas with banquette pods and tables with chairs.
- Science and Engineering Hall (800 22nd Street, NW) provides a variety of open lounge and study areas. Reservable study spaces are available in SEH 1230, 1240, 1250, and 1260.
- Duques Hall (2201 G Street, NW) has many open study areas including Oglethorpe Great Hall (First Floor Lobby), and Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Floor Lobby Spaces.
- The West End Public Library (2301 L St. NW) is open to everyone for quiet study. Those with a DCPL library card can reserve one of five study rooms.
Where can I find reservable study spaces on campus?
Using Computers & Software
Where can I find available computers?
The Foggy Bottom campus will have one computer lab available for the summer and several computer classrooms. Computer classrooms are available when a class/event is not scheduled in them.
Computer Lab:
Tompkins Hall
725 23rd St NW
- Room 409
Computer Classrooms:
Duques Hall
2201 G St NW
- Room 155
- Room 350
Flagg Building
500 17th St NW
- Room 157
- Room B103
- Room B136
Hall of Government
2115 G St NW
- Room 103
Samson Hall
2036 H St NW
- Room 109
Science and Engineering Hall
800 22nd St NW
- Room 3040
- Room 4040
- Room 5040
- Room 6040
Smith Art Pavilion
801 22nd St NW
- Room 2A03
- Room 405
Tompkins Hall
725 23rd St NW
- Room 405
- Room 406
- Room 410
- Room 411
How can I access specialized software?
A virtual computer lab is available to all GW faculty, students, and staff. The virtual computer lab is different from remote access to library computers. Both require a working computer, an internet browser, and internet access to use. Learn more about using the virtual computer lab.
Where can I print on the Foggy Bottom campus?
The Foggy Bottom campus has 100+ print kiosks stationed in both publicly accessible and GWorld-required spaces. GW students, faculty, and staff can print at any available kiosk.
Assistance with Research, Fellowships, and Tutoring
How can I get research help?
Use the Ask Us button on library.gwu.edu to find multiple ways to ask a quick question, including chat or email. You will also find links to Research Guides and How Do I tutorials.
For longer or more in-depth assistance in a wide variety of disciples, librarians are available to meet with you virtually. Schedule an online appointment to get started with any topic or project.
How can I access tutoring and academic support?
Get virtual, course-specific peer tutoring for your STEM and non-STEM courses alike as well as other academic support like student success coaching, statistics consulting, and writing assistance through Academic Commons.
How can I get help with undergraduate research and fellowships?
Virtual, Individualized and group mentorship is available to all GW students pursuing national awards, fellowships, and undergraduate research opportunities through the Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research.
