University Library
Welcome to the UCSC Library! The library is a space where you can study, learn, unwind, collaborate, and create. This webpage will walk you through highlights of services and resources available in our two locations, McHenry Library and the Science and Engineering Library.
⇒ The Library is more than just books and articles. We also have digital photos, newspapers, historical documents, streaming music, statistics, government information, online exhibits, and more.
⇒ The Library offers online workshops and other events. Check back throughout the year for podcasting, video editing, and other digital media and research how-tos.
The McHenry Library features quiet study areas, scenic forest reading porches, a yoga/meditation space, and a cafe. The Special Collections & Archives and Digital Scholarship Commons are also housed in this library. McHenry is located in the Campus Core on Steinhart Road. Those arriving by Metro bus can either walk down Steinhart from the Cowell bus stop, or transfer to a campus shuttle at the Quarry Plaza, just across the street from that stop.
The Science and Engineering Library features flexible study spaces, a video game lab where students can play or borrow video games and consoles. Digital Scholarship Innovation Studio (DSI) on the lower level offers a variety of equipment and training to support projects that bridge the digital and the physical using 3D data including 3D printers, Glowforge laser cutters, and Cricut Makers. This library is located in the Science Hill area of the campus, just south of McLaughlin Drive. Those arriving by Metro bus can use the Basking Engineering bus stop.
Ask Questions
I was terrified to ask questions when I was a freshman even though there were people whose job it was to answer my questions.
I wasn’t sure who to ask so I didn’t ask anyone. Pick a person, ask them, and they can tell you who to ask. Don’t be afraid to be wrong.
Get Set Up with the Library
Learn how to log on and use the Library website so you’re ready when you need it.
Make sure you know how to find Course Reserves through the Library.
Get Involved
The best thing that happened freshman year was working on assignments with other people struggling in the same class.
I got involved super quickly--jumping in was helpful. Join a club or get a job. Campus tutoring is also a good way to meet people.
Next Page: Getting Started
The land on which we gather is the unceded territory of the Awaswas-speaking Uypi Tribe. The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, comprised of the descendants of indigenous people taken to missions Santa Cruz and San Juan Bautista during Spanish colonization of the Central Coast, is today working hard to restore traditional stewardship practices on these lands and heal from historical trauma.
The land acknowledgement used at UC Santa Cruz was developed in partnership with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band Chairman and the Amah Mutsun Relearning Program at the UCSC Arboretum.
Santa Cruz, CA