Library of the Health Sciences-Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago - Chicago, Illinois

Ben W.

Currently enjoying my first visit to the library as a guest. It is bright, well-kept, and welcoming. The staff helped me get on the guest wifi. I enjoyed the space to use my laptop and get in the zone for work among the other studying and working here. 5-stars - because compared to spaces at Chicago Public Libraries or hospital libraries to which I have access as a resident physician, I think this library is certainly superior.

Stefania

Unfortunately, I have to agree with the latest one-star review. This is a lovely library, but the employees and stringent policies make it the furthest thing from welcoming. The majority of the times I have gone, the individual at the front desk has had an attitude and the security “patrolling” the floors makes you feel uneasy. I have witnessed individuals pull down their mask for a matter of seconds to take a sip of a drink, only for security to sternly tell them to pull up their mask. I’m all for following rules and safety guidelines, but this library takes it to such an extreme—the number of people coming here to study/work seems to be dwindling, and for good reason. It is a shame.

Deniz N.

I'm sure this was a great place for students before covid, but it isn't anymore. It's not student-centered. I'm all for enforcing regulations and rules as they become applicable, but they have taken it to an extreme here. I don't know a single classmate who even thinks about coming here to study anymore, because of how rude and unfriendly the environment is here. You are not allowed to eat (which I can understand), but you can bring a drink as long as it's in a reusable cup (however sometimes you'll still get scolded for lowering your mask and drinking out of it). Masks are required, which again is fine as it is seen fit. To enter and use the facility, you MUST use your ID card to swipe and show them your healthpass status along with an ID to prove it's you.

Despite it all, and NEVER having any positive interaction with anyone here, I come here to study and work because it is located on the west campus. My recent experience left an extremely bad taste in my mouth, and I will never recommend this facility to other students. I was studying on the second floor of the library, and there is absolutely no one in sight. NO ONE. Occasional staff/other people walking by but other than that nothing. To give you a better picture, I'm studying in a corner facing the windows, so I would have absolutely NO contact or interaction with anyone for quite some distance. I had my mask lowered, and someone went out of their way to come and angrily tell me that masks are required. Alright, fair, I put my mask back on. After that, however, a security guard began to walk around occasionally to make sure I have my mask on. Guess that person was so bothered that I didn't have a mask that she complained to the security/staff downstairs about it. I didn't realize that not wearing a mask when NO ONE is around was such a big crime to be monitored like this?

The folks that work here really need to consider changing the environment here if they want to make this place friendlier and more inclusive. A library at a public university should always prioritize the needs of students. There is a clear reason why you will never find many students studying here. It's a shame and a waste of space since this library isn't being utilized in the way that it should be.

Tiffany K.

Where I do most of my studying. It's usually nice, quiet, and clean. A few drawbacks are the limited hours on 2nd, 3rd, and basement floors. Could have a few more seats in the 1st floor quiet room.

Stephan P.

Must wear a mask when you’re the only person on the whole floor. If you take it off for a second you will be followed around by the uninviting staff! Also, no coffee allowed? Next to a college? What kind of library is this?

Rakisha W.

I love coming here to study. Only drawback is that the internet is not open. It requires obtaining a user and password and I believe you have a limit on the amount of times that you can access their internet in a month. I think. However, I'm totally into this library to study

Max V.

Excellent and quiet study space. Library staff are helpful and polite. Does get quite a bit hot over the winter though

ARUN N. V.

Ideal place to study. 3rd floor offers quite study area. UIC Students can reserve study rooms via library website.