Leavey Library Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Leavey?

Leavey Library is situated near the northeast corner of campus. The mailing address is:
Leavey Library
651 W. 35th. St.
Los Angeles, CA 90089-2571

What are Leavey's hours?

For current hours, please go to the library's hours page. During the Fall and Spring semesters, Leavey is generally open 24 hours, Monday through Thursday, with shorter hours from Friday–Sunday. Hours vary on holidays and semester breaks.

The general public may use the libraries when resources are not in use by or reserved for USC members. (Please note: Only USC members, USC alumni, and sponsored guests may be present in libraries open after 9 p.m. and/or before 7 a.m. All patrons will be asked to present their USCard or library-issued USC identification during these times.) For more information please see the facilities usage page.

Important phone numbers

Access Services: check out books, get reserves and audio-visual materials, and claim lost items 213-740-4350

Administrative offices: 213-740-0049 (voice); 213-740-7713 (fax)

Where do I go for assistance in Leavey?

Computing assistance is available in the Lower Commons. Reference librarians are available to assist students, faculty, and others in locating information via print and electronic resources. Ask for help at the Circulation Desk on the first floor. Student navigational assistants provide basic research, computing, and printing assistance and are available at the first floor print center.

Lost and Found

Items left at Leavey Library can be claimed at the circulation desk, located on the left side of the main entrance lobby on the first floor. All items—including IDs—left in the second-floor Information Commons are deposited at the circulation desk throughout the day.

How do I sign up for a Group Study Room?

Reservations can be made online up to 7 days in advance at libcal.usc.edu. Group study rooms are available on the first, second, and third floors. All workrooms provide a white board, dry erase markers, and network connections for laptops.

What kind of computers does Leavey have?

Leavey Library has Windows laptops available for graduate and undergraduate checkout ONLY. The laptops feature web browsers, Microsoft Office, and Acrobat Reader. The checkout period is 8 hours, no renewals, and no holds. Laptops are available on a first-come, first served basis and must be returned to the Leavey circulation desk by the due date/time to avoid fines. Patrons must complete and sign a borrowing agreement form. 

Where are the printers, photocopiers, and scanners?

Leavey Library printers are available on the lower level, first, and second floors. Laptop users may print wirelessly using libraryprint.usc.edu.

Photocopiers are available on the first and second floors.

For more information, please see the print, scan or copy page.

Where can I find books?

Books which can be checked out are located on various floors of Leavey Library.

• Located in the west wing of the lower level, Leavey's general collection covers most general subject areas and is geared to support the undergraduate curriculum. 

• The Leavey Reference materials are comprised of books and journals that support research and study.  It includes items such as encyclopedias, graduate test prep books, and writing style guides. The reference books are located amongst the other general circulating materials on the lower level. 

• Leavey's popular collection—known as the McNaughton Collection—features recently published fiction, graphic novels, and nonfiction titles. These books are located in the second-floor lobby.

• The newest titles added to Leavey Library's collection are temporarily located (for three months) on Leavey's new books shelf. The new books circulate for four weeks and include titles supporting the General Education curriculum. New books are currently located in the second-floor lobby (on the far left of the book shelf).

• Leavey Library maintains a collection of plays based on donations from the USC School of Dramatic Arts faculty. Titles include both individual plays and anthologies. The drama collection is located along the walls of the west wing of the lower level of Leavey.

To search for books held in the USC libraries use the online library catalog.

How do I check out books?

To check out books you need a current library card; to get a library card bring your USC Identification Card to any library circulation desk. Once you have a valid library card, you can check books out from any library.

Where can I find journals, magazines and newspapers?

Current journals, bound journals, magazines, and newspapers are located in the Periodicals Reading Room on the first floor of Leavey past the circulation desk.