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From the Dean’s Desk: McFarlin Library, August 2026

Jill Krefft stands in front of McFarlin Library's arched entrance.
Jill Krefft

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you, or welcome you back, to the University Libraries. Fall is an exciting time to be on campus, with many of you returning for another year and others joining The University of Tulsa community for the first time.

As you settle into the semester, I encourage you to make the libraries an essential part of your academic experience. Whether you are beginning your first research assignment, exploring a new subject or completing advanced scholarship, our faculty and staff are here to support you every step of the way. We are committed to providing the resources, expertise and spaces you need to succeed in your coursework, research and creative endeavors.

You may also notice some activity around McFarlin Library this semester, including scaffolding outside the building and work taking place on the lower level. This work marks the first phase of preparing the lower level for its next chapter by addressing the impacts of previous water damage and clearing the space for future improvements. As part of this effort, you may see damaged library materials being removed. These items were affected by flooding and can no longer be safely used or preserved. Whenever possible, materials have been evaluated for replacement or alternative access before being withdrawn. We appreciate your patience as we undertake this important work. It is an investment in the future of the University Libraries, and we look forward to sharing more as plans continue to develop.

While this work takes place behind the scenes, our commitment to supporting your academic success remains unchanged. From expert research assistance to access to millions of scholarly resources, the libraries are here to help you learn, discover and create throughout the academic year.

Library Services and Resources

The University Libraries offer a wide range of services designed to support your learning and research.

  • Discover our collections. Our library catalog provides access to the majority of our physical and digital collections, including books, eBooks, peer-reviewed articles, journals, newspapers, music scores, audio recordings, conference proceedings, government documents, dissertations, theses, films, digital images and more.
  • Borrow from libraries around the world. If we don’t own the material you need, our Interlibrary Loan Service can often obtain books, articles and other resources from partner institutions.
  • Work with a librarian. Our research and instruction librarians are available to help you find, evaluate and use reliable information for your assignments and research projects. Assistance is available through chat, email and phone, and you can schedule a Personalized Research Assistance appointment for one-on-one support.
  • Access premium news sources. All University of Tulsa students, faculty and staff have complimentary access to The New York Times and The Washington Post through the libraries.
  • Join us throughout the year. The libraries host workshops, exhibitions, lectures, film screenings, author talks and other events that enrich campus life and support lifelong learning. We encourage you to visit our calendar regularly to see what’s happening.

Spaces for Learning and Collaboration

Whether you prefer a quiet place to study, a collaborative workspace for group projects or a comfortable spot to recharge between classes, the libraries offer a variety of spaces designed to meet your needs. We invite you to explore our facilities and find the environment that works best for you.

I hope you will visit often, not only when you need research assistance, but also to discover new ideas, connect with our campus community and take advantage of everything the libraries have to offer.

On behalf of our entire staff, welcome to the new academic year. We look forward to supporting your success.

Warm regards,

Jill Krefft
Dean of Libraries