SCool Libraries: A Guide to USC's Libraries
At USC, our libraries are dynamic spaces where students can go to learn, research, study and collaborate with peers. Our main campus is home to over 20 libraries, each with its own unique qualities. Whether students are looking for a quiet study space, research materials or a new book to read, this guide shares the best library to visit!
From the beautiful atmosphere of Doheny Memorial Library to the all-nighter experience at Leavey Library, let's explore some of USC's most interesting and useful libraries!
Doheny Memorial Library
If you have only heard about one USC library, it is most likely Doheny. This historic library, built in 1932, is located in the heart of campus. Doheny has massive study halls with elegant architecture, a grand rotunda, multiple private study rooms and a special collections and archives section. Doheny is also home to the bookstacks for a quieter and more isolated environment. The bookstacks take up multiple stories in the building and have also been featured in several movies. It is the place for anyone looking to sit down for the entire day and write a paper!
Leavey Library
Leavey Library is the go-to space for students having a late-night study session or pulling an all-nighter, as it is open 24/7. Its study rooms are perfect for group projects, equipped with whiteboards, technology and table space. Typically, the floors get quieter as you continue up to the top floor. Leavey also has a media and technology center with software like Adobe Suite and Final Cut Pro available for students to access.
The Cinematic Arts Library
The USC School of Cinematic Arts has a dedicated library within Doheny for students to discover more niche resources. This library is a multimedia archive of materials ranging from the raw materials that go into the making of motion pictures to the finished products themselves—and all of the new technologies for preserving the moving image and presenting it to a new generation of filmgoers.
East Asian Library
Also located within Doheny is the East Asian Library, specializing in Chinese, Japanese and Korean materials. This library supports the research and teaching needs of East Asian Studies faculty and students at USC. The East Asian Library supports a broader mission of promoting the integration of East Asian perspectives into the learning experiences of the university community.
Gaughan & Tiberti Library
The Gaughan & Tiberti Library is located in the Marshall School of Business. It offers an extensive collection of business databases for students to use in their research. These databases are supplemented by a print collection of key reference works, selected journals, and popular business books. This library is perfect for any business student looking to do some work between classes!
More Hidden Gems, Music, Architecture, and Law Libraries
As you can tell, USC has multiple specialized libraries catering to niche fields. The Music Library, located in the Thornton School of Music, is home to sheet music, recordings and music history archives. Thornton, Kaufman and SDA students can use this library as a resource! The Architecture and Fine Arts Library offers architectural blueprints, art history books and resources for creative projects. The Law Library gives students access to legal databases, case law research and quiet study spaces. However, this library is only accessible to current Gould students.
Whether students are looking for a quiet study space or some research materials, USC's extensive libraries have them covered. Hopefully, this blog has encouraged you to explore campus next time your are here and know that, no matter what you are studying, there is a library on campus for you!
Written by: Lucy Jordan - Assistant Director, Office of Undergraduate Admission