Libraries in Rome: Home

This guide lists many libraries that JCU students may find useful during their studies in Rome.
In the map you’ll find basic information for each library, including opening hours and access details.

The guide is organized by discipline, based on each library’s key collections. On every page, you’ll find a map and additional details about the libraries.
There’s also a section on study spaces in Rome, so you can discover the perfect spot to study in the city.

If you’re unsure where to find the materials you need or how to organize a library visit, feel free to ask our library staff at the Reference Desk or Welcome Desk, or contact us via chat or email to Reference Services.

Here is some important information about Italian libraries that you should know before organizing a visit:

• Italian libraries tend to prioritize Italian-language collections, and their staff may not speak fluent English.
• Books are often kept in closed stacks, meaning you’ll need to request them by filling out a form. Borrowing materials may not be possible for certain types of publications, so ensure that you can scan or photograph the materials in the library.
• Before visiting, always search the online catalog to identify the specific volumes you need.
• Be sure to check the access policy requirements for each library.

If you can’t find the materials you need in Rome’s libraries, you can place an interlibrary loan request.

Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery Services (ILL/DDS) can be used to access materials not available in the Frohring Library collections. You can find more information about the service on this page: ILL/DDS.

Limits: A maximum of 5 active requests is allowed at any given time.

Fees and Costs:

• Graduate and Thesis students are entitled to up to 5 ILLs per semester for free. From the 6th request onward, they will be responsible for shipping costs and any additional fees requested by the lending library within Italy. For interlibrary loans from abroad, a fixed fee of €35 will apply.
• All other patrons (with the exception of Faculty) are required to cover the related charges, including the fixed fee of €35 for interlibrary loans from abroad.

Requests: Requests can be placed directly through JCU Discovery. For more information on how to request items, patrons can contact the library staff or refer to the guide on how to request an item from another library. Alternatively, requests can be made via email at ill@johncabot.edu, but they must include the full bibliographic citation of the required document.