Beyond books: Unexpected stuff you can check out from the UMN Libraries

You can check out headphones to plug into computers or laptops. These headphones have headphone plug or jack (so they do not work with lightening/USBC jacks). They are not reservable and can be checked out on a first come, first served basis. To use, ask to check them out at the following services desks:

• Wilson Library first floor service desk
• Walter Library second floor service desk
• Magrath Library service desk 

Forgot your phone charger? You can check out phone chargers for most phones (USB-C, Lightning, Micro USB). They are not reservable and can be checked out on a first come, first served basis. To use, ask to check them out at the following services desks:

• Wilson Library first floor service desk
• Walter Library second floor or basement service desk
• Magrath Library service desk 
• Health Sciences Library service desk

You can check out kits to connect laptops/mobile devices to large screens in the Libraries. 

They are not reservable and can be checked out on a first come, first served basis. To use, ask to check them out at the following services desks:

• Wilson Library first floor service desk
• Magrath Library service desk 

Note: Walter Library dongles are connected to large, rolling monitors. 

UMN students, staff and faculty can use their UCard to check out

• Meta Quest 2 headsets

The typical loan period is three days. The items are available at the library service desk located on the 5th floor of the Health Sciences Library in the Phillips-Wangensteen Building, just across the skyway from the VR Studio.

More information

Do you want to use or check out a button maker for an event, student group, art project or to make custom buttons?

You (students, staff, faculty) can request to use a button maker from the University of Minnesota Libraries. The buttons are sized 1 ¾ inches and we provide enough supplies to make approximately 100+ buttons. We will also provide circle cutters to cut materials. We will send you a confirmation of your reservation and please allow up to two business days to process your button maker request. We can provide magazines to use in button making or here is a link to an example template if you want to create your own design. 

• Complete this form to request the button maker for your use 

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Example buttons:

Questions? 
Contact Sara for Walter Library (waltcirc@umn.edu) or Lacie McMillin for Wilson Library (mice0018@umn.edu) or Amy Gmur for Magrath Library (gmurx001@umn.edu) with any questions.

Study with LIGHT! Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) (learn more from MedlinePlus): A change in weather can bring a change in mood. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of seasonal depression and view tips on how to combat it. Visit the Magrath Library on the St. Paul campus to check out a SAD lamp for in-home use.  

Or reserve Walter SAD study desk!

Cameras, tripods, microphones, hard drives, DSLRs, and other media equipment are available for checkout for UMN students, staff and faculty. No reservation is needed; equipment is available on a first-come first-served basis. Most items are due the following day by closing, though we may be willing to extend the loan during non-peak days.

Sample of equipment: 

• Canon Vixia HD camcorder
• Zoom Q8n-4K camcorder
• Canon Rebel DSLR camera
• Rode Wireless Go II
• and more

Location: Walter Library, Magrath Library 

Find a list of equipment and more information: https://www.lib.umn.edu/services/media-equipment/loanable-equipment

Microphones, hard drives, video cameras and other media equipment. No reservation is needed; equipment is available on a first-come first-served basis. Most items are due the following day by closing, though we may be willing to extend the loan during non-peak days.

Sample of equipment: 

• Rode Universal Vlogging Kit
• Blue Snowball microphone
• Tascam DR-05 digital audio recorder
• Blue Yeti microphone 

Location: Walter Library, Magrath Library 

Find a list of equipment and more information: https://www.lib.umn.edu/services/media-equipment/loanable-equipment

The Libraries offer a variety of specialized software, including software for video and audio production, graphic design and animation, 3D modeling, GIS data & statistical software, and more. View the list of software available and see which libraries they are in. 

Note: Find more about campus software from the UMN Office of Information Technology.

The Health Sciences Library has two anatomical skeletons that you can check out for three hours at a time on a first-come, first-served basis at the Health Sciences Library services desk on the 5th floor. Seishu Hanaoka is the male skeleton model. Clara Barton, named after the founder of the American Red Cross, is the female skeleton model. These are useful for anatomy and health science students. Also try Anatomy.TV - an online study tool with 3D models of human anatomy.       

The University Libraries is excited to welcome the first on-campus Sensory Room. This space promotes calm and focus, especially for people who are overwhelmed by sensory input, and/or those who need a sensory outlet to maintain focus. It can also just be a relaxing place to work or study individually or with others.

The Sensory Room is available to all students and employees of the University and includes adjustable lighting, a sit/stand desk, exercise ball, fidgets, weighted lap pad, wobble seat, pillows, and more. The space is in the basement of Wilson Library (West Bank) and can be reserved for up to two hours per day. Check out the room key at the first-floor service desk at the time of your reservation.

The sensory room was created in response to a student request and designed with student input throughout the process. Contact Lacie McMillin with questions or feedback.

Libraries Makerspaces are open to UMN folks from all majors, programs, and skill levels. Equipment and materials are always free for UMN students, staff, and faculty.

You'll find 3D printers, smart cutters for vinyl stickers and other materials, soldering irons, sewing machines, VR headsets, rotary tools, and software for 3D modelling and embroidery design. Plus, basic supplies for prototyping and crafting.

Find other campus makerspaces, technology, tools, and more by visiting the Makerspaces web page.