McWherter Library Event Space

Ned McWherter Library offers three spaces—the Front Entrance, Rotunda, 2nd Floor Commons—that may be requested for UofM-related events for free by current UofM faculty, staff, and students representing UofM academic/administrative departments or registered student organizations (RSO).

To request a space, complete and submit the form linked below to lib_marketing@memphis.edu at least 2 weeks/10 business days prior to the event. Before requesting a space, please review the guidelines stated below. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email  that your request has been received. Once the form has been processed, you will receive an email confirming the approval or denial of your request, along with a copy of the signed form.

Before Submitting a Space Request, Please Note:

• We reserve the right to deny any request for an event or meeting, if the request:
  1. Does not abide by our guidelines stated below,
  2. Is not submitted a minimum of 2 weeks/10 business days prior to the event to accommodate our internal approval process,
  3. Cannot be accommodated by our staff for any reason.
• The University Libraries Executive Director must approve in advance the use of spaces for activities other than study.
• Check McWherter Library hours before submitting your request. 
• If approved, your event will be added to the Libraries’ events calendar. 
• Additional equipment, including laptops and HDMI cords, are available at the Checkout Desk.
• The University Libraries does not manage the use of the ellipse, the grassy space behind McWherter Library. To request space outside the University Libraries, contact Conference & Event Services.

Our Space Guidelines

• To request an event space, the requestor and the event must be affiliated with a University of Memphis academic/administrative department or registered student organization (RSO). This information will be requested on the form.
• UofM students must have a UofM faculty/staff sponsor to request event space. The sponsor’s contact information will be requested on the form.
• Events involving paid attendance and/or selling of anything are prohibited.
• Food and drink are allowed in all open spaces of McWherter Library. You can provide food at your event but are responsible for setup and cleanup of all food and trash. 
• To accommodate activity needs, existing tables and chairs in all spaces can be moved, but you are responsible for moving all furniture and returning it to its original setup. We advise taking a photo of the space before moving furniture.
• We do not offer a microphone, amp setup, or any streaming or recording equipment.
• Our equipment and furniture is not available for events held outdoors.

2nd Floor Commons Guidelines

• If this space is reserved for an event, signage will be put out informing students. However, areas cannot be sectioned off. If students are occupying the space during your reserved time, you can announce that an event will be taking place. If a student’s presence is interfering with event/food setup, they can be asked to move to another table or area.
• This space is not equipped with recording or streaming capabilities or a microphone. If you want to record or stream, you will need to provide your own equipment.
• This space is equipped with a standing podium, a ceiling mounted projector, and a drop-down screen. The projector can be requested on the space request form.
• A laptop and HDMI cord are required to connect to the projector. A Libraries’ laptop can be requested on the space request form. To connect your own laptop to the projector, just an HDMI cord can be requested on the space request form. If the Libraries’ laptop will be requested: 
• The event must be held Monday-Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., so a Libraries employee is available, OR the event must be sponsored by a Libraries employee who will be present throughout the event. 
• Someone involved in planning the event must be present from setup time until the end of the event to oversee the laptop. The laptop will not be set up until they arrive, so please plan to arrive at least fifteen minutes prior to the event. 

About Our Spaces

McWherter Library Front Entrance 

Set up a table to advertise your organization, sell baked goods for fundraisers, and more.

McWherter Library Rotunda, 1st Floor

This space can accommodate up to 100 attendees. Host a reception or small performance, set up an exhibit, display or activity table, and more.

McWherter Library, 2nd Floor Commons

This space can accommodate up to 80 attendees. The comfortable seating and projector setup in this space makes it perfect for large group meetings, presentations, and showings. Large tables are available where food can be set out.