McWherter Library Event Space
Ned McWherter Library offers three spaces—the outdoor front entrance (ML East Portico), the 1st floor rotunda (ML Rotunda), and the 2nd Floor Commons (ML 200)—that may be requested for UofM-related events for free by current UofM faculty and staff representing UofM academic/administrative departments.
To request a space, use the UofM Internal Scheduling program, Virtual EMS, to request a reservation. Request at least 2 weeks/10 business days before the event. Please be sure to describe your planned use in detail to expedite the review of your request.
Before requesting a space, please review the guidelines stated below. A request is not guaranteed. You will receive a response once your request has been reviewed.
Before Submitting a Space Request, Please Note:
- We reserve the right to deny any request for an event or meeting.
- The University Libraries Executive Director must approve in advance the use of spaces for activities other than study.
- Check before submitting your request.
- If approved, your event may be added to the .
- Additional equipment, including laptops and HDMI cords, may be available at the McWherter Library 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.
- 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 are not available for outdoor events.
2nd Floor Commons Guidelines
- If this space is reserved for an event, signage will be put out to inform 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 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 laptop can be requested on the space request form. To connect your laptop to the projector, an HDMI cord can be requested on the space request form. If a library 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 before the event.
Our Event Spaces
McWherter Library Front Entrance (East Portico)
This area receives much foot traffic, making it ideal to interact with our campus community.
McWherter Library Rotunda, 1st Floor
This high-traffic space can accommodate up to 100 attendees. It can be used for exhibits, displays, and activity tables. It may also be used to host a reception or small performance.
McWherter Library, 2nd Floor Commons
This open space can accommodate up to 80 attendees. It features seating and a projector setup, making it suitable for large group meetings, presentations, and showings where privacy is not needed. Large tables are available where food can be set out.
