Metaguide: Naming the Library

Library Naming Guide

Quick Reference

Never use: “Loyola Libraries” (ambiguous with other Loyola universities) or “The Library” (when referring to the whole library system).

Core Rules

Use formal names (proper nouns) for:

• Official announcements
• Donor communications
• Policy statements
• First reference in any document

Use “Libraries” (without “The”) only for:

• Established proper names: “Libraries Strategic Plan”
• Department names: “Libraries Administration”, “Dean of Libraries”
• Never as a standalone: never “Visit Libraries”. Instead: “Visit the Libraries”.

Use “the library” (common noun) for:

• Actions: “using the library”, “visit the library”
• Instructions: “When you’re in the library…”
• Physical spaces: “Meet at the library entrance”
• User perspective: FAQs, help content, blog posts
• Generic concepts: “The role of the library in society”
• Descriptive terms: “library staff”, “library services”, “library hours” (lowercase as generic descriptions)

Note: In general, capitalizing “Library” is incorrect, except for proper nouns. However, titles and headers are often capitalized, so “Using the Library” is correct.

Use “Library” only in specific location names, or in titles:

• Building-specific information: “Lewis Library closes at midnight” (proper noun)
• Directions: “Cudahy Library is on Sheridan Road” (proper noun)
• Page titles: “Using the Library” (a common noun, only capitalized within a page title)

Common Mistakes & Fixes

• “Loyola Libraries” → “The Libraries” or “University Libraries”
• “The Library has over one million books” → “The Libraries have over one million books” OR “Search over a million books in our collections”
• “The Libraries’ hours” → “library hours” OR “hours for all locations”
• “Go to the Libraries” → “Go to the library” OR “Visit any library location”
• “Libraries is open” → “The Libraries are open” OR “The library is open”
• “Libraries staff” → “library staff” (generic role, not our specific institution)

Special Cases

Mixed Contexts

Start formal, then shift to user language: - “The University Libraries support your research. When you’re in the library, just ask for help.”

Social Media

Be conversational: - “📚 Finals week? The library has you covered!”

Navigation/Menus

Capitalizing a common noun is OK: - Top level: “Libraries” (equivalent to e.g. “About”) - Action items: “Using the Library”

Decision Tree

1. Am I writing an official document? → Use “Loyola University Chicago Libraries”
2. Am I referring to a specific building? → Use its name (e.g., “Cudahy Library”)
3. Am I writing instructions? → Use “the library”
4. Am I describing what we offer? → Focus on services: “Find books”, not “The Libraries have books”

Examples in Context

• Press Release: “The Loyola University Chicago Libraries received a grant…”
• Website Header: “University Libraries”
• Help Page: “Q: How do I print? A: Visit any library location…”
• Email to Student: “Your book is ready for pickup at the library.”
• Sign: “Library →”

Remember: Write how users talk. Save formal names for formal contexts.