[2] Located on the corner of Forbes Avenue and Schenley Drive, diagonally across from the Cathedral of Learning, Hillman serves as the flagship of the approximately 7.1 million-volume University Library System at Pitt.

[8][9] The ULS has been commended for its use of technology, including the digitization of its unique collection and improving the accessibility of its online resources.

The ULS shares a single online system with these partner libraries, collaborates with them to provide facilitated access to all collections, and cooperates on other projects to serve the University.

The facade consists of Indiana Limestone alternated with rows of oriel windows, which were designed by Max Abramovitz[19] The building's podium wall is intended to echo the Renaissance-style rusticated stone base of the Carnegie Library across Schenley Plaza.

[23] In addition, in the Fall of 2013, the library expanded its hours so that it will be open around the clock from Sunday morning to Friday night.

Included in the archives are Irvis' personal papers, legislative materials, campaign literature, photographs, and newspaper clippings.

[33] The Dick Thornburgh Room contains artifacts from the Dick Thornburgh Archives Collection[34] and adjoins the Jay Waldman Seminar Room[35] A rotating selection of John James Audubon prints from the university's copy of The Birds of America, one of only 120 complete collections in existence, is on view in the library's ground floor display case.

[36] Many other graphic and sculptural works are nestled among the stairways and study areas on the building's upper floors, some of which are on loan from the Carnegie Museum of Art.

[37] Flanking the wall opposite the first floor reference desk are two abstract works: "Modern Warfare" by Kes Zapkus and "Arcing Light" by Albert Stadler.

[38] A large bust of Confucius by Chinese artist Li Guangyu and a stone sculpture, "The Sound of Autumn", by Masayuki Nagare are on the second floor.

Near the special collections reading room on the third floor is a selection of early 20th century illustrations in watercolor, charcoal and crayon created to accompany the work of mystery writer Mary Roberts Rinehart.

[44] Woodruff's 800 m win in the 1936 games was the first for an African American in front of Adolf Hitler and was achieved in what has been called "the most daring move seen on a track" when he stopped in mid-race in order to break out of a pack of runners and then retook the lead in a sprint to the finish, thereby becoming the first American to achieve gold in 800 m in 24 years.

The display also contains interactive multi-media content including a touchscreen that features film narratives, a photo gallery, and selections of the Woodruff family's personal scrapbook.

[47] Hillman Library is a primary setting for The Mysteries of Pittsburgh, a novel by Pitt alumnus Michael Chabon, who won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2001.