Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are commonly asked questions about the Library. For answers to questions not addressed here, browse the web site or submit your question to the Comments page.
- I am planning a visit to the Library. How do I gain access to the collections?
- Can I connect to library resources from off campus?
- What do I need to check out books, and how long can I keep them?
- Can I renew books online?
- What is NRLF?
- Where do I return Library materials?
- What do I do if the book I'm looking for is not on the shelf?
- How can I get books and articles not available in the UC Berkeley libraries?
- Can I pay someone in the Library to help with my research or homework?
- Where can I print my paper?
- Where can I scan material?
- What computers and software are available in the Library?
- How do I get wireless access for my laptop or PDA?
- What is the history of the Berkeley campus?
- How can I get a job in the Library?
- What is the mailing address of the Library?
- How do I get to the UC Berkeley campus?
- I am planning a visit to the Library. How do I gain access to the collections?
Many campus libraries have open stacks and visitors can use most collections on site, such as all government depository publications. Individual libraries may place restrictions on the use of some resources in accordance with the Library's priority service commitment to UC Berkeley students, faculty, and staff. Based on a visitor's information need and the Library's ability, arrangements may be made for use of restricted-access collections such as The Bancroft Library and Gardner (MAIN) Stacks. All Library users may be requested to present current photo identification at all library service points. Explore Information for Visitors for more information.
- Can I connect to library resources from off campus?
Anyone may access the library catalogs and most of the Library's web pages from any Internet-connected computer. Some licensed electronic resources, such as journal article databases, are commercial products with access restrictions. Current UC Berkeley faculty, students, or staff can connect to these resources using the Library proxy service or VPN. For more information, see Connecting from Off Campus.
- What do I need to check out books, and how long can I keep them?
UC Berkeley faculty, students, and staff use their UC campus ID or UC Berkeley Registration Card as a library card. Visitors may contact the Library Privileges Desk to inquire about getting a library card. Loan periods vary according to library, type of material, and the status of the borrower. Frequently, books are checked out to undergraduates and fee-card library users for one month, to graduate students for three months, and to UC Berkeley faculty for one year. When materials are checked out, a due date is stamped in the back of the book that indicates the length of the loan period. Review the borrowing page to learn more about library cards, and visit the individual library pages for more information about loan periods for various collections.
- Can I renew books online?
You can renew most books online, by telephone, and in person. Some exceptions include: items recalled by another person, items with a very short loan period (such as most reserves), items overdue to the point that they have blocked your borrowing privileges, and items billed for replacement. To renew books online, you will need your patron ID number, which is the number on your campus ID card or on your library card, and a four digit PIN (Personal Identification Number) consisting of your birth month and day in MMDD format, or the four digit PIN that you supplied when you obtained your library card. Follow the steps for renewing books online.
- What is NRLF?
The Northern Regional Library Facility, NRLF, is the off-site shelving facility for UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, and UC San Francisco. Materials in all formats are shelved at NRLF including books, manuscripts, newspapers, long-playing records, microforms, audiocassettes, videotapes, and maps. By searching the Melvyl library catalog, you can find and request materials which can be delivered for you from NRLF, located on the Richmond Field Station grounds, to the UC Berkeley campus. Visit the NRLF website for more information.
- Where do I return Library materials?
Books and other library materials must be returned to the library from which they were checked out. Materials should be returned to the circulation desks during hours the library is open, and to outdoor book returns when the library is closed.
- What do I do if the book I'm looking for is not on the shelf?
Check the library catalogs, Pathfinder or Melvyl, to determine if the book is currently checked out to another person. If so, you can recall the book by presenting your library card and the title or call number of the item you need at the Circulation Desk of the library that owns the book. If you cannot locate a book that should be available on the shelf, you may request that the Library search for it. To request a search, present the title or call number of the item at the Circulation Desk of the library that owns the book. When the item is available, you will be notified by postcard or e-mail. While you are in the library, check with staff at the Circulation Desk or Reference Desk to confirm if there are other alternatives.
- How can I get books and articles not available in the UC Berkeley libraries?
If needed material is not owned by the UC Berkeley libraries, but is owned by one of the other UC libraries, then UC Berkeley faculty, students, and staff may request the material via the Request function in the Melvyl library catalog. If needed material is not owned by any of the UC libraries, then UC Berkeley faculty, students, and staff may submit interlibrary borrowing requests and the Library will seek to obtain copies from other libraries in the country. Find out more from the Interlibrary Borrowing Service.
- Can I pay you to help me with my research or homework?
Library staff does not do research or homework for library users, including making photocopies of articles or documents. In all libraries, reference staff facilitates access to materials relevant to researchers needs, and can assist you in finding the resources you are looking for. However, you must identify, evaluate, and ultimately decide which sources you will use. Visitors are encouraged to start with their public library or academic library to ensure they have utilized the local or regional resources to their maximum benefit, and to request items through the interlibrary loan services of those libraries.
- Where can I print my paper?
Public computers in the libraries only allow printing from web pages and
require use of a copy card. Word processing, spreadsheet, and other
software is available in campus microcomputing facilities for current
UC Berkeley students, faculty, and staff. Others are advised to visit a
commercial service near campus for word processing and general computer
use. Learn more about the Computers
in the Libraries.
- Where can I scan material?
The Copy Center in the Bioscience Library offers scanning services for all users. Scanners are also available in campus microcomputing facilities for current
UC Berkeley students, faculty, and staff. Others are advised to visit a
commercial service near campus for word processing and general computer
use. Learn more about the Computers
in the Libraries.
- What computers are available in the Library?
Computers with access to library resources and the Internet are available in all campus libraries. Some locations have special databases or other resources. UC Berkeley students, faculty, and staff doing research are given priority for computer use, and entry of a CalNet ID is required for full Internet access. Read more about the Computers in the Libraries and specialized equipment related to Services for Users with Disabilities.
- How do I get wireless access for my laptop or PDA?
Wireless access, via the AirBears campus service, is available in many
campus libraries. UC Berkeley students, faculty, and staff with a CalNet
ID are eligible to use this free service. Visiting scholars and campus
affiliates can obtain a CalNet ID from their sponsoring department.
Wireless cards and the necessary software are available for one-day
checkout at the Moffitt Library Circulation Desk and the Public Health
Library. Please note that AirBears is only available to UCB students,
faculty, and staff. The Library does not provide AirBears guest accounts
for visitors. This would also be provided by the sponsoring department.
Learn more about Computers in the
Libraries including other laptop access options.
- What is the history of the Berkeley campus?
A brief history of the University is available on the campus web site, and The Bancroft Library offers a "Days of Cal" virtual tour through UC Berkeley's history.
-
How can I get a job in the Library?
A list of all
student, staff, and librarian positions is available online. The
Library hires students for positions that could include public service,
technical service, or clerical duties. Currently available student
positions are posted on a bulletin board outside the Library Human
Resources Department at 110 Doe Library. Applications are also available
there.
-
What is the mailing address of the Library?
A list of mailing addresses for all of
the libraries is available online.
-
How do I get to the UC Berkeley campus?
Extensive information about Traveling to
campus is available via the Visitor Services website.
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The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.
Last updated 04/09/07. Server manager: contact
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