UC Berkeley Library

Information for

Information for Visitors

Content section: 

The Library welcomes visitors to the UC Berkeley campus.

Available to visitors to the libraries:

Most libraries are open to the public

  • Exceptions:
    • Moffitt Library
    • Media Resources Center
    • Graduate Services
    • Main (Gardner) Stacks - Visitors may apply for a Stack Pass. Permission for Stacks access is not automatic.
  • The Bancroft Library (visitors must be 18 or older, show photo ID)
  • Reference assistance
  • Databases, library catalogs and other educational resources via public computers in the libraries
  • Free basic Wi-Fi network access - this does not include access to Library-licensed resources, unless you have an eduroam account.
  • Many library events
  • Library exhibits
  • Printing/scanning in the libraries
  • Disability resources - Find equal-access Library services and research assistance for persons with physical and print disabilities.

Available to visitors remotely:

  • OskiCat - The UC Berkeley Library catalog
  • Calisphere - Free public access to digital collections from California libraries, archives, and museums.
  • Online Archive of California - Free public access to detailed descriptions of primary source collections (artwork, manuscripts, papers, historic photographs, and so on).
  • Library guides - Librarian experts have created these pages to help you find resources and services by subject, course and topic at UC Berkeley.
  • Reference assistance - Ask a librarian questions via 24/7 chat, webform, email and telephone.
  • Duplication services - Fee-based access to of a variety of materials within the UC Berkeley library collections.
  • Via your public library, you may be able to borrow materials from the UC Berkeley libraries.

Libraries and services not available to visitors:

  • Art History/Classics Library
  • Graduate Services
  • Interlibrary borrowing
  • Media Resources Center
  • Moffitt Library
  • Items on reserve for UC Berkeley students
  • Remote access to licensed databases

Visitors who are California residents may purchase a library borrowing card from the Privileges Desk, Doe Library, floor 1. 

Library card for California residents:

  • Currently priced at $100 for one year.
  • You may purchase a borrowing card at the Privileges Desk, Doe Library, floor 1.
  • You must show proof of California residence and a current government-issued ID.
  • You may pay by VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, bank debit card, or personal check made payable to The Regents of the University of California.

Available to California residents with a library card:

  • A maximum of 20 books charged out at any one time
  • Access to most campus libraries (including Main (Gardner) Stacks through Doe Library)
  • Reference assistance
  • Databases, library catalogs and other educational resources via public computers in the libraries
  • Many library events
  • Library exhibits
  • Printing/scanning in the libraries

Libraries and services not available to California residents with a library card:

  • Art History/Classics Library
  • Graduate Services
  • Interlibrary borrowing
  • Media Resources Center
  • Moffitt Library
  • Items on reserve for UC Berkeley students
  • Remote access to licensed databases

Institutional borrowers:

The Interlibrary Lending Service provides access to the material holdings of the UC Berkeley Libraries to institutional borrowers in the United States and Canada, and the British Library.

Questions? Ask Us!