About

Considered the crown jewel of higher education in the entire state, UC Berkeley relies on the Library every day to support its world-class teaching and its cutting-edge research, and to enrich the experience of the thousands of students who study here.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Library open?

On our Library Hours page, you can see today's hours for all the UC Berkeley libraries and select a future date. Subject library homepages also display current hours.

Berkeley is in the Pacific Time Zone.
Hours vary by library and change during the academic year.

What is an 'Affiliated Library?'

There are two types of libraries on campus: The University Library system and the Affiliated Libraries. The former includes Doe/Moffitt and the subject specialty libraries, while the latter are typically connected to particular departments, professional schools, or organized research institutes.

How do I get to the UC Berkeley campus?

The Visitor Services website has extensive information about traveling to campus.

Library guide for campus visitors, includes directions, maps and parking instructions:

Map of all the campus libraries.

Can I donate books to the Library?

The Library will gratefully consider all gifts of recorded information which meet the instructional and research needs of the Berkeley academic community. Questions about gifts to the Library should be directed to Dirk Kennedy.

Please see How to Give and click on "Book Donations" regarding criteria for acceptance, tax and appraisal considerations, and other information.

How can I find UC Berkeley History?

Find campus history, photographs, buildings, course catalogs/schedule of classes, yearbooks (The Blue and Gold), Daily Cal, and UC Berkeley dissertations, and more in the library guide, UC Berkeley History: Basic Sources.

See all FAQs

More information

Vision

Strategic plan

“We live in a time of remarkable and rapid change in the information environment and in the nature of public support for higher education. While the fundamental purpose of the University Library has not changed, the portfolio of strategies for fulfilling that purpose must evolve to meet new circumstances and opportunities. With this strategic plan, we are taking a new approach to our time-honored mission. Across our libraries, we will turn to the goals and values outlined here to develop our priorities and guide our decisions. We will better serve and enrich this great university — and the world beyond — in the exciting years ahead.”

— Jeffrey MacKie-Mason, University Librarian

Read more about the University Library’s vision for the future.

Plan at-a-glance: Read a one-page summary of the University Library’s strategic plan.
Printable PDF: Download and print the complete version of the University Library’s strategic plan.

Statement of purpose

The UC Berkeley Library connects students and scholars to the world of information and ideas. With a daily commitment to excellence and innovation, we select and create, organize and protect, provide and teach access to resources that are relevant to our campus programs and pursuits. (Developed by Library staff; endorsed fall 2000 by Library Administration)

Library staff also developed a statement of values.

People

Administration

Library administration is comprised of the University Library Cabinet, Library Roundtable, subject and functional councils, and standing committees of library staff.

Visit

Access

Want to use the Library?

Policies

The goal for all policies in the Library is to further excellence in the collections and services we offer and to create an environment that is welcoming and productive for our users. Library policies support the policies and priorities set by the campus and the Berkeley system, and are in alignment with state and federal regulations and requirements.

See our policies.

Media

Publications

Visit the Library’s Communications + media page to read current and past installments of the Library’s Fiat Lux magazine and Annual Report, explore facts and figures, and keep up with the latest news about the Library.