Information for K-12 teachers

Overview 

The UC Berkeley Library supports educators in California’s K-12 system by providing access to pertinent services and resources. 

Borrowing information for K-12 teachers

  • California residents currently teaching in a California public school are eligible to receive a free library card.
    • Bring proof of full-time current employment on letterhead from the school principal or district to the Privileges Desk (Doe Library, Floor 1) or email us at privdesk@library.berkeley.edu.
    • The letter must confirm employment during the current or forthcoming academic school year.
    • UC Berkeley library cards must be renewed annually for the next fiscal year, beginning any time after April 1 of the current fiscal year (the UCB fiscal year begins July 1).
    • K-12 teachers who do not have a library card are accorded the same privileges as visitors.

Available to K-12 teachers with a library card

  • A maximum of 20 books checked out at any one time
  • Access to most campus libraries, including Main (Gardner) Stacks through Doe Library
  • Reference assistance, as needed
  • 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 K-12 teachers 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

Bringing students to visit the Library

  • While the UC Berkeley Library does not provide tours to groups not affiliated with the university, you can contact UC Berkeley Visitor Services to arrange a campus tour that includes stops in Doe Library and the Bioscience & Natural Resources Library.
  • The UC Berkeley Library does not provide library instruction or orientations for K-12 programs that are not affiliated with the university.