Overview
The Library welcomes visitors to the UC Berkeley campus.
General information
- Directions to UC Berkeley
- Parking for visitors
- More information about visiting campus
Available to visitors to the libraries
- Most libraries are open to the public.
- The Bancroft Library (visitors must be 18 or older, show photo ID)
- Main (Gardner) Stacks (visitors may apply for a one-day stack pass or request longer-term (up to three months) access; permission for Main Stacks access is not automatic)
- 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 and 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
- UC Library Search — All 10 UC libraries, UC’s two off-campus storage complexes, and collections worldwide
- Digital Collections — Online access to UC Berkeley Library’s rare and unique digitized special collections, books, manuscripts, images, photographs, newspapers, and more
- 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 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
Library card for California residents
Visitors who are California residents may purchase a library borrowing card from the Privileges Desk (Doe Library, Floor 1).
- Currently priced at $100 for one year ($95 for seniors)
- 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 "UC Regents."
- You may also apply for a library card online by emailing privdesk-library@berkeley.edu.
Available to California residents with a library card
- A maximum of 20 books checked out at any one time
- Access to most campus libraries, including the Main (Gardner) Stacks through Doe Library
- Reference assistance
- Databases, library catalogs, and other educational resources via public computers in the libraries
- Many Library events and 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 Loan department provides access to the material holdings of the UC Berkeley libraries to institutional borrowers in the United States and Canada, and the British Library.