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Our Organization: Access & Lending Policies

Access & Lending Policies

Access to the libraries of Caltech varies based on day of the week and patrons status. For the most up-to-date library hours, please visit the View All Hours page. The Caltech Library provides a safe space for its community to study or work on academic endeavors. Behavior contrary to this principle will not be tolerated and Campus Security will be notified immediately.

The Library has four categories of users: Current Caltech ID Holders, Caltech Affiliates, Friends of the Caltech Library, and Government Documents & Archives Users (by appointment only). Only Current Caltech ID Holders and limited Caltech Affiliates have borrowing privileges and access to Library services - please see our What Can I Access? page.

Current Caltech ID Holders

Current Caltech students, faculty, and staff may use any of the Caltech Libraries during opening hours. Please visit the View All Hours page for more information on each library. (The Caltech Archives & Special Collections requires an appointment before visiting).  

Caltech Affiliates

Please check our What Can I Access? page for more information.

Guests of Current Caltech ID Card Holders

Faculty/Staff/Postdocs/Grads/Undergrads are welcome to bring in visitors to the Sherman Fairchild Library (only). It is important to note that Caltech members must sign visitors in at the Information desk located on the first floor of SFL, visitors must be accompanied by their Caltech members at all times, and access to the library is limited to Monday-Friday 9am-4pm. 

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us at library@caltech.edu. 

Only guest wifi is available for non-Caltech patrons while visiting the Sherman Fairchild Library. We currently do not have any public work stations. For guest wifi registration click here

Note: Guest Reader must have an active Affiliation with an Accredited Colleges and Universities.

Friends of the Caltech Library

Caltech alumni and former faculty and staff are subject to regular visitor policies - please check our What Can I Access? page for more information. To support the Friends of the Caltech Library, click here.

Government Documents & Archives Users

The Caltech Library is primarily for the Caltech community, but external researchers may have limited access to use the U.S. Government Documents collection and the Caltech Archives & Special Collections. Access is Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm by appointment and subject to staff availability. Contact us for more information.

Note: Government Documents are only available on: Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.