The Caltech Library is committed to serving the teaching, research, and academic needs of its students, faculty, and staff. Access to collections, borrowing privileges, and use of computers are limited to those affiliated with Caltech. 

Access Privileges for Non-Affiliated Visitors

The Caltech Library has heavily used, highly specialized collections that can be largely unsuitable for access to general information. In addition, due to our licensing agreements, off-campus access to electronic resources to non-Caltech individuals is restricted. For these services, we highly recommend visiting other local libraries. 

Building Access

The Caltech Library is primarily for the Caltech community but external researchers may have limited access to Sherman Fairchild Library between 9:00 am–4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. A Caltech ID, listed required card, or government-issued ID card is needed all times (please see What Can I Access?). The other Library locations on campus are primarily for Caltech students, faculty, and staff. 

Building access does not include access to computers, printers, scanners, bookable study rooms, or equipment. Laptops and e-devices carried in by visitors may be connected to the Internet by applying for access to the Visitor wireless network that is maintained by Caltech IMSS. The visitor wireless network is not intended to provide access to Library licensed resources. Incidental access to library-licenses resources is not controlled by the Caltech Library but by our vendors who have been provided the correct Internet address ranges for authorized Caltech users. Reference service and research assistance is not available to visitors. We reserve the right to decline requests for research or technology assistance.

For more information, please see our Access & Lending Policies.

Note: Off campus access to resources to non-Caltech individuals is restricted. 

Visitors Form                                                                                                         

Guest visitors and affiliates who fall under one of the "Other Groups" categories will be required to fill out our Visitors Form prior to arrival.  We require visitors to fill out the form each time they visit.  Please show your valid ID card upon arriving at the SFL circulation desk.

Borrowing Privileges

Borrowing of Caltech materials is limited to members of the Caltech community and affiliates of the Institute. Please visit our Lending Code & Borrowing Policy page for more information. 

JPL regular staff and immediate family members (spouses/domestic partners and children 15 years of age or older) of Caltech faculty, postdocs, and staff may apply for a library card by submitting this registration form.