Find a Study Space
Sherman Fairchild Library Study Spaces
Study Rooms
Policies
- Five group study rooms are available to reserve for three hours per person per day. If you have special needs, contact us.
- Reservations are required during Fall, Winter, and Spring terms. We highly recommend making reservation in advance.
- Patrons using a group study room without a reservation may be asked to move to another space.
- Reservations available weekdays (Monday to Friday) between 8am and 12am.
- Between 12am and 7am, over the weekend (Saturday and Sunday), and in the off-term, group study rooms are first-come, first-serve only.
- Rooms must be cleared between 7am and 8am in order for Facilities to clean the rooms for use.
Book a Study Room at SFL
Features
- Group study
- Food and covered beverages permitted
- Clean up after yourselves in consideration for others and to prevent pests
- Private enclosed room
- Quiet conversation
- AV / TV available
- Whiteboard
Shushbooths
Policies
- Two booths available on the north side of SFL 1st Floor.
- Reservations available, but not required to access and use booths.
- Patrons using a booth without a reservation may be asked to move to another space.
- Reservations available daily during SFL open hours.
Reserve a Shushbooth
Features
- One person, solo use
- Noise dampening for conference calls, study, or interviews
- Food and covered beverages permitted
- Clean up after yourselves in consideration for others and to prevent pests
- Overhead light
Open Study Tables
Policies
- Silent study (second and third floor)
- Quiet conversation (first floor and basement)
Features
- Food and covered beverages permitted
- Clean up after yourselves in consideration for others and to prevent pests
- Individual study tables
- Movable whiteboards
Computer Workstations
Policies
- Quiet conversation and headphones only
Features
- Windows 10 workstations
- Food and beverages are discouraged at computer workstations
- Individual study tables
- Movable whiteboards
- Scanner
Multimedia Conference Room (Room #328)
Policies
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Available by request only. Contact us for such requests.
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This room is intended for library instruction and collaborative research/learning sessions that utilize the technology of the room.
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Reservations require a minimum of five attendees.
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If you have an approved reservation, check out the key from the SFL Information Desk.
Features
- Seating for 20
- 90" HDTV monitor
- Digital projector (with touch/annotation/capture capability)
- Ability to send signal to monitor and/or projector from HDMI, VGA, AirMedia (wireless video and audio)
- Podium with PC workstation and webcam (Skype installed)
- Wall to wall whiteboards
- Speakerphone (626-395-3447)
- Food is not permitted. Covered drinks only.
Amphitheater
Policies
- No reservations required for quiet study
- Contact us for event reservations
Features
- Food and drinks allowed outdoors
- Clean up after yourselves in consideration for others and to prevent pests
- Individual study tables
Caltech Hall
Ninth Floor Open Study Space
Policies
- Open space, no reservations required for quiet study
- Contact us for event reservations
- Food and covered beverages permitted
- Clean up after yourselves in consideration for others and to prevent pests
- (Please note: Effective September 30, 2024, all event requests to use Caltech Hall 9th floor for 30 or more attendees will incur a $150 facility fee.)
Features
- Computer workstations
- Individual study tables
- Movable whiteboards
Dabney Library
Outdoor Patio
Policies
- Open space (no reservations required)
- Food and drinks permitted
- Clean up after yourselves in consideration for others and to prevent pests
- Quiet conversation
- This space may be reserved for events. Contact us for event reservations.
Features
- Individual study tables
- Soft seating
Frequently Asked Questions About Study Spaces
Who can use library study spaces and how?
- Caltech students, staff and faculty can use study spaces for collaboration, research, and related activities. To book a space for regularly scheduled classes or special events, please contact us using this form.
- For Caltech activities that fall outside the Library’s guidelines, refer to other campus locations.
What do I need to use a study space?
- A valid Caltech UID is required for entry into all Library buildings.
Do I need to reserve a study space?
- Reservations are recommended.
- Rooms and spaces are available for walk-in use.
- If you use a room without a reservation, you will be asked to move to another space to accommodate those with reservations.
- Rooms are intended for use by groups; Library staff may move a single occupant for a group.
- Reservations will be forfeited if not present within 15 minutes of the reserved time and are limited to 3 hours per person per day.
- Special arrangements may be possible, please contact us using this form.
Can I eat or drink in study spaces?
- Food and covered beverages (i.e. water bottles, to-go cups with a lid) are permitted within Library buildings. Please clean up after yourselves in consideration for others and to prevent pests.
- Alcohol is not permitted in any library space. Rare exceptions are allowed on a case-by-case basis.
Can I leave personal items in a study room?
Don't leave your personal belongings behind. If you leave personal belongings in the room unattended, they will be subject to removal.
If we cannot contact you by the end of the day, they will be sent to the Security Office and you will be required to pick them up there.
Outdoor Study Space Guidelines
Outdoor study spaces are available to members of the Caltech community and are located on the east side of the Sherman Fairchild Library and on the terrace of Dabney Library entrance.
- Food and drinks permitted. Please clean up after yourself.
- Alcohol is not permitted in any library space. Rare exceptions are allowed on a case-by-case basis.
As with all study spaces, don't leave your personal belongings or trash behind. If personal belongings are found in outdoor spaces, they will be subject to removal and will be sent to the Security Office.