Suggestions for Successful Visits

The UC Irvine Libraries welcome the general public and students and faculty from other institutions.

These resources and services are available for on-site use at no cost:

  • Computers with Internet access, including licensed online resources (a few exceptions apply)
  • Scanners
  • Books
  • Journals
  • Newspapers
  • Music scores
  • Government reports
  • Special collections and archival materials

There are fees for the following:

Access to University of California Library Collections by External Users

To make the most of your visit, keep in mind the following:

The UC Irvine Libraries are located in four buildings:

  • Langson Library (Arts, Humanities, Education, Social Sciences, Social Ecology, Business/Management)
  • Science Library (Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Information and Computer Sciences, Health Sciences)
  • Gateway Study Center (computers and study space; restricted to UCI students, faculty and staff)
  • Grunigen Medical Library (Clinical Health Sciences, located at the UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange, CA)

All have computers with online access to our licensed databases and other online resources as well as the Internet in general.

Before You Visit:  Do We Have What You Need?

The UC Irvine Libraries have the largest collections in Orange County, developed for the research and instructional needs of the UC Irvine faculty, students, and staff. Public libraries in California have built collections and services for their constituencies.  They offer free borrowing cards and free parking. The librarians at your local public library can help you find information and resources in their collections.  After checking with your local public library, it's a good idea to reach out to us via email or through our 24/7 chat service. You may also want to check our catalog and research guides before making the trip to UCI.

Finding What You Need Once You Are Here

Taking Materials Home

Visitors must use some materials, such as licensed online resources, online journals and ebooks only at UC Irvine.  Off-campus access is available only to currently-enrolled students, faculty and staff.  However many public libraries have online resources that their card-holders may use from outside the library.  Please contact your local public library to learn about their licensed resources.

Library Policies:  Food, Drink, Animals, etc.

In order to maintain the Libraries for everyone’s use, we ask that you please abide by the same policies as other library users.

Looking for information published by the government?

The UC Irvine Libraries participate in the United States and California State depository library programs.  In addition, we have a limited collection of Orange County documents as well as publications from selected International Organizations.  These may be found by using Library Search.

    In addition to the information under the “For all visitors and alumni” tab, the following information applies specifically to students in high school, community college, 4-year colleges/universities, and in middle school. 

    Before or during your visit to the UC Irvine Libraries

    Taking materials home

    Library Cards

    • High School Students in AP or IB classes only may receive cards, and you must contact your school library/media center specialist first.  See the “Other Affiliates” tab at Get a Library Card
    • College Students:  Consult Get a Library Card to find out your eligibility
    • Not sure what category you’re in?  Contact the Check Out desk at any of the UC Irvine Libraries

    Access to licensed databases and online resources

    • While at UCI, students from other schools may access online materials licensed by your libraries if your school allows remote (off-campus) access.  If software is required to do this or the computer’s settings must be modified, you will need to use your own laptop/tablet via limited WiFi visitor access.
    • Ask Us for assistance with the materials (online and in print) at the UC Irvine Libraries.

    In addition to the information under the “For all visitors and alumni” tab, the following information applies specifically to teachers.

    Advance Preparation

    Your student will get more out of our resources if they prepare before they visit.

    • Our interactive, online workshop about how to begin your research provides an introduction and orientation to our libraries' resources.

    Taking Materials Home

    • Library Cards
      If you are an AP/IB teacher, your students can obtain temporary library cards. Please speak with your school’s library/media specialist for the necessary paperwork. If you are the library/media specialist and need this form, please contact John Bareford (jbarefor@uci.edu) or Michele Upton (mlupton@uci.edu) of the Libraries' Access Services Department.
    • Some materials are only available on UCI computers and other can't leave the library.
      • Online academic journals are only accessible on campus.
      • Electronic documents can be saved to a portable jump drive (aka a thumb drive or flash drive).
      • Print journals cannot be taken out of the library

    Printing and Copying

    There are a variety of options for printing and photocopying.