Who can visit?
While our libraries primarily serve the Stanford community, we strive to make our world-class research resources available to as many researchers as we can. There are plenty of opportunities for visitors to experience our collections.
Day pass
Limited to seven days per year (or 14 days for Stanford alumni). Register at one of the locations below with an original (physical), valid government-issued photo identification (ID), such as drivers license, passport, or state ID.
Minors (under the age of 18) must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. The legal guardian must have an acceptable government-issued ID.
Purchase a library card
You can visit Stanford University Libraries seven days a year (fourteen for Stanford alumni) at no cost. After that, you will need to purchase a library card. Library cards are only valid at Stanford University Libraries. The following coordinate libraries are not included: Law Library, Lane Medical Library, Hoover Library and Graduate School of Business Library.
Minors are not eligible to purchase fee-based library cards.
Library access
Access Stanford University Libraries buildings. Use library materials in-house.
- $450/year
- $150/3 months
- $75/month
- $35/2 weeks
Access and borrowing
Access Stanford University Libraries buildings. Loan periods are 28 days and limited to 25 items.
- $1000/year
- $500/5 months
- $325/3 months
Visitor essentials
Access
- Visitor access, including the use of open study areas, is provided solely for the purpose of using library materials or collections.
- Open study spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Lockers, group study rooms, study carrels, and after-hours study spaces are for Stanford students only; visitors are not permitted to use them.
- Licensed electronic resources are available on public computers only. Access from personal devices or off-campus is not available to visitors because a SUNet ID is required.
Getting to our libraries
- Review parking options for visitors.
- Find accessibility information for each library location.
Computing and connectivity
- Connect to visitor Wi-Fi anywhere on campus and all libraries.
- Access public computers provided in all libraries.
Printing and copying
- Print and copy using Cardinal Print, available for guests and visitors.
Lastly, please review our library policies before your visit.
Tours
Stanford ID holders may request a library tour by contacting the Reference Desk at library-reference@stanford.edu or calling (650) 725-1064. Please provide your preferred dates and times, the library location you’d like to visit, and the number of attendees.
Public tour groups (of any size) or other large groups are not permitted in Stanford University Libraries buildings. No exceptions will be granted.
Questions about visitor privileges?
For any questions or concerns, please email sul-privileges@stanford.edu or call (650) 723-1492.