Visitor access

Seven days a year—free

Make sure to bring an original (physical), valid government-issued photo ID (such as Drivers License, Passport or State ID) and review our library policies. When you arrive, first register at one of the following branches:

What to expect

  • Visitor day pass is available for visitors conducting work, research or attending a specific event and/or exhibit.
  • Visitor wireless-internet access is available across campus and in the Libraries. 
  • Each branch provides public computers.
  • Cardinal Print provides printing and copying services for guests and visitors.
  • You may be able to access some electronic content we license when using our public computers. However, some databases are restricted to active Stanford ID students, faculty, and staff.

Purchase a library card

You can visit Stanford Libraries seven days a year (fourteen for Stanford alumni) at no cost. After seven days, you will need a library card. Complete the library card application before you visit, and we will send you further instructions.

Library access

Access Stanford Libraries buildings. Use library materials in-house. 

  • $450/year ($100 for alumni)

  • $150/3 months ($40 for alumni)

  • $75/month ($15 for alumni)

  • $35/2 weeks ($10 for alumni) 

Apply for an access-only library card 

Access and borrowing

Access Stanford Libraries buildings. Place holds, renew, and check out up to twenty-five items. 

  • $1000/year ($400 for alumni)

  • $500/5 months ($175 for alumni)

  • $325/3 months ($125 for alumni)

Apply for an access + borrowing library card 

Access for special partners

Short-term scholar

Read the Visiting Scholar requirements. If you don't meet the guidelines and are hosted by Stanford University department, you are eligible for an access + borrowing card, free-of-charge and valid for ninety days.

Get a scholar library card

Hospital and GME staff

As a staff (50-100% full-time equivalent) and fellow from Stanford Hospital, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, you are eligible for an access + borrowing card. The card has a one-time fee of $10, and renewals are free.

Graduate Medical Education (GME) staff and fellows: You are eligible for an access + borrowing. The fee is $0, and renewals are free. The fee to replace your card is $25. 

Get a hospital library card

Ivy Plus affiliates

We have reciprocal borrowing agreements with Ivy Plus libraries. As a student, faculty, or staff member at an Ivy Plus school, you are eligible for an access +borrowing card. Your first library card is $10 and renewals are free. 

Get an Ivy Plus library card

Reciprocal Services Program (RSP)

We have reciprocal borrowing agreements with the University of California (UC) campuses. Stanford visitors planning to visit UC libraries must obtain an RSP Card from Green Library before visiting UC libraries.

  • UC faculty, graduate students, and academic staff must inquire with their home institution’s library staff for instructions and eligibility prior to visiting Stanford. 
  • UC Berkeley patrons should use the Research Library Cooperative Program (RLCP) first.

Is there an age requirement? 

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. Minors are not eligible to purchase fee-based library cards.

Which other libraries do I have access to?

Purchased library cards are valid at Bowes Art & Architecture Library, Branner Earth Sciences Library, Cubberley Education Library (closed for renovation), East Asia Library, Music Library, Robin Li and Melissa Ma Science Library, and Terman Engineering Library.  

Are tour groups allowed? 

Tour groups (of any size) or other large groups are not permitted inside Stanford Libraries buildings. No exceptions will be granted.

Contact us

For any questions or concerns, please contact Privileges or call (650) 723-1492.