UCSB Library Instruction Services
Policies on Instruction Services for Non-UCSB Groups

GENERAL POLICY

Welcome to the Libraries of the University of California, Santa Barbara. Our collections and services have been designed and funded for use by UCSB faculty, students, staff and other members of the UCSB community. The mission of the Libraries' Instructional Services is to support the curricula, research and information needs of the UCSB community. Due to limited resources and other constraints, the Library's instruction responsibility is to our primary clientele and to groups affiliated with the University. Some exceptions may be made on a limited basis.

Visiting groups who are not affiliated with the University or its programs are welcome to use the library and to provide their own self-guided instruction in accordance with the guidelines set forth below. It may be helpful to use the self-guided tour available online and in print format available at the Reference/Information Desk. Members of the UCSB community always receive priority for the use of the Libraries' computers, public services, and facilities.

AFFILIATED GROUPS

The UCSB Libraries will provide library instruction to non-UCSB groups that participate in programs such as Early Academic Outreach and the California Nanosystems Institute. Our classrooms can successfully accommodate groups of up to 20 students. Please arrange for multiple visits if you have more than this number. Contact Richard Caldwell, Coordinator of Instruction Services, to schedule classroom instruction and tours.

NON-AFFILIATED GROUPS

• HIGH SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, AND CITY COLLEGES

  While we do not normally offer instruction services to high schools and colleges, we are happy to work with the librarians at each school to help design assignments and suggest approaches to research. On some occasions -- and only if it does not conflict with our primary responsibilities -- we may be able to provide library tours and general orientation sessions to outside school groups. The best time for such tours is during UCSB’s intersessions. Intersessions are the periods between academic quarters. Please refer to the academic calendar when planning a visit.

  If you do plan to bring your high school or college class to the UCSB Libraries for self-guided instruction, please use the guidelines below. There is no need to notify the library for these self-guided tours unless your group is larger than 10, in which case we may need to make special accommodations and would appreciate advance notice.

  To make the best use of their time at the UCSB Libraries, visiting high school and college students should first use the resources at their local school and public libraries. All groups are encouraged to search Pegasus, our online catalog, before visiting the UCSB Libraries. If possible, students should have a specific assignment and a general idea of what kind of resources they will be looking for during their visit. For borrowing privileges, see http://www.library.ucsb.edu/depts/access/circulationservices.html .

• ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

  Because the collections at the UCSB Libraries are generally not appropriate for use by most elementary level students, we do not give instruction or tours to K-8 school groups. Some exceptions may be made for groups participating in UCSB programs. Supervised school groups are welcome to visit the Libraries in accordance with the below guidelines. There is no need to notify the Library for these self-guided tours unless your group is larger than 10, in which case we may need to make special accommodations and would appreciate advance notice. K-8 teachers are welcome and encouraged to use the resources of the Curriculum Laboratory. Please be aware that Internet access on public terminals is not filtered.

• COMMUNITY GROUPS

  Please contact the Instructional Services Librarian regarding the purpose of your visit so that we can confirm that we have the resources that you are looking for. In many cases, the local public or school library may have more appropriate resources.

GUIDELINES FOR NON-UCSB GROUPS

• Classrooms

  Our classrooms are available only for persons or groups affiliated with UCSB, or for events co-sponsored by the UCSB Libraries.

• Requesting a Visit

  For groups of fewer than 10, there is no need to contact the Library before coming for a tour. If your group is larger than 10, please make requests at least two weeks before your desired visit. Please note that the Libraries may not be able to accommodate your visit due to timing and resource availability.

• Timing of Visits

  Please request your visit during UCSB's intersessions whenever possible. During periods when the demand for resources is heavy, our first priority is service to UCSB students, faculty, and staff.

  Intersessions are the periods between academic quarters. Please refer to the academic calendar when planning a visit.

• Size

  We strongly recommend that you limit group size to 10. Please arrange to have one adult accompany every 8 elementary school students.

• Computer Use

  Internet access on public terminals is not filtered. Please remember that UCSB students, faculty, and staff have priority.

• Policies for library users.

If your group is able to work within the guidelines above, please make arrangements at least two weeks before your visit by contacting: