Reference & Other Services

Reference Service

The Library has a long-standing reputation for providing outstanding reference service. In the specialized setting of the Library, staff take time to provide in-depth assistance, utilizing not only the Library's internal resources, but tapping electronic resources beyond the Library. Written and phone queries are welcomed. Reference service hours are 11 am-5 pm.

Instructional Support

The Library offers orientation programs and will give classroom presentations upon request. Recent course handouts are available online.

Interlibrary Loan

The IGS Library selectively lends material to other libraries. All requests for materials that exceed 100 pages should be directed to Interlibrary Services, Doe Library, UC Berkeley via VDX to location UB1 (UC campuses only) or via OCLC to location CUY (non-UC libraries). For items that are under 100 pages, UC campuses should send all requests to location UB1 via VDX. We will ask you to refer there any requests sent via OCLC to location CBG (we charge OCLC users). Non-UC libraries can request materials under 100 pages directly from location CBG via OCLC, and your material would be sent via e-mail as a PDF, often the same day.

For OCLC users, lending (scanning) fees for OCLC requests are noted in the OCLC Policies Directory (available with authorized user login only). Search under CBG for the IGSL fees for OCLC borrowers, and under CUY for the Doe Library Interlibrary Services copying and lending fees for non-UC users. The Library adheres to University of California cooperative lending agreements.

Loans to San Francisco Bay Area Law Firm Libraries (Codes Only)

The Library has a special program for lending California municipal and county codes to San Francisco Bay Area law firm libraries. These libraries may borrow codes for one week with a renewal period of one week. The cost to borrow a code is $45.00; the cost to renew is $25.00. Limited fax service is available: $50.00 for up to ten pages; $1.00 each additional page (20 pages maximum). Codes must be picked up and returned by messenger. A list of California Local Codes owned by the Library is available.