Visiting the USC Libraries

Using Library Facilities
  • The general public may use the libraries and our spaces for academic and research-related purposes when resources are not in use by or reserved for USC students, faculty, staff, alumni, or other members of the USC community. USC students, faculty, and staff have priority.

  • Tour groups are expected to observe a quiet atmosphere and be respectful of researchers and library employees. For specialized library tours we recommend requesting a tour through the "Other Services" tab.

  • Only USC students, faculty, staff, alumni, and sponsored guests may be present in libraries open after 9:00 p.m. or before 7:00 a.m. All patrons will be asked to present their physical USCard, digital USCard + a government issued picture ID (for USC students enrolled in USC’s online programs), an Alumni Association physical or digital card + a government issued picture ID, or library-issued USC identification during these times.

  • Several computer workstations are available at Doheny Memorial Library for a 30 minute login; please go to the circulation desk for the username and password.

  • Filming – All commercial film requests should be booked through USC Campus Filming Office. (Students wishing to film should consult the Student Filming Guidelines for the University Libraries.)

  • Copy & Print services are available at some of our libraries. Print cards may be purchased at Leavey and Doheny libraries.

Accessing Resources
  • Special Collections – The USC Libraries' Special Collections is a non-circulating research library open to the general public. Please consult these guidelines for first-time visitors.

  • Borrowing Privileges for non-affiliated general visitors – For a gift of $100 or more, USC Libraries will issue a courtesy library card in the donor's name, valid for one year. 

  • Borrowing Privileges for iVip Scholars – Visiting scholars, VIP guests, and summer program participants must be sponsored by an academic or administrative department to obtain library privileges. Upon a recommendation of a sponsoring school’s Dean (or their designate), a visiting scholar’s (a guest’s or program participant’s) information is entered into the iVIP system. For the list of the iVIP program administrators for schools and departments, please click here.

  • Borrowing Privileges for local institutions – Libraries provide borrowing privileges to faculty, students, and researchers from the following institutions: Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and American Film Institute. We also work with USC’s Neighborhood Academic Initiative to provide borrowing privileges to local high school and college students through selected programs.

  • Research Guides – These are created by librarians and point to subscription-based and freely accessible resources on particular subjects and disciplines.

Other Services