Contact the Department

  • Academy Library
  • California Academy of Sciences
  • 55 Music Concourse Drive
  • San Francisco, CA 94118
  • 415-379-5484 (direct)

Contact the Archivist

  • Danielle Castronovo
  • Archives & Digital Collections Librarian
  • California Academy of Sciences
  • 55 Music Concourse Drive
  • San Francisco, CA 94118
  • 415-379-5490 (direct)

Contact a Reference Librarian

  • Becky Morin
  • User Services Librarian
  • California Academy of Sciences
  • 55 Music Concourse Drive
  • San Francisco, CA 94118
  • 415-379-5495 (direct)

Research Questions, Reproduction Requests & Donations

If you have a question for a natural history librarian, or about local, regional, or Academy history, please contact the Library.

For questions about exhibits or the Academy building, please contact the Naturalist Center.

If you would like information on Academy publications, including permission to reproduce or republish Academy works, please contact Scientific Publications. 

The Academy Library does accept donations of library, archival, and photographic materials.  Please contact us for more information before sending or delivering a donation.

Contact a Staff Member

Please visit our department staff page to find the staff member best able to answer your question.

 

Help

  • Who can use the Academy Library?

    The Library is open to all staff, students, and volunteers of the Academy during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm).

    Members of the public with a legitimate research interest are welcome to use the collections by appointment.

  • Can I check out books from the Academy Library?

    Items from the Academy Library only circulate to Academy Staff for in-house use.

    California Academy of Sciences Members and California educators may check out items from the Naturalist Center.

    Visit the Naturalist Center for more information.

  • How do I contact a Librarian?

    Librarians are generally available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm).

    We can help you with questions, provide referrals, or schedule an appointment for you to visit the Library.

    You can contact the Library by

    Phone: (415) 379-5484

    Email: library@calacademy.org

    Chat:

  • How do I look up a book?

    All of the Academy Library and Naturalist Center book, journal, and multimedia holdings are listed in the Academy Library catalog.

    Confused? Watch a tutorial on searching the Academy Library catalog.

    There are many ways to find items in the Academy Library catalog. Select one of the options below for step-by-step instructions.
    Browsing the Catalog
    Searching the Catalog

  • How do I find journal articles?

    The Academy Library offers access to a variety of databases and indexes, both free and subscription services.  You must be on-site at the Academy to use the subscription databases.

    Browse our Indexes & Databases

  • I found what I want! How do I get it?

    First, look it up in the Catalog.

    If we don't own it, try the following:

    Academy Staff ONLY: Place an Interlibrary Loan request.

    If you do not have Academy Library borrowing privileges, try searching WorldCat.org to see if a library near you owns the item.

  • I can’t find any archival collections in the catalog. How do I search for those?

    As a rule, those collections are not listed in the Library catalog.  You can browse the list of manuscript holdings here

    Please contact Special Collections with any questions.

  • Can I reuse or publish your photographs or other materials?

    In most cases, the answer is yes.  Please see Scanning, Reproduction & Use for more information.

  • Can I volunteer at the Library?

    We periodically have volunteer opportunities for both short-term, project based and long-term assignments. 

    Please contact Volunteer Services if you are interested in becoming a Library volunteer.