Aside from providing access to reference materials and librarians, the  Naturalist Center provides a number of services tailored to the specific needs of students, teachers and the general public. 

For Members

• Borrowing privileges for books, dvds, and other media.  Loan periods: 3 weeks for books, 1 week for dvds and other media.

For Teachers

• Borrowing privileges for books, dvds, and other media.  Loan periods:  3 weeks for books, 1 week for CDs, DVDs and videos.
• Participation in workshops on library research.
• On-site access to electronic databases and natural history collections.

For Students

• Self-guided programs related to Academy research and exhibits.
• Assistance in researching and preparing school reports.
• On-site access to electronic databases and natural history collections.

For the General Public

• Assistance with the identification of natural history specimens.
• Self-guided programs related to Academy research and exhibits.
• An area where visitors with shared interests can sit, connect and converse.

 Note:  If you wish to have assistance with the identification of a natural history specimen, we encourage you to take pictures rather than collecting the actual specimen.  Under U.S. federal laws and the California Fish and Game Codes, it is illegal to to take, collect, capture, mark, or salvage, for scientific, educational, and non-commercial propagation purposes, mammals, birds (including feathers) and their nests and eggs, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, and invertebrates without a permit.  For more information visit the California Fish and Game website.

The Naturalist Center hosts a variety of activities. These include:

• Library Orientations - Participants learn about the many resources and services available in the Naturalist Center and how to effectively and efficiently find what they need.

• Research Skills Workshops - Participants learn how to improve research skills, search online databases, and evaluate web sites.

• Mystery Boxes - Self-guided explorations in which participants examine boxes filled with Academy specimens.

• Scavenger Hunts - Participants go searching for answers by exploring the Naturalist Center's extensive archive of collections.

General Principles

The Naturalist Center provides access to electronic resources as one way of fulfilling our mission to promote lifelong learning, offer individualized, in-depth inquiry about the natural world, and inspire people to play a role in sustaining life on Earth.

The Internet offers access to ideas, information and commentary from around the world that can be personally, professionally and culturally enriching. However, not all sources on the Internet are accurate, complete or up-to-date. The Naturalist Center assumes responsibility only for the information provided on its web site. We do not monitor, have no control over, and do not accept responsibility for material in other sources on the Internet.

Internet access is free and available to all visitors of the Naturalist Center.

Responsibilities of Users

• All Library computer equipment and software must be used as installed. Users are not permitted to delete, add to, or modify the installed hardware or software. If you experience technical problems, ask library staff for help. Do not attempt to fix the problem yourself.

• Use of computers will be on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments will be taken. Users will limit their time to 20 minutes if others are waiting, or at the request of the library staff.

• Children eight and under must use the computer, including the Internet, with their accompanying adult.

• Parents and children are encouraged to start their exploration of the Internet with the Naturalist Center web site, especially the Web Bibliographies section. There they will find many sites for children, chosen by Naturalist Center staff. Naturalist Center staff can also provide assistance in determining search strategies and evaluating sites.

• Access to particular kinds of activity, such as e-mail, may be prohibited or limited at the discretion of Naturalist Center staff.

• The Naturalist Center provides printing at a cost of 10 cents per page. Only staff can print documents for visitors; visitors must ask staff for assistance to print.

Unacceptable Uses of Naturalist Center Computers

• Insulting, harassing or attacking other users or Naturalist Center staff.

• Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures.

• Gaining unauthorized access to the Library’s network or computer systems, to any other network or computer system, or violating the privacy, individual rights and privileges of other users. Damaging or attempting to damage computer equipment or software.

• Violating copyright laws or software licensing agreements.

• Modifying software or programs installed on Library Internet workstations.

• Installing personal software on Library workstations.

• Violating copyright laws.

• Accessing Internet resources that may incur financial charges or fees to the Library’s account. In the event that such fees are incurred, either deliberately or inadvertently, the user will be responsible for payment and may be liable for criminal prosecution.

Violations may result in restrictions on Naturalist Center use. Illegal uses of computers may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

Honoring Copyright

U.S. Copyright law (Title 17, US Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

Computer and Internet Use Policy adapted from Academy Library, San Francisco Public Library and Madison Public Library policies.