Secondary materials are more easily consulted in other branches of the library, and the thorough use of such resources can optimize the time spent among the Bancroft's vast holdings concerning the history of California, the American West, Mexico, Central America, and the University of California itself. A thorough knowledge of the question is the first real step to finding the answer. The entrance to The Bancroft Library is on the east side of the Main Library, facing the Campanile. Before entering the Reading Room, you must stop at the Registration Desk, located to the right as you enter the building, and register to use the Library. To do so, you must present some form of photo identification, such as student ID, a driver's license, or a passport.
Registration usually remains valid for two years.
During the regular semester, The Bancroft Library is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, and from 1 to 5pm on Saturdays. Hours are usually reduced during intersessions. Since the capacity of the Heller Reading Room is limited, there sometimes is a waiting list, especially in the afternoon during the closing weeks of the semester. Traffic is generally much lighter early in the day, and early in the semester. Paging can be time-consuming, and scholars are advised to allow enough time for material to be retrieved and examined.