The iconic West Point Cadet Uniform symbolizes tradition, discipline, and academic excellence. For those seeking to delve deeper into the history and significance of the U.S. Military Academy, including the rich heritage embodied in the West Point cadet uniform, the U.S. Military Academy Library at West Point stands as a vital resource. While primarily serving cadets, faculty, and staff, the library also extends certain services to visitors and alumni interested in exploring its extensive collections. Understanding the access policies is the first step to unlocking the wealth of information within, whether your focus is military history, leadership studies, or the evolution of the West Point cadet uniform itself.
The USMA Library, committed to supporting the academic pursuits of the U.S. Military Academy community, operates with specific guidelines for public access. It’s important to note that services for visitors and alumni differ from those offered by public or university libraries due to its primary mission.
Access to Collections and Facilities at Jefferson Hall
Located within the Central Post Restricted Area, Jefferson Hall Library and Learning Center is not generally open for public browsing or tours. Access is controlled to ensure the security and academic environment of West Point.
Unescorted Access:
Certain individuals are authorized unescorted access to the common areas of Jefferson Hall during public operating hours. These include:
- Military Personnel in Uniform: This encompasses all approved uniforms, excluding physical fitness attire. Uniforms of other service branches and international military personnel officially visiting West Point are also accepted. Cadets must adhere to uniform guidelines outlined in USCC Pamphlet 600-20 and USCC Pamphlet 670-1, ensuring their West Point cadet uniform meets regulations. Cadets wearing Cadet Casual or Civilian Casual attire must display their CAC.
- Specific Civilian Personnel: Military personnel, USMA DoD civilian employees, AWPAD employees, Association of Graduate employees, USMA DoD contractors, and authorized delivery personnel in civilian clothing are granted access if they visibly display their CAC or equivalent ID. This includes cadets authorized to wear civilian clothes according to USCC uniform policy.
- Credentialed Event Attendees: Registered and credentialed attendees of approved events within Jefferson Hall can access the library while displaying their event badge, valid only for Jefferson Hall.
Limited Unescorted Access (Before 1900):
Before 7:00 PM daily, unescorted access is extended to:
- Family Members of Affiliated Personnel: Spouses and family members (14+) of military personnel, USMA DoD civilians, AWPAD employees, Association of Graduates employees, or USMA DoD contractors, provided they display their CAC or equivalent ID.
- Retirees with DoD ID: Retirees with a DoD identification card are permitted access when displaying their ID.
- Participants in Official Academy Events: Graduates, spouses, and family members (14+) registered for official Academy events can enter with their official event badge.
- Parents and Family of Cadets: Parents and family members of cadets with West Point Parent credentials issued by the Visitors Center are allowed access.
- Researchers with Specific Needs: Researchers from the general public needing to use government collections under 44 USC 19 – 1909, or those with scheduled appointments for Archives and Special Collections or exhibits, can access the library by registering at the welcome desk, presenting photo ID, displaying a visitor credential, allowing bag searches, and agreeing to library rules.
Escorted Access:
All other visitors require a qualified escort within the Central Post Restricted Area and Jefferson Hall. Escorted visitors in the library after 7:00 PM must register at the Front Desk and display a visitor badge. They must remain with their escort at all times. This category includes:
- Children under 14.
- West Point Graduates and their families without qualifying military or Academy-event ID.
- Parents, family, and friends of cadets without West Point Parent identification.
- The general public and Admissions visitors.
For access inquiries, contact [email protected]. For general collection materials, interlibrary loan via local libraries is recommended. Access to databases and licensed electronic resources is restricted to active USMA personnel.
Upon arrival, visitors should register at the Front Desk on the first floor of Jefferson Hall. Visitors over 14 must display appropriate identification. Bag searches may be conducted.
For detailed access policies, refer to Dean’s Policy Operating Memorandum 08-1.
Reference and Research Assistance
The library offers reference and research assistance, as staffing permits, focusing on topics related to the West Point Military Reservation, the U.S. Military Academy, and its graduates. This could include inquiries about the historical evolution of the West Point cadet uniform or significant figures in West Point’s history. For broader research topics, local libraries are better suited.
Initial research inquiries can be made online.
Directions and Parking
The USMA Library is located in Jefferson Hall, within the Central Area of West Point. Detailed information on accessing West Point is available at Visitor Information. The navigation address is 758 Cullum Road. Directions and parking information are available online; parking near the library is limited.
Acceptable Conduct and Behavior
Visitors are expected to adhere to the same standards of conduct as cadets, faculty, and staff. Complete conduct guidelines are accessible online. Maintaining a respectful and scholarly atmosphere is paramount within the library environment.
Network Access
Public wireless network access is currently unavailable at the USMA Library due to policy changes. Cellular service is available throughout the library for all major networks, and visitors are encouraged to use personal hotspots if needed.
Services Not Available to Alumni & Visitors
Certain library services are exclusively for active USMA personnel:
- Borrowing materials
- Reserve materials
- Interlibrary loan
- Material recalls
- Printing, scanning, or copying (with limited exceptions for government documents or archives based on copyright and equipment)
- Access to government computer networks
- Access to or reservations for study rooms, classrooms, or event spaces
- Workstations and computer hardware
- Licensed data, databases, and information
- Remote access to licensed services
Gifts and Donations
Support for the USMA Library’s mission through gifts-in-kind and donations is welcomed. Information on gifts and donations is available online. Contributing to the library helps ensure it remains a valuable resource for generations of cadets and researchers interested in West Point and its traditions, including the legacy of the West Point cadet uniform.
