diff --git a/gui/src/aaregui/main_window.py b/gui/src/aaregui/main_window.py
index a42d0ff4..072096c8 100644
--- a/gui/src/aaregui/main_window.py
+++ b/gui/src/aaregui/main_window.py
@@ -212,7 +212,8 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
 
         self.daq = DAQWorker(base_url=self.__base_url, token=self.__token)
         self.daq.spreadsheet.connect(self.tell_samples.new_sample_list)
-        self.daq.reference_tools.connect(self.ref_tools_panel.new_list)
+        if self.__decoded_token.staff:
+            self.daq.reference_tools.connect(self.ref_tools_panel.new_list)
 
         self.beamline.samcam.changed.connect(self.daq.samcam_settings)
         self.beamline.loopctr.background.clicked.connect(self.daq.alc_background)