Eligibility for access to the University Library
- Current Staff, Students and Members of the University of Cambridge
- Current Staff and Students of other Universities
- Private / Business Researchers
Current Staff, Students and Members of the University of Cambridge
Current Staff and Students of the University of Cambridge have access to the University Library with their University of Cambridge Card from the Card Office.
For those categories requiring supporting documentation (see below for details), the card will need to be authorised on the first visit to the Library. Please make an appointment with the Admissions Office to avoid queuing.
Other Members of the University of Cambridge are requested to make an appointment with the Admissions Office to obtain or renew a valid Reader’s Ticket.
Readers in the categories detailed below will normally be given access to Special Collections materials.
| Categories | Borrowing entitlements | Documents needed |
| Graduate Students | 10 books for 8 weeks | University of Cambridge Card |
| Undergraduates | 5 books for 2 weeks | University of Cambridge Card To consult manuscript materials, please provide a letter of introduction from your tutor. |
| University Officers | 10 books for 8 weeks | University of Cambridge Card & Letter of appointment |
| Fellows of Colleges; College Teaching Officers | 10 books for 8 weeks | University of Cambridge Card & Letter of appointment |
| Ordinands at Cambridge Theological Colleges | 5 books for 2 weeks | University of Cambridge Card & Letter from Board of Graduate Studies, College or Department |
| Visiting Scholars and Visiting Fellows | 5 books for 8 weeks | University of Cambridge Card or personal ID & 5.4 form or Letter of appointment |
| Cambridge MAs (not working for University of Cambridge) | 10 books for 8 weeks | Personal ID & current proof of home address |
| Non-Resident BA (incl. Cert & Diploma holders) | Reading access only | Personal ID & current proof of home address |
| University Staff (incl. Research and Assistant staff) | 10 books for 8 weeks | University of Cambridge Card |
| College Assistants | 5 books for 8 weeks or Reading access only | University of Cambridge Card or personal ID & 5.4 form (for borrowing access) or Letter of appointment |
Current Staff and Students of other Universities
For some categories of reader, an administrative charge of £10 will be made for a Card valid for up to six months as indicated below. No charge is made for the single issue within any twelve-month period of a Card valid for up to seven consecutive days.
If eligible to consult manuscripts materials, please provide a letter of introduction clearly indicating your research need for these materials.
| Categories | Access | Documents: two forms of identification required; additional documentation |
| Academic staff from UK universities | Reading access only, including Special Collections materials | University photographic ID & current proof of home address. To consult manuscript materials please also provide a letter of introduction. |
| Academic staff from non-UK universities | Reading access only, including Special Collections materials | University photographic ID & current proof of home address. To consult manuscript materials please also provide a letter of introduction.£10 administrative charge applies. |
| Research students from UK universities | Reading access only, including Special Collections materials | University photographic ID & current proof of home address. To consult manuscript materials please also provide a letter of introduction. |
| Research students from non-UK universities | Reading access only, including Special Collections materials | University photographic ID & current proof of home address. To consult manuscript materials please also provide a letter of introduction. £10 administrative charge applies. |
| Postgraduates (taught) from UK universities | Reading access only, including Special Collections materials | University photographic ID & current proof of home address. To consult manuscript materials please also provide a letter of introduction. |
| Undergraduates from UK & Irish universities (SCONUL Vacation Access Scheme) | Vacation reading only Reading access only, including Special Collections materials | University photographic ID & current proof of home address. To consult manuscript materials please also provide a letter of introduction. |
| Postgraduates (taught) from non-UK universities | Not normally admitted | University photographic ID & current proof of home address. Admitted if requested by formal letter from university tutor. £10 administrative charge applies. |
| Undergraduates from non-UK Universities | Not normally admitted | Not normally admitted |
Private / business researchers
Private and business researchers may apply for admission to the Library, provided that they have research needs and interests which cannot be satisfied in other libraries or bookshops.
An administrative charge of £10 will be made for a Card valid for up to six months as indicated below. No charge is made for the single issue within any twelve-month period of a Card valid for up to seven consecutive days.
If eligible to consult manuscripts materials, please provide a letter of introduction clearly indicating your research need for these materials.
| Categories | Access | Documents: two forms of identification required; additional documentation |
| Private Researcher | Reading access only, including Special Collections materials | Personal ID & current proof of home address. To consult manuscript materials please also provide a letter of introduction. £10 administrative charge applies. |
| Business / Commercial Researcher | Reading access only, including Special Collections materials | Personal ID & current proof of home address. To consult manuscript materials please also provide a letter of introduction. £10 administrative charge applies. |