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Cambridge University Library

 

Everyone over 16 can use the Library, with the exception of intermitting students.

This page outlines the documentation required to register for a library account. Most current staff and students of the University of Cambridge will be registered automatically. All other users should register online in advance of their visit. Registration enquiries can be sent to: registration@lib.cam.ac.uk

Young people aged 16 and 17 must submit or bring a signed permission form from their parent or guardian.  

If you have a disability you are welcome to contact us in advance of your visit to ensure we can meet any special requirements you may have.

The following categories apply at the main University Library:

Current Staff, Students and Members of the University of Cambridge
Category Borrowing rights Fee Required documentation

Alumni:

Cambridge MAs and graduates of higher degrees, i.e. Masters or PHD (not working for Cambridge)

20 books for 8 weeks

 

 

None

 

 

Photo ID & current proof of home address

Non-resident BA (incl. Cert & Diploma holders) Reading access only    
College Assistants

20 books for 4 weeks (automatic renewals until end of UL registration)

or Reading access only

None

University of Cambridge Card or photo ID & 5.4 form (for borrowing access) or Letter of appointment

Fellows of Colleges; College Teaching Officers

20 books for 4 weeks (automatic renewals until end of UL registration)

None

University of Cambridge Card & Letter of appointment

Former Post-Docs Reading access only None

CamCard, photo ID & current proof of home address.

Graduate Students (University of Cambridge)

20 books for 4 weeks (automatic renewals until end of UL registration)

None

University of Cambridge ID Card; New postgraduate students should find that their University ID cards are automatically registered at the University Library. Students changing course, or extending their programme of study, should contact: registration@lib.cam.ac.uk

Graduate Students Upgraded (University of Cambridge) 30 books for 4 weeks (automatic renewals until end of UL registration) None University of Cambridge ID Card; New postgraduate students should find that their University ID cards are automatically registered at the University Library. Students changing course, or extending their programme of study, should contact: registration@lib.cam.ac.uk
Ordinands at Cambridge Theological Colleges 10 books for 2 weeks None

University of Cambridge Card & Letter from Board of Graduate Studies, College or Department

Undergraduates (University of Cambridge)

10 books for 1 week (automatic renewals until end of UL registration)

None

University of Cambridge Card

Undergraduate Upgraded (University of Cambridge) 15 books for 1 week (automatic renewals until end of UL registration) None

University of Cambridge Card

University of Cambridge Visiting Scholars and Visiting Fellows 20 books for 8 weeks None

University of Cambridge Card or 

Photo ID and 5.4 form/letter of appointment

University Staff (Officers, Research and Assistant staff)

20 books for 4 weeks (automatic renewals until end of UL registration)

None

University of Cambridge Card

Professors Emeriti (on the Roll of the Regent House) 20 books for 8 weeks None Photo ID & current proof of home address.
Intermitting students

Students who are intermitting will have their library services access paused, on the grounds that they are not studying. This policy was developed by the Examination Access and Mitigation Committee in consultation with the Colleges and is designed to support students in using their time away to address the issues which led to intermission.

Undergraduates should consult with their College before returning. For graduates, any application to be reinstated to the register should be made the Postgraduate Committee.

If the application is successful, please contact lib-raven@lists.cam.ac.uk to have eresources access reinstated. Please also ask the Postgraduate Committee to contact this email address to confirm reinstatement.

 

   
Students no longer included on the Register of Graduate Students

No longer entitled to access to University facilities, including the University Library. This applies to any student working full-time whilst completing a revision of their thesis or writing up their thesis. Access to eresources is also no longer permittedSee http://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/your-course/graduate-study/your-student-status/removal-register.  This also applies to anyone who has been deregistered, as a result of overrunning either the four-year or seven-year deadline, or has chosen to withdraw from the University. See http://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/your-course/graduate-study/your-student-status/withdrawing-university 

   

 

Current Staff and Students of other Universities
Category Borrowing rights Fee Required documentation
Academic staff from non-UK universities Reading access only, including Special Collections materials Temporary tickets valid for seven consecutive days within any twelve month period are free of charge. There is an £5.00 administration charge for 1 month, £15.00 for 6 months or £30.00 for 12 months, or £90.00 for 3 years.

University photographic ID & current proof of home address

Academic staff from UK universities  Reading access only, including Special Collections materials None

University photographic ID & current proof of home address

Anglia Ruskin Students Reading access only, including Special Collections materials None

University photographic ID & current proof of home address

Postgraduates (taught) from non-UK universities Reading access only, including Special Collections materials Temporary tickets valid for seven consecutive days within any twelve month period are free of charge. There is an £5.00 administration charge for 1 month, £15.00 for 6 months or £30.00 for 12 months, or £90.00 for 3 years.

University photographic ID & current proof of home address.

Postgraduates (taught) from UK universities  Reading access only, including Special Collections materials None

University photographic ID & current proof of home address.

Research students from non-UK universities Reading access only, including Special Collections materials Temporary tickets valid for seven consecutive days within any twelve month period are free of charge. There is an £5.00 administration charge for 1 month, £15.00 for 6 months or £30.00 for 12 months, or £90.00 for 3 years.

University photographic ID & current proof of home address

Research students from UK universities  Reading access only, including Special Collections materials None

University photographic ID & current proof of home address

Undergraduates from non-UK Universities

Reading access only, including Special Collections materials Temporary tickets valid for seven consecutive days within any twelve month period are free of charge. There is an £5.00 administration charge for 1 month, £15.00 for 6 months or £30.00 for 12 months, or £90.00 for 3 years.

University photographic ID & current proof of home address 

Undergraduates from UK & Irish universities (SCONUL Access scheme, Band R) Reading access only, including Special Collections materials None

University photographic ID & current proof of home address. SCONUL Access approval confirmation from your home institution.

Other users of the Library
Category Borrowing rights Fee Required documentation
Private Researcher Reading access only, including Special Collections materials Temporary tickets valid for seven consecutive days within any twelve month period are free of charge. There is an £5.00 administration charge for 1 month, £15.00 for 6 months or £30.00 for 12 months, or £90.00 for 3 years.

Photo ID & current proof of home address

If you are 16 or 17 years old you will need to bring a signed permission form from your parent or guardian.

 

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) students Reading access only None

Photo ID & proof of EPQ student status (e.g. student card).

If you are 16 or 17 years old you will need to bring a signed permission form from your parent or guardian.

Study school students Reading access only, including Special Collections materials An administrative charge of £30 for 12 months will be made for a card.

The study school co-ordinator must contact us on registration@lib.cam.ac.uk or submit a study school form to arrange access.