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Cambridge University Library

 

The University Library lends different numbers of books to different categories of reader.

Items borrowed by current University staff and students auto renew and will not be requested over the Easter and Christmas vacation. Items may be requested over the summer vacation.

Some categories of reader may use the Library for reference only and may not borrow books.

To view your current loans, log in to iDiscover and go to My Account.

If you have 2 or more overdue requests your card will be blocked from borrowing at any Library until the requested items are returned.

Category Borrowing rights
Cambridge MAs (not working for University of Cambridge)

20 books for 8 weeks (automatic renewals until end of UL registration)

£1 for overdue requested items. 

Items requested for return to be brought back within 3 days.

Card will be blocked from borrowing at any Cambridge library if there are 2 or more overdue requests on your account. Once the requested items are returned, the block will be removed.

Fellows of Colleges; College Teaching Officers

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



Items requested for return to be brought back within 3 days.

Items are held for 2 days.

Card will be blocked from borrowing at any Cambridge library if there are 2 or more overdue requests on your account. Once the requested items are returned, the block will be removed.

Former Post-Doc Reading access only
Graduate Students (University of Cambridge)

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



Items requested for return to be brought back within 3 days.

Items are held for 2 days.

Card will be blocked from borrowing at any Cambridge library if there are 2 or more overdue requests on your account. Once the requested items are returned, the block will be removed.

Non-Resident BA (incl. Cert & Diploma holders) Reading access only
Ordinands at Cambridge Theological Colleges

10 books for 2 weeks (automatic renewals until end of UL registration)



Items requested for return to be brought back within 3 days.

Card will be blocked from borrowing at any Cambridge library if there are 2 or more overdue requests on your account. Once the requested items are returned, the block will be removed.

Undergraduates (University of Cambridge)

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



Items requested for return to be brought back within 3 days.

Items are held for 2 days.

Card will be blocked from borrowing at any Cambridge library if there are 2 or more overdue requests on your account. Once the requested items are returned, the block will be removed.

University of Cambridge Visiting Scholars and Visiting Fellows

20 books for 8 weeks (automatic renewals until end of UL registration)



Items requested for return to be brought back within 3 days.

Card will be blocked from borrowing at any Cambridge library if there are 2 or more overdue requests on your account. Once the requested items are returned, the block will be removed.

University Staff (Officers, Research and Assistant staff)

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



Items requested for return to be brought back within 3 days.

Items are held for 2 days.

Card will be blocked from borrowing at any Cambridge library if there are 2 or more overdue requests on your account. Once the requested items are returned, the block will be removed.

Institute of Continuing Education - Postgraduate 

20 books for 8 weeks (automatic renewals until end of UL registration)



Items requested for return to be brought back within 2 days.

Card will be blocked from borrowing at any Cambridge library if there are 2 or more overdue requests on your account. Once the requested items are returned, the block will be removed.

Institute of Continuing Education - Undergraduate         

10 books for 2 weeks (automatic renewals until end of UL registration)



Items requested for return to be brought back within 3 days.

Card will be blocked from borrowing at any Cambridge library if there are 2 or more overdue requests on your account. Once the requested items are returned, the block will be removed.

Academic staff from non-UK universities Reading access only, including Special Collections materials.
Academic staff from UK universities Reading access only, including Special Collections materials.
Anglia Ruskin Students Reading access only, including Special Collections materials.
Postgraduates (taught) from non-UK universities Reading access only. Admitted if requested by formal letter from university tutor or if applying under the Private Researcher status.
Postgraduates (taught) from UK universities Reading access only, including Special Collections materials.
Research students from non-UK universities Reading access only, including Special Collections materials.
Research students from UK universities Reading access only, including Special Collections materials.
Undergraduates from non-UK Universities (Cambridge term time) Reading access only, including Special Collections materials.
Undergraduates from UK & Irish universities (SCONUL Vacation Access Scheme) Vacation reading acess only. Reading access only, including Special Collections materials.
Business / Commercial Researcher Reading access only, including Special Collections materials.
Private Researcher Reading access only, including Special Collections materials.
Study school students Reading access only, including Special Collections materials.