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.
If you need to be accompanied by a support worker, carer or assistant who isn’t a member of the Library they can come into the Library with you. Please tell the staff at the Reader Services Desk that the person is your support worker, carer or assistant and they will issue a temporary card or advise on how to get full membership. They will not be able to enter the Library without you.
The following categories apply at the main University Library:
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 |
None |
|
Non-resident BA (incl. Cert & Diploma holders) | Reading access only | ||
College Assistants |
20 books 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 |
None |
University of Cambridge Card & Letter of appointment |
Former Post-Docs | Reading access only | None | |
Graduate Students (University of Cambridge) |
20 books |
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 | 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 | None |
University of Cambridge Card & Letter from Board of Graduate Studies, College or Department |
Undergraduates (University of Cambridge) |
10 books |
None |
University of Cambridge Card |
Undergraduate Upgraded (University of Cambridge) | 15 books | None |
University of Cambridge Card |
University of Cambridge Visiting Scholars and Visiting Fellows | 20 books | None |
University of Cambridge Card or |
University & College Staff (Officers, Research and Assistant staff) |
20 books |
None |
University of Cambridge Card |
Professors Emeriti (on the Roll of the Regent House) | 20 books | 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.
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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 permitted (see Withdrawal from study). 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. |
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. |
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 £30.00 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. |