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 categories should register online in advance of their visit. Registration enquiries can be sent to: registration@lib.cam.ac.uk
Please note that researchers wishing to access the University Library are normally 18 years or over. 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:
| 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 |
|
| 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 | |
| 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 for borrowing access or 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. |
| 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.
|
| 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 to arrange access. |