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Cambridge University Library

 

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:

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 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.

 

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.

Private / business researchers
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.