Library Accounts

Library Account and Card Expectations

A valid UC Davis Library account is required to borrow and renew materials and to place recalls or requests.

• Borrowers must present their library card when conducting library transactions
  • Borrowers may exercise a one-time exception to borrow materials without their library card so long as they are still able to present another form of valid photo ID
• Borrowers should immediately report lost or stolen library cards to the library
• Library privileges are not transferable. Only the individual named on the library card can use the card
• In compliance with California State privacy laws, library staff may not disclose the identities of borrowers who have books checked out. Library staff will not discuss circulation or billing transactions with anyone other than the named cardholder or Sponsor
• Abuse of library privileges may result in loss of library privileges in all UC Davis libraries.

Library Account Eligibility

Anyone may apply for an account at the UC Davis library. A variety of courtesy and fee-based library account types are offered depending on your affiliation status.

Faculty, Staff and Student Library Accounts

Library privileges are automatically active for current UCD faculty, staff, and students. Emeriti and retirees retain the same borrowing privileges as when they were current employees. Remote access to electronic resources is limited to current UC Davis faculty, staff, students, and emeriti. Retirees do not have remote access to electronic resources.

UC Davis faculty and students are eligible for library privileges at:

• All UC campuses: Must present employee or student ID to borrow materials
• CSU Sacramento: Must present employee or student ID to borrow materials and proof of current appointment/registration
• Stanford University (excluding Lane Medical Library): Must register in advance at Shields Library or the Blaisdell Medical Library; must provide a digital photo for their Stanford library card at the time of registration. Limited to UCD faculty and graduate students only

Authorization cards, which allow borrowing by proxy, may be issued to UC Davis faculty and staff and students with disabilities.

Proxy Library Accounts

UC Davis faculty may designate up to four UC Davis students or staff as their proxies, authorized to conduct research on their behalf. Disabled staff members and students are eligible to have one proxy. The faculty member or disabled user is the “Sponsor” while the individual acting on their behalf is the “Proxy.”

A signed Proxy application is required for all new Proxy accounts. The Sponsor is responsible for all materials checked out by a Proxy and for responding to all notices and bills. Proxy accounts expire annually on June 30th and require a new proxy application to continue.

Apply for a Proxy Card (FACULTY SPONSOR)

Apply for a Proxy Card (DISABLED SPONSOR)

Proxy applications are also available at any library circulation desk.

All Other Library Accounts

A variety of different courtesy and fee-based library cards are available for individuals who are not currently registered UCD students, faculty or staff. These individuals may apply for library privileges in-person at either Shields Library or Blaisdell Medical Library.

All account applicants must provide:

• Current government-issued photo ID (state-issued ID, military ID, or passport)
• Proof of current California address; out-of-state or international applicants must also provide their permanent mailing address
• Verification of status and/or payment when registering (see account types below for verification and fee requirements)
  • Payments must be by check (payable to “UC Regents”) or exact-cash only

Renewal of library privileges may be requested in person, by email or by phone. If this is a fee-based library account, payment is due at the time of renewal.

Account Types and Fees

Loan limits, due dates, and eligibility for our various borrowing services, will vary based upon your affiliation status, as detailed below.