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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.

Alumni Association Members
Cost

Free (with current alumni association membership)

Borrowing Limit

25 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

Yes, 5 maximum concurrently – service limited to UCD materials only (contact Library Circulation to place requests)

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

No

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

No

Verification Needed

Library must be able to verify current membership via membership card or alumni association

California Certificated Public School Employees
Cost

Free

Borrowing Limit

10 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

No

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

No

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

No

Verification Needed

Letter on institutional letterhead stating appointment titles and dates from principal or district

California College Faculty and Librarians
Cost

Free

Borrowing Limit

10 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

No

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

No

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

No

Verification Needed

Letter on institutional letterhead stating appointment title and dates from dean or department chair

California Public College Students
Cost

$10 for 3 months

Borrowing Limit

10 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

No

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

No

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

No

Verification Needed

Student ID and proof of current registration

California Community
Cost

$100 per year

Borrowing Limit

25 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

Yes, 5 maximum concurrently – service limited to UCD materials only (contact Library Circulation to place requests)

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

No

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

No

Verification Needed

Proof of current address; must be 18+ years old

CPE International English and Professional Program, Open Campus Program (concurrent)
Cost

$10 for 3 months or FREE with CPE-stamped library application (department to be recharged, as applicable)

Borrowing Limit

10 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

No

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

No

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

No

Verification Needed

CPE ID or payment receipt; CPE-stamped library application

CPE Regular Programs
Cost

$10 for 3 months

Borrowing Limit

10 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

No

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

No

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

No

Verification Needed

CPE ID or payment receipt

CSUS Students (not thesis program)
Cost

Free

Borrowing Limit

10 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

No

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

No

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

No

Verification Needed

Student ID and proof of current registration

CSUS Thesis Program Students
Cost

$10 for 3 months [OR] $20 for 6 months

Borrowing Limit

10 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

No

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

No

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

No

Verification Needed

CSUS thesis program ID

Self-Supporting Graduate Professional Degree Programs
Cost

Free

Borrowing Limit

300 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

Yes

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

Yes

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

Yes

Verification Needed

CPE ID or payment receipt; Library must be able to verify enrollment in an SSGPDP Tier 1-2 program

Stanford Faculty and Graduate Students
Cost

Free

Borrowing Limit

50 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

No

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

No

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

No

Verification Needed

Stanford-issued library card

UC Faculty and Staff (current and retirees)
Cost

Free

Borrowing Limit

300 items; up to a 1 year loan period

Request/Recall

Yes

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

Yes

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

Yes, current employees and emeriti only

Verification Needed

Employee or Retiree ID; Library must be able to verify current employment, or retiree status 

UC Graduate Students
Cost

Free

Borrowing Limit

300 items; up to a 1 year loan period

Request/Recall

Yes

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

Yes

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

No

Verification Needed

Student ID; Library must be able to verify current registration status

UC Undergraduate Students
Cost

Free

Borrowing Limit

300 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

Yes

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

Yes

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

No

Verification Needed

Student ID; Library must be able to verify current registration status

UC Spouse or Adult Children
Cost

Free

Borrowing Limit

25 items; up to a 4 week loan period

Request/Recall

Yes, 5 maximum concurrently – service limited to UCD materials only (contact Library Circulation to place requests)

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

No

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

No

Verification Needed

Proof of address (must reside at same address as employee), employee must have a UCD library account in good-standing

UC/CSU-CCC Cross Enrollment
Cost

Free

Borrowing Limit

300 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

Yes

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

Yes

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

Yes

Verification Needed

Student ID; Library must be able to verify current cross-enrollment status

UC Davis Faculty and Staff (current and retirees)
Cost

Free

Borrowing Limit

300 items; up to a 1 year loan period

Request/Recall

Yes

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

Yes

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

Yes, current employees and emeriti only

Verification Needed

Employee or Retiree ID; Library must be able to verify current employment or retiree status

UC Davis Graduate Students
Cost

Free

Borrowing Limit

300 items; up to a 1 year loan period

Request/Recall

Yes

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

Yes

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

Yes

Verification Needed

Student ID; Library must be able to verify current registration status 

UC Davis Undergraduate Students
Cost

Free

Borrowing Limit

300 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

Yes

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

Yes

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

Yes

Verification Needed

Student ID; Library must be able to verify current registration status 

UC Davis Filing Fee Status
Cost

Free

Borrowing Limit

300 items; up to a 1 quarter loan period

Request/Recall

Yes

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

Yes

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

Yes

Verification Needed

Student ID; Library must be able to verify current filing fee status

UC Davis Health Sciences Residents or Interns
Cost

Free

Borrowing Limit

300 items; up to a 1 year loan period

Request/Recall

Yes

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

Yes

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

Yes

Verification Needed

Employee ID; Library must be able to verify current employment status

UC Davis Incoming Students
Cost

$10 for 3 months max (if more than 30 days prior to start of term)

Borrowing Limit

300 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

Yes

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

Yes

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

Yes

Verification Needed

Library must be able to verify incoming registration status

UC Davis PELP Status (employed at UC Davis during leave)
Cost

Free

Borrowing Limit

300 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

Yes

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

Yes

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

Yes

Verification Needed

Student ID; Library must be able to verify current PELP status

UC Davis PELP Status (not employed at UCD during leave)
Cost

$10 for 3 months

Borrowing Limit

10 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

No

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

No

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

No

Verification Needed

Student ID; Library must be able to verify current PELP status

UC Davis Sponsored Program Participants
Cost

Free (department to be recharged, as applicable)

Borrowing Limit

10 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

No

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

No

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

No

Verification Needed

Student ID (if issued); inclusion on program list supplied by department

UC Davis Spouse or Adult Children
Cost

Free

Borrowing Limit

25 items; up to a 4 week loan period

Request/Recall

Yes, 5 maximum concurrently – service limited to UCD materials only (contact Library Circulation to place requests)

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

No

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

No

Verification Needed

Proof of address (must reside at same address as employee), employee must be faculty or career staff and have a UCD library account in good-standing

UC Davis Students Making Up Incompletes
Cost

$10 for 3 months

Borrowing Limit

10 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

No

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

No

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

No

Verification Needed

Student ID; letter on institutional letterhead from professor or from professor’s campus email account

UC Davis Support Group Members
Cost

Free

Borrowing Limit

10 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

No

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

No

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

No

Verification Needed

Inclusion on Chancellor’s or VC of Student Affairs lists

UC Davis Temporary Affiliates (not in PPS)
Cost

Free

Borrowing Limit

10 items; up to a 4-week loan period

Request/Recall

No

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

No

Remote Access to Electronic Resources

No

Verification Needed

Temporary Affiliate ID with current appointment in campus LDAP