Borrower Types: Definitions and Registration
Borrowing privileges vary depending on borrower type, and are assigned in three tiers. Individuals who qualify for more than one borrower type category will receive the highest level of privileges. Borrowers must be a current member of a category to qualify. Law Library borrowing policies vary from ours.
Current University of Colorado Boulder affiliate borrower types are determined by the registrar and accounting offices. There are several account options for non-CU Boulder affiliates.
Information on registration for each borrower type is described below.
Alumni
CU Boulder alumni only. Contact the Alumni Association for a membership card and ID number.
You may apply for library privileges online via our registration form (above) or at any library location during regular hours. Photo ID and proof of alumni membership required. Renew annually. Must be a Colorado resident.
Auditors
- Community Auditors - register for this program through Continuing Education. Library accounts are created and renewed automatically as long as the individual is registered with this program.
- Senior Auditors - register for this program through the CU Boulder Alumni Association senior auditors program.
You may apply for library privileges online via our registration form (above) or at any library location during regular hours. Photo ID and proof of program membership required. Must be a Colorado resident. Renew privileges annually.
Colorado Education Communities
Colorado High School Students
Colorado high school students can apply for a free account. If the student is under the age of 18 they must have a parent register jointly with them to ensure that responsibility for all debts incurred will be met.
You may apply for library privileges online via our registration form (above) or at any library location during regular hours. Photo ID (parent’s ID if under 18) and student ID required. Renew privileges annually.University Libraries has a formal agreement with Naropa to allow circulation privileges for their faculty, staff, and students. Please visit the Naropa University Library Norlin vouchers site for more information.
Once you have your payment voucher, you may apply for library privileges online via our registration form (above) or at the Norlin East Service Desk during regular hours. Photo ID, voucher, and proof of program membership required. Privileges are good for 6 months, expiring either June 30 or December 31.State funded Colorado Universities and Colleges Faculty, Staff, and Students
You may apply for library privileges online via our registration form (above) or at any library location during regular hours. Photo ID and proof of enrollment or employment at your institution required. Renew privileges annually.
Fee Based Accounts
Donate to the Libraries to advance our mission. A donation of $90 or higher allows for an account. Donations and accounts must be renewed annually. All donations are fully tax-deductible.
To register, first donate to the Friends of the Libraries Endowment. A library account will be created for you within 30 days following receipt of your donation. If you wish to use your account sooner, please contact libraries@colorado.edu or stop by any library location with a photo ID and confirmation of your donation (printed or on your mobile device).
You must present your borrowers card every time you check out library materials. Your library privileges are valid for one year from the date of your donation. Friends in good standing may renew their privileges on an annual basis.
Colorado residents only. A fee of $45 ($35 for seniors over 65). Accounts must be renewed and the fee paid annually.
You may apply for library privileges online via our registration form (above) or at any library location during regular hours. Photo ID required.
Reciprocal Borrowing Programs
We participate in several reciprocal borrowing programs with other libraries. Requirements to obtain an account vary based on the program. Please check the program's website for the most up to date information on participating libraries and registration requirements.
- Association of Research Libraries/OCLC (faculty only) - member institutions
- Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries (faculty, staff and students)
- Colorado Libraries Collaborate (CLC) (faculty, staff and students)
- Greater Western Library Alliance (GWLA) (faculty, staff and students)
You may apply for library privileges free of charge online via our registration form (above). Photo ID and proof of program membership required. Renew privileges annually.
Research Partners
Research Partners of the University of Colorado Boulder are designated by the Libraries Deans’ Office. To apply for these privileges, you must have proof of employment from one of the Agencies on the current Affiliates List. Privileges are set at the time of application. Please contact us at libraries@colorado.edu for more information.
Spouses/Domestic Partners of Current CU Boulder Employees
You may apply for library privileges online via our registration form (above) or at any library location during regular hours. Photo ID and employee’s ID number required. Renew privileges annually.
University of Colorado Boulder Affiliates
Must be currently employed at or enrolled in a program at the CU Boulder campus. Accounts are created and renewed automatically as long as the individual is still employed or enrolled with their program, unless otherwise noted. Includes the following:
- Automatically Registered and renewed as long as you are still employed or registered with your program:
- CU Boulder Faculty, Staff, Graduate Students, Undergraduate Students
- Continuing Education Students (both degree and non-degree)
- CU Law School Faculty, Staff, and Students
- CU Boulder Retirees
- CU Boulder Visiting Scholars
- CU Boulder POI “External Instructors”
- Manual Registration and Renewal. You may apply for library privileges online via our registration form (above) or at any Libraries service desk during regular hours. Photo ID and proof of program membership required.
- CU Boulder Institute and Workshop Participants (short-term privileges)
University of Colorado System Affiliates
Must be currently employed at or enrolled in a program at the CU Anschutz, Denver, or Colorado Springs campuses.
- Students, Staff and Faculty
- Manual registration and renewal required. You may apply for library privileges online via our registration form (above) or at any Libraries service desk during regular hours. Photo ID and proof of program membership required.
Last updated March 2024