Services
Borrowing Privileges
Getting a Library Card
If you are a member of the University and have a CatCard, this is automatically your library card. Find out more about University borrower types.
If you are not associated with the University of Arizona, review our list of non-university borrower types. Arizona residents 18 years or older interested in getting a library card should become a Friends of the Libraries member.
Your Responsibilities
Use your CatCard or library card to check-out materials or use other library services.
Select your status below to learn more about how to obtain a library card, what privileges you will receive, possible costs, and how to obtain a refund. You are responsible for returning all materials on time and for any materials returned late or damaged. Do not let others use your card and report immediately if card is lost or stolen.
There are certain types of material which only circulate for a specific period of time and cannot be renewed. Exceptions by format type.
Privileges by Borrower Type
UA Undergraduates
| Who | Currently enrolled undergraduates who are not honors students |
|---|---|
| Cost of Borrowing | None |
| Valid for |
1 semester. New account privileges start 2 weeks before semester begins. The current expiration date of 8/29/2013 will be automatically updated as long as the affiliation continues to be active. Access to library privileges over summer is based on: All current students must be enrolled for at least 1 unit in summer or pre-enrolled for fall to maintain summer library privileges, including remote access databases. Payment not required for access; be aware of established dates and deadlines for tuition, see Bursar's Office for details. If student is new to UA, it is required that orientation be completed prior to access being granted. |
| ID Required | CatCard |
| Application | None |
| Book Loan Period | 21 days |
| Check-Out Limit | 75 items |
| Other Privileges | Interlibrary loan, remote access to databases, holds and recalls, equipment lending, unlimited library computer access during all building hours |
UA Honors Students
| Who | Currently enrolled undergraduate honors students. |
|---|---|
| Cost of Borrowing | None |
| Valid for |
1 semester. New account privileges start 2 weeks before semester begins. The current expiration date of 8/29/2013 will be automatically updated as long as the affiliation continues to be active. Access to library privileges over summer is based on: All current students must be enrolled for at least 1 unit in summer or pre-enrolled for fall to maintain summer library privileges, including remote access databases. Payment not required for access; be aware of established dates and deadlines for tuition, see Bursar's Office for details. If student is new to UA, it is required that orientation be completed prior to access being granted. |
| ID Required | CatCard |
| Application | None |
| Book Loan Period | 180 days |
| Check-Out Limit | 250 items |
| Other Privileges | Interlibrary loan, remote access to databases, holds and recalls, equipment lending, unlimited library computer access during all building hours |
| Special Note | Honors student status will not be in the library database during the first 21 days of class. Honors students will be treated as UA undergraduates during this time. |
UA Graduate Students
| Who | Currently enrolled graduate students. |
|---|---|
| Cost of Borrowing | None |
| Valid for |
1 semester. New account privileges start 2 weeks before semester begins. The current expiration date of 8/29/2013 will be automatically updated as long as the affiliation continues to be active. Access to library privileges over summer is based on: All current students (including graduate students) must be enrolled for at least 1 unit in summer or pre-enrolled for fall to maintain summer library privileges, including remote access databases. Payment not required for access; be aware of established dates and deadlines for tuition, see Bursar's Office for details. Graduate students should also be aware of university policies regarding minimum enrollment and continuous enrollment. If student is new to UA, it is required that orientation be completed prior to access being granted. |
| ID Required | CatCard |
| Application | None |
| Book Loan Period | 180 days |
| Check-Out Limit | 250 items |
| Other Privileges | Interlibrary loan, remote access to databases, holds and recalls, equipment lending, unlimited library computer access during all building hours |
UA Faculty
| Who | Current and retired full-time and adjunct faculty. |
|---|---|
| Cost of Borrowing | None |
| Valid for | 1 semester. Privileges for new accounts will start 2 weeks prior to the start of the semester. The current expiration date of 8/29/2013 will be automatically updated as long as the affiliation continues to be active. |
| ID Required | CatCard |
| Application | None |
| Book Loan Period | 180 days |
| Check-Out Limit | 250 items |
| Other Privileges | Interlibrary loan, remote access to databases, holds and recalls, unlimited library computer access during all building hours |
| Special Note | Faculty may obtain a proxy card for a teaching or research assistant as long as the assistant is a current UA student, faculty, or staff. Fill out a Faculty Request for a Proxy Card. Retired faculty status applies to those who have officially retired from the University of Arizona. You may need to work with the department from which you retired to have this status granted. If you have a CatCard issued prior to August 29, 2008 then you need to complete this Borrower’s Agreement prior to checking out materials. |
UA Staff
| Who | Current and retired UA staff. |
|---|---|
| Cost of Borrowing | None |
| Valid for | 1 semester. Privileges for new accounts will start 2 weeks prior to the start of the semester. The current expiration date of 8/29/2013 will be automatically updated as long as the affiliation continues to be active. |
| ID Required | CatCard |
| Application | None |
| Book Loan Period | 180 days |
| Check-Out Limit | 250 items |
| Other Privileges | Interlibrary loan, remote access to databases, holds and recalls, unlimited library computer access during all building hours |
| Special Note | Retired staff status applies to those who have officially retired from the University of Arizona. You may need to work with the department from which you retired to have this status granted. |
UA Alumni
| Who | UA Alumni Association members |
|---|---|
| Cost of Borrowing | $50/year |
| Valid for | 1 year from date of purchase |
| ID Required | Photo ID and white library card |
| Application | Print and then fill out library card application upon issue and at time of renewals. Requires UA Alumni Association membership and proof of AZ residency. |
| Book Loan Period | 21 days |
| Check-out Limit | 25 items |
| Other Privileges | Remote access to Academic Search Alumni Edition and Business Source Alumni Edition, JSTOR, unlimited library computer access during public building hours only |
| Special Note | All UA Alumni Association members receive remote access to Academic Search Alumni Edition and Business Source Alumni Edition even if they do not have a library card. |
UA Affiliated/Associated
| Who | Individuals affiliated/associated with a UA department, including visiting scholars. Verification process: Please see Guidelines For Affiliates, Associates and Volunteers from Human Resources. The verification process may take up to 2 weeks. |
|---|---|
| Cost of Borrowing | None |
| Valid for | Independent of the library, but contingent upon departmental status: departments receive a current list of Affiliates and Associates during the rollover period (typically two to three months before the start of the fiscal year) to assist with the renewal process; those appointments that have been interrupted may be reactivated or renewed using a Personnel Action Form (PAF) during the fiscal year. The current expiration date of 8/29/2013 will be automatically updated as long as the affiliation continues to be active. |
| ID Required | CatCard |
| Application | None |
| Book Loan Period | 180 days |
| Check-Out Limit | 250 items |
| Other Privileges | Interlibrary loan, remote access to databases, holds and recalls, unlimited library computer access during public building hours only |
| Special Note | These individuals are designated by the Office of the Vice President for Human Resources after review of appropriate HR status documents. College of Medicine appointments are forwarded to the College of Medicine Office of the Dean for Academic Affairs. |
Non-University
Arizona State University (ASU) Faculty
| Who | ASU full-time and adjunct faculty. You may be asked to login to the ASU website to verify your status. |
|---|---|
| Cost of Borrowing | None |
| Valid for | 1 semester. Privileges for new accounts will start 2 weeks prior to the start of the semester. The current expiration date of 8/29/2013 will be automatically updated as long as the affiliation continues to be active. Access to library privileges over summer is based on: All current faculty must be teaching at least 1 unit in summer or fall to maintain summer library privileges. |
| ID Required | Photo ID and white library card |
| Application | Print and then fill out library card application upon issue and at time of renewals. Requires a current ASU ID card or proof of employment with picture ID. |
| Book Loan Period | 180 days |
| Check-Out Limit | 250 items |
| Other Privileges | unlimited library computer access during public building hours only |
Arizona State University (ASU) Students
| Who | ASU students, including ASUSW students. You may be asked to login to the ASU website to verify your status. |
|---|---|
| Cost of Borrowing | None |
| Valid for | 1 semester. Privileges for new accounts will start 2 weeks prior to the start of the semester. The current expiration date of 8/29/2013 will be automatically updated as long as the affiliation continues to be active. Access to library privileges over summer is based on: All current students must be enrolled for at least 1 unit in summer or pre-enrolled for fall to maintain summer library privileges. |
| ID Required | Photo ID and white library card |
| Application | Print and then fill out library card application upon issue and at time of renewals. Requires a current ASU ID card or login to ASU student account online to show proof of enrollment. |
| Book Loan Period | 21 days |
| Check-Out Limit | 75 items |
| Other Privileges | unlimited library computer access during public building hours only |
| Special Note | ASUSW (ASU Social Work) students are ASU students and get the privileges based on that user group despite having CatCards and taking classes on the UA campus. |
Businesses
| Who | Arizona businesses |
|---|---|
| Cost of Borrowing | $500/year |
| Valid for | 1 year from date of purchase |
| ID Required | Photo ID and white library card |
| Application | Print and then fill out Business Library Card Application upon issue and at time of renewals. Requires a letter on company letterhead that includes the name of the responsible individual, the names of three authorized employees, and the business mailing address, phone number, and contact person. |
| Book Loan Period | 90 days |
| Check-Out Limit | 75 items |
| Other Privileges | unlimited library computer access during public building hours only |
Friends of the Libraries (including President's Club members)
| Who | Friends contributing $125 and above |
|---|---|
| Cost of Borrowing | None |
| Valid for | 1 year from date of purchase |
| ID Required | Photo ID and white library card |
| Application | Print and then fill out library card application upon issue and at time of renewals. |
| Book Loan Period | 21 days ($125 level) or 90 days ($250 level or above, President's Club) |
| Check-Out Limit | 25 items ($125 level) or 75 items ($250 level or above, President's Club) |
| Other Privileges | Friends contributing $250 and above receive unlimited library computer access during public building hours only. Friends contributing $1000 and above, along with President's Club members, receive remote access to Academic Search Friends Edition, holds, and recalls, and unlimited library computer access during public building hours only. |
| Special Note | Visit Friends of the University Libraries for more information. |
GWLA Members
| Who | Faculty, staff and students of participating GWLA institutions, except for ASU |
|---|---|
| Cost of Borrowing | None |
| Valid for | The duration of your visit or one year, whichever is shorter. |
| ID Required | Photo ID and white library card |
| Application | Print and then fill out library card application upon issue and at time of renewals. |
| Book Loan Period | 21 days |
| Check-Out Limit | 25 items |
| Other Privileges | unlimited library computer access during public building hours only |
Northern Arizona University (NAU) Faculty
| Who | NAU full-time and adjunct faculty. You may be asked to login to the NAU website to verify your status. |
|---|---|
| Cost of Borrowing | None |
| Valid for | 1 semester. Privileges for new accounts will start 2 weeks prior to the start of the semester. The current expiration date of 8/29/2013 will be automatically updated as long as the affiliation continues to be active. Access to library privileges over summer is based on: All current faculty must be teaching at least 1 unit in summer or fall to maintain summer library privileges. |
| ID Required | Photo ID and white library card |
| Application | Print and then fill out library card application upon issue and at time of renewals. Requires a current NAU ID card or proof of employment with picture ID. |
| Book Loan Period | 180 days |
| Check-Out Limit | 250 items |
| Other Privileges | unlimited library computer access during public building hours only |
Northern Arizona University (NAU) Students
| Who | NAU students. You may be asked to login to the NAU website to verify your status. |
|---|---|
| Cost of Borrowing | None |
| Valid for | 1 semester. Privileges for new accounts will start 2 weeks prior to the start of the semester. The current expiration date of 8/29/2013 will be automatically updated as long as the affiliation continues to be active. Access to library privileges over summer is based on: All current students must be enrolled for at least 1 unit in summer or pre-enrolled for fall to maintain summer library privileges. |
| ID Required | Photo ID and white library card |
| Application | Print and then fill out library card application upon issue and time of renewals. Requires a current NAU ID card or login to NAU student account online to show proof of enrollment. |
| Book Loan Period | 21 days |
| Check-Out Limit | 75 items |
| Other Privileges | unlimited library computer access during public building hours only |
Pima Community College (PCC) Faculty
| Who | Pima Community College full-time and adjunct faculty. You may be asked to login to the PCC website to verify your status. |
|---|---|
| Cost of Borrowing | None |
| Valid for | 1 semester. Privileges for new accounts will start 2 weeks prior to the start of the semester. The current expiration date of 8/29/2013 will be automatically updated as long as the affiliation continues to be active. Access to library privileges over summer is based on: All current faculty must be teaching at least 1 unit in summer or fall to maintain summer library privileges. |
| ID Required | Photo ID and white library card |
| Application | Print and then fill out the library card application upon issue and at time of renewals. Requires a current ID card from PCC or proof of current employment and picture ID. Adjunct faculty must be teaching in the current semester. |
| Book Loan Period | 180 days |
| Check-Out Limit | 250 items |
| Other Privileges | unlimited library computer access during public building hours only |
Pima Community College (PCC) Students
| Who | Pima Community College students. You may be asked to login to the PCC website to verify your status. |
|---|---|
| Cost of Borrowing | $50/semester (on a tri-semester basis) or $150 for the full year |
| Valid for | 1 semester. Privileges for new accounts will start 2 weeks prior to the start of the semester. The current expiration date of 8/29/2013 will be automatically updated as long as the affiliation continues to be active. Access to library privileges over summer is based on: All current students must be enrolled for at least 1 unit in summer or pre-enrolled for fall to maintain summer library privileges. |
| ID Required | Photo ID and white library card |
| Application | Print and then fill out library card application upon issue and at time of renewals. Requires a current PCC ID card (sticker must have current expiration date) or login to PCC website and access MyPima account to show proof of enrollment. |
| Book Loan Period | 21 days |
| Check-Out Limit | 75 items |
| Other Privileges | unlimited library computer access during public building hours only |
UA Faculty/Staff Spouse or Partner
| Who | Spouses or domestic partners of current or retired UA faculty and staff |
|---|---|
| Cost of Borrowing | None |
| Valid for | 1 year from date of issue or renewal |
| ID Required | Photo ID and white library card |
| Application | Print and then fill out a library card application upon issue and for account renewal. Requires proof of residency documentation (e.g. utility bill, checks, bank statement or lease agreement with both names on it or separate paper work which has same address; or marriage license) or evidence of registration with the City of Tucson Domestic Partnership Registry. |
| Book Loan Period | 180 days |
| Check-Out Limit | 250 items |
| Other Privileges | unlimited library computer access during public building hours only |
Exceptions by Format Type
| Material Type | Loan Period | Can Be Held or Recalled | Can Be Renewed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bound journals | 3 days | No | No |
| Government Documents (except microfilm/fiche) | Varies | Yes | Yes |
| ASUA Textbooks | 2 hours | No | No |
| Laptops, iPads, tablets, projectors, and other equipment | Varies | No | No |
| Media (videos, DVDs, music CDs, LPs, Phonodiscs) | 7 days, up to 5 at a time | Yes | No |
| All other media (cassettes, slides, etc.) | 21 days, up to 5 at a time | No | No |
| Music CD box sets (closed stacks) | Varies | No | No |
| Music scores (collected works) | 24 hours faculty can request 3 days |
No | No |
| Maps | 21 days | No | Yes |
The following material cannot be removed from the library:
- Special Collections
- Reference
- Current Periodicals
- Newspapers
- Microforms
- 16mm films
- Atlases
Lost or Stolen Cards
Reporting Missing Cards
If your card is lost or stolen you are responsible for notifying the library as soon as possible at 621-6406.
It is important to call us right away since you are responsible for all materials borrowed with your card prior to any report of loss or theft. This includes all associated late fees or lost material charges.
If you find your card or get a new one, come to one of the Library Information Desks with your card and an additional ID to have us reactivate your account. For your own security, this cannot be done over the phone, nor can another person request the block to be removed.
Replacing Missing Cards
Lost library cards (non-university users) can be replaced for a fee of $10 at any of our library locations.
Lost CatCards can be replaced at the CatCard Office.
Refunds for Library Cards
Refunds for purchased library cards will be given up to one week from the date of purchase only if no library material has been checked-out using the card. You can obtain a refund at the Express Document Center, located on the first floor of the Main Library, (520) 621-4863, hours.
Last modified: May 17, 2013