Who Can Access University Libraries? Non-Uh Students' Library Privileges

University libraries often have different rules regarding access for non-students. For example, the University of Houston Libraries allow non-students to use library spaces, but they need a photo ID to enter. They can also access electronic resources and borrow materials with an accepted outside borrowers card. The University of Hawaii at Manoa Library also welcomes non-UH-affiliated students and groups to use its resources, but they must contact the Library at least two weeks in advance. On the other hand, the MC Library is open to the public and anyone is welcome to use its facilities and resources; they simply need to obtain a community user card.

University of Houston Libraries

The University of Houston Libraries include the MD Anderson Library, the William R. Jenkins Architecture, Design, and Art Library, the Health Sciences Library, and libraries located in the UH College of Medicine Building and the Moores School of Music.

Students, faculty, and staff at the University of Houston are the primary user group of the libraries. However, visitors are welcome to use the library spaces. Non-UH visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult with a valid photo ID. To enter the library, every visitor must present a valid photo ID, which can be a digital or physical Cougar Card, or a physical government-issued ID. Visitors without a Cougar Card may sign in with a valid government-issued ID at the security desk.

To borrow materials, visitors will need an accepted outside borrowers' card. They can also apply for a TexShare card to borrow from libraries across Texas. Visitors are welcome to access electronic resources while visiting the library.

Public computers are available in the library to access information in support of University teaching and research. Community members can visit the Service Desk in the MD Anderson Library for a temporary 3-hour log-in. A photo ID is required, with a limit of one per day.

Alumni access

Many universities allow alumni to access their libraries. However, the type of access provided to alumni differs from university to university. Some universities allow alumni to access their libraries by purchasing a concession-priced membership. For example, the University of Melbourne offers alumni membership to those who have successfully completed a University of Melbourne accredited, Award-level course, been awarded an honorary degree, completed at least one year of full-time study at the University, or completed a semester-length study abroad program at the University as an international student. The membership costs $44.00 for 3 months, $65.00 for 6 months, or $130.00 for 1 year. This membership is limited to low-use print materials and does not include access to electronic resources or inter-library loans.

Some universities, such as Monash University, allow alumni to access their library collections through an alumni portal. Through this portal, alumni can browse and access a selection of online databases covering various subjects. They can also register to borrow print or physical items from their branches. However, due to licensing restrictions, access to many e-books is limited to current staff and students.

The University of Houston also allows alumni to borrow materials using a UH Alumni Association card. Alumni can also apply for a TexShare card to borrow from libraries across Texas.

Visitor access

Many universities allow non-students to use their libraries. However, the specific policies and privileges for non-students vary across different institutions. Here is an overview of visitor access to university libraries:

• The University of Houston welcomes visitors to use their library spaces. Visitors are required to present some form of photo identification to enter the library. To borrow materials, visitors will need an accepted outside borrowers' card. Additionally, visitors can access electronic resources while visiting the library.
• The University of Hawaii at Manoa Library also welcomes non-UH-affiliated students and groups to use its resources. Group leaders or sponsors should contact the library at least two weeks in advance of the preferred visit date. They are encouraged to use the resources of their own school, college, or public library before utilising the UH Manoa libraries. Group members can use public computers for up to one hour per day, but certain computers are reserved solely for UH students and faculty.
• Montgomery College's library is open to the public, and anyone is welcome to use its facilities and resources. Community users must obtain a community user card and present a photo ID with their current address to do so. It is important to note that community users cannot access the library's electronic resources from off campus.
• Some universities, like the University of Oxford, may have more restricted access for non-students. In such cases, alumni or community members may need to inquire about specific access policies and privileges.

It is always advisable to check the specific policies of the university library you plan to visit, as they may vary in terms of visitor access, borrowing privileges, and access to electronic resources.

Community user cards

Many universities allow non-students to use their libraries. For example, the University of Houston Libraries welcome visitors to use their library spaces and access electronic resources. However, to borrow materials, visitors will need an accepted outside borrowers' card. The University of Hawaii at Manoa Library also welcomes non-UH-affiliated students and groups to use its resources.

If you are interested in using a university library as a non-student, you should check the specific policies of the library you wish to use. Some libraries may require you to obtain a community user card, while others may allow access with a photo ID. It is important to note that community users may have different privileges and restrictions than students and employees, such as limited access to electronic resources or group study rooms.

• Community User Cards are often required for non-students, community members, or non-affiliated individuals to access and borrow from university libraries.
• The requirements and privileges associated with Community User Cards vary depending on the institution. Some universities may require an application process, while others may issue cards to anyone who meets specific criteria, such as being a resident of the state or a certain age.
• For example, at Montgomery College, community users must obtain a Community User Card to access the library. This card is available to residents of Maryland or the District of Columbia who are at least 18 years old and can be obtained by presenting a photo ID with a current address at the library service desk.
• It is important to note that community users may have different borrowing privileges and restrictions than students and employees. For instance, at Montgomery College, community users cannot access the library's electronic resources from off campus.
• Additionally, some universities may offer temporary access to library resources for visitors or guests without requiring a Community User Card. For example, at the University of Houston Libraries, community members without a CougarNet account can visit the Service Desk in the MD Anderson Library for a temporary login that lasts 3 hours. A photo ID is required for this temporary access, and printing services are not available to non-students.

Access for non-UH groups

The University of Hawaii at Manoa Library welcomes non-UH-affiliated students and other groups to use its resources. However, it is recommended that non-UH groups first utilise the resources of their own school, college, or public library. Group leaders or sponsors should contact the Library at least two weeks in advance of the preferred visit date. The Library's contact person will provide the necessary information and guidelines to the group leader. Non-UH groups are also requested not to schedule visits during the first three weeks of a semester or the final exam period when seating is limited.

The University of Houston Libraries also allow public access to their facilities. Community members who are not affiliated with the University can obtain a temporary log-in from the Service Desk in the MD Anderson Library. This log-in will be valid for 3 hours, and a photo ID is required. Additionally, alumni of the University of Houston can borrow materials using a UH Alumni Association card.

It is important to note that policies and procedures for non-UH groups may vary depending on the specific library or university. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the website or contact the library directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding access for non-UH groups.

Frequently asked questions