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.

Borrower type definitions & registration

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 or at the Norlin East Service Desk 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 or at the Norlin East Service Desk 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 or at the Norlin East Service Desk during regular hours. Photo ID (parent’s ID if under 18) and student ID required. Renew privileges annually.

  • Naropa University

    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 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 or at the Norlin East Service Desk during regular hours. Photo ID and proof of enrollment or employment at your institution required. Renew privileges annually.

Fee Based Accounts

Colorado residents 18 and older, who are not currently affiliated with the University of Colorado and do not qualify for another borrower type, can apply for an account in two ways. 

  • Friends of the Libraries

    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 Fund. Once your donation is complete, stop by any Libraries' service desk with a photo ID and confirmation of your donation (printed or on your mobile device) in order to activate your account and receive your library card.

    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.

  • Public Borrowers

    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 or at the Norlin East Service Desk 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.

You may apply for library privileges free of charge online via our registration form. 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 or at the Norlin East Service Desk 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 or at the Norlin East 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. 

  • Faculty
    • Accounts are automatically registered and renewed as long as you are still employed at your campus.
       
  • Staff and Students
    • Manual registration and renewal required. You may apply for library privileges online via our registration form or at the Norlin East Service Desk during regular hours. Photo ID and proof of program membership required. 

Last updated July 2022