Library Cards and Borrowing Privileges

UC Students, Staff and Faculty

Your UCSD identification card is your library card. Please present it at time of check out. UCSD ID cards or UCSD library cards are non-transferable or cannot be shared.

Proxy Cards

Salaried academic UCSD employees are eligible to designate up to three (3) research assistants to check out library materials on their behalf. These proxy cards are not for use by spouses, domestic partners, or children. For additional information, please call (858) 534-0134 or (858) 822-5898.

UCSD Extension Students and Faculty

UCSD Extension students are eligible for library privileges with the UCSD Libraries at a discounted fee of $15.00 for 3 months. Concurrently enrolled UCSD Extension students receive privileges at no additional charge with proof of current registration.

UCSD Extension faculty must be sponsored by their cluster in order to obtain library privileges. Extension faculty should contact their cluster representative for pre-approval or call (858) 534-0134 for additional information.

Community UCSD Library Cards

UCSD Library Card: $100.00 for 12 months.

UCSD Library Student Card: $25.00 for 6 months. Open to registered students of the California State University or public California community colleges. Students must have a current, valid I.D. card from their home institution.

Friends of the UCSD Libraries also receive borrowing privileges. Contact the Friends of the UCSD Libraries office (858) 534-1183 or visit their website for details.

Courtesy Library Cards

UCSD offers courtesy privilege cards to members of the following groups:

• Other UC faculty, staff and students
• Immediate family of UC faculty and staff
• Active members of the UC Alumni Association
• Faculty at WASC Accredited Schools in San Diego\Imperial Counties
• OCLC Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Program
• K-12 California Public School Teachers
• Staff employees of the San Diego Supercomputer
• Members of the UCSD Board of Overseers
• Members of the UCSD Chancellor's Associates

Proof of eligibility will be required when you apply for your library card. Contact the UCSD SSHL Circulation Desk (858-534-3339, option #3) for additional information

Obtaining a UCSD Library Card

Courtesy cards and additional cards are issued at the circulation desk in Geisel Library. Applicants must complete an application form, show proof of California residency, and provide two forms of identification. Primary identification must include at least one form of photo identification from the following list:

1. a valid California driver license;
2. a valid California identification card; or
3. a current passport.

The second form of identification may be either a current major credit card or a social security card.

UCSD Library Privilege cards and Student Privilege cards may be paid by pre-printed check, money order, or by credit card: MasterCard or Visa.

Friends of the UCSD Libraries cards may be paid by pre-printed check, money order, or by credit card: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover. Cash payments are also accepted Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm.

Contact the SSHL Circulation Desk if you would like additional clarification on eligibility and forms of payment accepted (858-534-3339, option #3).