Borrower’s Permit Application for Library Visitors

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Welcome to the University of Iowa Libraries!

We’re so glad you’re here.

This application is for individuals seeking borrowing access to physical materials at the University of Iowa Libraries. Whether you're an Iowa resident, a guest from another institution, or participating in a UI program, this permit helps provide access to our in-person collections and services.

Once your application is approved (typically within 3–5 days), you’ll be notified to pick up your Community Borrower Card, which allows you to check out materials from most campus libraries and manage your loans online.

What Your Community Borrower Card Allows

Borrowing physical materials, like books, media, and more, from most UI Libraries (note: the Law Library does not participate)
Checking out up to 25 items at a time, including a maximum of 5 videos
Unlimited renewals on eligible items (unless recalled by another user)
Managing your loans and account information through your online Library Account
Receiving email notices for due dates, recalls, and overdue items

Limitations to Be Aware Of

Access is limited to in-person borrowing; online databases and licensed e-resources are not available for off-campus use
Cards are issued to individuals only; the cardholder is responsible for all items checked out

On-Site Computer and Database Access

If you’d like to use public computers or view licensed databases while on campus, you’ll also need a Guest ID, in addition to your Community Borrower Card. Guest IDs can be obtained at:

The Main Library Service Desk
Hardin Library Information Desk
Any UI branch library help desk

To print from campus computers, a PrintKey is required. These can be purchased at:

Food for Thought Café (Main Library)
EMRB Café (Eckstein Medical Research Building)
Pat’s Diner (Pappajohn Business Building)

Off-Campus Database Access

Due to licensing restrictions, off-campus access to databases and e-resources is not included with a Community Borrower Card. For details, refer to the Access to Commercial Databases Policy and the Appropriate Use of Electronic Resources Policy.

We encourage you to review the full Community Borrower Circulation Guidelines before completing the application. If you have questions along the way, our staff at the Main Library would be happy to help. You can reach us by phone at (319) 335-5299 or by email at lib-maincirc@uiowa.edu.

I acknowledge that, due to licensing restrictions, off-campus access to databases and e-resources is not included with a Community Borrower Card. I have reviewed the Access to Commercial Databases Policy and the Appropriate Use of Electronic Resources Policy.*

Yes

I confirm that I have reviewed the Community Borrower Circulation Guidelines and understand the terms before continuing with the application.*

Yes

Directions

After you submit your application, you’ll be contacted within 3–5 business days once your application has been processed. To receive borrowing privileges, you’ll need to:

Visit the Main Library Service Desk
Show photo ID and proof of Iowa residency (for Community Borrower applicants, a current Iowa Driver License is one example) or other relevant identification (see Library Cards page for details)

Are you applying to renew your current Community Borrower account?*

Yes, I am RENEWING an existing account.

No, this is a NEW REQUEST.

If you’d like to use public computers or access licensed databases while on campus, you’ll also need a Guest ID in addition to your Community Borrower Card. Guest IDs are valid for 30 days from the date they are created.

Are you interested in a Guest ID?*

Yes

Your contact information

Last name*

First name*

Middle name

E-mail address*

NOTE: If you are renewing an existing Community Borrower account, please enter the email associated with your MyLibrary account to avoid login issues.

Phone

Your address

Please enter your permanent address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Associated program, university, college, or school (if any)

Are you a University of Iowa Alumni?*

Yes

Are you enrolled in a course or employed by another institution?*

Yes

What institution?*

Are you participating in a University of Iowa sponsored workshop, institute, or other activity?*

Yes

Activity details

Name of Activity

Sponsoring Department

Name of Person in Charge of Activity

Date Activity Ends

Month

Day

Year

Using the UI Libraries

How do you plan to use the University of Iowa Libraries? (Optional – check all that apply. This information helps us better understand how the UI Libraries are being used by community members.)

For personal reading or learning

For school or classwork

For job-related research or projects

To use the space for studying or quiet work

To borrow DVDs or other media

To find materials not available at other libraries

I’d rather not say

Other (you can specify below)

If "Other", please specify

When do you want your permit by? Note: Applications are typically processed within 3–5 days.*

Month

Day

Year

Review and agree to policies

Community Borrower Card

Required for checkout (not valid at the UI Law Library).
You are responsible for all items checked out on your card.

Borrowing Limits

Books & storage items - 4 weeks
Journals - 1 week (Main Library only)
Max 25 items checked out, 5 active holds, 5 videos at a time
Renewals - Most items up to 99 times (unless recalled).
Recalls - Items may be due sooner if requested by another user.

Overdue & Fines

Blocked checkouts - 1 overdue recall OR 5 overdue items.
Overdue recalls - $4/day fine (max $40).

Other Notes

No off-campus access to UI library databases.
Cards issued to individuals only (not businesses/groups).

Full policies can be found at https://www.lib.uiowa.edu/circ/community_borrowers/ (opens in new window).

If you have any questions, please email us at lib-maincirc@uiowa.edu.

Acknowledgement*

I acknowledge that due to licensing restrictions, remote access to electronic resources is not available. Additionally, Interlibrary Loan services are only available to Visiting Scholars.

Policy Agreement*

I have read and agree to the library policies.

Please note

You must agree to the policies to complete your application.

Comments

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.