Library Privileges at other Institutions


KU Libraries Interlibrary Loan Services

The Libraries' Acquisitions and Resource Sharing Department provides a robust interlibrary loan service for currently enrolled KU students and currently employed KU faculty, staff, and affiliates. This service includes borrowing from other libraries the materials and resources not available in the KU Libraries. In addition, several delivery services are available including document/article delivery, Retrieve from Shelf, TripSaver for KU faculty and staff with offices on the Lawrence campus served by campus mail, and Home Loan Delivery for individuals living in the U.S. outside of Douglas and Johnson counties in Kansas. See Request Articles, Books & More for a description of services available.

Reciprocal Programs

The KU Libraries participate in several programs that provide library service options for KU students, faculty, staff, and affiliates who need to be away from the Lawrence or Edwards campuses, who may be traveling to conduct research, or are enrolled or teaching in distance learning programs. These programs provide the ability to check out circulating collections and do not normally include interlibrary loan, document delivery, or access to licensed electronic resources.

Please note that not all programs are available to all categories of library users. Eligibility for these programs require you to be in good standing with the KU Libraries; that is, to be a currently enrolled student or an employee/affiliate with an active appointment in KU's human resource system, and to not have lost books, overdue items, or unpaid library charges.

GWLA Reciprocal Circulation Program

The GWLA (Greater Western Library Alliance) Reciprocal Circulation Program allows KU students, faculty, staff, and affiliates in good standing with the KU Libraries to borrow circulating materials on-site while visiting other, cooperating, member libraries.  Be prepared to present valid identification as defined by the participating library. A fee may be charged for the borrower card; however, most participating libraries do not charge. For additional information, see:

OCLC Reciprocal Borrowing Program

The OCLC Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Program (RFPB) allows KU faculty in good standing with the KU Libraries to request a Reciprocal Faculty Borrower's Card to serve as an introduction to libraries in participating institutions. Types and levels of service available and the requirements to receive services will vary with each institution. Request the Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Program Card at the Watson Library Checkout Desk and an informational handout before your visit to a participating library; the card is valid for one year from the date of issue. Be sure to check with the library you plan to visit to determine the required documentation and whether you will have access to the materials you need.

OCLC Shares On-site Access (Research Libraries Group)

The OCLC Shares program allows KU students, faculty, and staff to gain on-site access to collections at research libraries, museum libraries, and archives in the United States and several other countries:

UMKC Courtesy Card Program

The UMKC Courtesy Card Program allows KU students, faculty, staff, and affiliates in good standing with the KU Libraries to apply for library borrowing privileges at a participating institution in the greater Kansas City area. Request a UMKC Courtesy Card at the Watson Library Checkout Desk before your visit to a participating library.

Regional Options

University of Kansas Medical Center - Dykes Library

KU Lawrence and Edwards students, faculty, staff, and affiliates should carry and be prepared to present their KU Cards for access and services at Dykes Library.

University of Kansas Medical Center - Clendening History of Medicine Library

Lawrence Public Library

Haskell Indian Nations University - Tommaney Library

KU students, faculty, staff, and affiliates may access physical collections and subscription databases on-site in Tommaney Library. Hours, location, and services are listed at Tommaney Library. Be prepared to present your KU Card to request services.

Linda Hall Library - Kansas City, MO

Linda Hall Library offers library privileges to residents of several Kansas counties; see Using the Library. If you are not a resident of one of these counties, KU students, faculty, staff, and affiliates may qualify under the UMKC Courtesy Card Program listed above.

Other Kansas Options

KU students, faculty, staff, and affiliates may find the library materials needed are available at one of the Kansas Board of Regents universities. All of the libraries issue community borrower cards, usually for a fee, for on-site borrowing privileges. Keep in mind that KU Libraries' Acquisitions and Resource Sharing Department can borrow circulating materials from all of these libraries; see Request Articles, Books & More for information about interlibrary loan services.