Library access for the public and alumni
Our libraries are places for learning, discovery, and connection. We welcome alumni and members of the public to visit and enjoy a range of resources, services, exhibitions, and community spaces.
Members of the public can access the following Library resources and services:
- Search the Library catalogue.
- Browse materials on open shelves.
- Materials held in He Māra Mahara | Cultural Collections may be available on request. Please send a request online via Ask us.
- Theses held in our On-Demand Collection may be requested via Ask us. They must be viewed in our Reading Room.
If you would like to borrow something from our collection, you can request an Interlibrary Loan from your public library or you can apply for Community Membership.
Community spaces
Library spaces are open to members of the public, including the wider community, alumni and international visitors, during staffed opening hours. Visitors can also enjoy a range of exhibitions, cultural activities and community-focused initiatives throughout the year.
ReoSpace is a dedicated te reo Māori space in the General Library where te reo Māori is the primary language of communication. Visitors are welcome to participate in activities and informal conversation sessions designed to support learners and speakers at all levels.
We also encourage visitors to explore exhibitions hosted by He Māra Mahara, Cultural Collections. Visit our News section for current events and exhibitions.
Community Membership
Alumni and other members of the public may apply for Community Membership of the Library. Membership is available for individual research and study only.
- Membership is available for a fee, for either 6 or 12 month terms. University of Auckland alumni receive a 30% discount.
- Members may borrow and request items held at any of our library locations.
- Access to electronic resources is limited to selected library databases.
| Membership | Duration | Fee | Alumni (30% discount) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic and borrowing | 12 months | $550 | $385 |
| Electronic only | 12 months | $315 | $220 |
| Borrowing only | 12 months | $315 | $220 |
| Electronic and borrowing | 6 months | $290 | $200 |
| Electronic only | 6 months | $165 | $115 |
| Borrowing only | 6 months | $165 | $115 |
How to apply for or renew your Community Membership
- Submit your application form.
- We will send you payment instructions once your application has been approved.
- After your payment has been received, we will let you know how to obtain your Campus Card and/or your username and password for electronic access.
Community Membership restrictions
Applications will not usually be accepted if you:
- Are enrolled in a formal course of study at another tertiary education institution.
- Are employed by another tertiary education institution.
- Are applying on behalf of an organisation or for commercial purposes.
Electronic resources for Community Members
Under the terms of the Library's licence agreements with publishers, access to most electronic resources is restricted to current University of Auckland staff and enrolled students. Community members can access a limited number of databases under these licences. View the list of available databases here.
Access to these electronic resources is provided for private study and research only. Publications may be searched and single copies of non-substantial parts of a publication copied only for the purposes of university teaching, research, and study. Sequentially or bulk downloading articles or data from a database or single publication is not permitted.
Content may not be copied in any format for sale or any other commercial purpose, nor may it be copied or reproduced for the benefit of any third-party external to the University of Auckland. Recompiling or publishing any data in any form may be done only with the specific written permission of the dataset owner.
There may be penalties for infringing these terms (see Library Statute clauses 4, 53, and 56).
Supporting our users
We welcome members of the public and provide access to a range of spaces, resources and services. On rare occasions, access to specific areas or services many be adjusted to support operational needs.