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Alumni library access

As of May 2, 2022, alumni with paid-for library privileges can make in-person use of Robarts Library and Gerstein SIC.

 Alumni are defined as those who have received degrees or post-secondary diplomas or certificates from the University, or persons who have completed one year of full-time studies (i.e., four or more degree credits), or the equivalent thereof as determined by the Governing Council, towards such a degree, diploma or certificate and are no longer registered at the University.

See also Alumni library cards.

Borrowing privileges

  • The alumni reader and alumni research reader cards both offer borrowing privileges
  • Find out about borrowing limits and conditions here
  • As of May 2, 2022, alumni who have UTORids may place online holds while they are signed into LibrarySearch, or come to Robarts Library to browse the stacks
  • The ability to place holds for materials on the shelves has replaced the Curbside Pickup Service
  • Once alumni borrowers have been notified by email that their material is ready, they may come to Robarts first floor Loans Services Desk to pick it up 
  • Alumni may also use their local public library's interlibrary loan service to borrow from our collection

Research help

Many library research support services, including our email and chat services, will assist alumni to some extent. We can also refer you to other sources of research help.

Online resources

  • You can access our e-books, online journals, and other electronic resources in person by using your UTORid username and password, at any library computer terminal
  • To find out how to get a UTORid as a U of T alum, contact reader.reg@utoronto.ca or see details in the alumni borrowing plans available to you
  • Due to licensing agreements, we are NOT able to offer remote access to our online resources for alumni – that is, e-articles, ebooks, ejournals, or databases are only available to alumni if they come in person to the library 
  • Access to electronic articles may be requested through local public library’s interlibrary loan programs

Study space

  • Access to study spaces in Robarts Library is available to users with paid-for library privileges – alumni, research readers, and associate members
  • For information about access to other U of T libraries check their websites 
  • A Tcard with an active UTORid may be required to enter certain libraries, as is the case with Robarts Library

Robarts stacks access

While many libraries have open book stacks, Robarts Library's stacks (floors 9 – 13) are restricted.  

Materials can be requested from the stacks at the Loans Desk or can be accessed with:

More information

We would like to hear from you about your information and library needs, and about your experiences with our library so that we may serve you better!  Email us at libraryhelp@utoronto.ca

–Updated January 9, 2023