GU card and library card

To borrow and request books and other materials that can be borrowed at the University Library, you need a GU card or a library card.

GU card for students and employees

For students and employees, the GU card functions as a library card. With the GU card you can:

  • borrow books and request articles
  • book group study rooms at the libraries
  • print, scan and copy

By using the GU card you accept the Library's borrowing rules.

Order the GU card in the Student Portal

For employees that have a GU card

When you have picked up a new GU card, you need to contact the library to enable the library function on the card. This is required for you to be able to borrow from the library. When you contact us, please tell us your address and the number of the GU card and we will activate the card for you.

The library function on your GU card has another expiration date than the physical card. Log into My loans to see the expiration date for the library function. Contact the library when you want to renew the library function on your GU card.

Library card for everyone

Anyone who has a permanent residence in Sweden and is above 15 years of age can get a library card at the University Library by filling out an application.

Apply for a library card

Pick up the card by visiting one of our libraries in person. Please bring valid identification.

Library card for international Library visitors

If you don't have a Swedish personal identity number, you must submit a certificate to get a library card.

The certificate is called a personal guarantee, and should be completed by you and by a guarantor. The guarantor must be a resident in Sweden and have a Swedish personal identity number.

You get your library card when you visit the Library along with the guarantor. You should both bring identification along with the completed guarantee.

Processing of personal data

When you receive a library card or GU-card, your personal information is registered in the library's patron register. The personal data consists of your name, personal identity number and address. If you have a protected identity, you can enter a different address than your address from the population register.

The University Library processes your personal data according to the General Data Protection Regulation.

Borrowing rules

For a detailed compilation of how to use your library card, please see our rules for the use of Gothenburg University Library.

Contact us about GU card and library card

Contact a library if you need help with your GU card or library card.

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