Illinois residents (who are not affiliated with NIU or any of the other CARLI institutions) and NIU alumni may apply for a courtesy card. Courtesy card holders may check out most library materials for four weeks (see Circulation Policies and Circulation Loan Periods for a full explanation of courtesy card privileges). Courtesy cards are valid for a period of one year; a new application is required each year.
Courtesy card holders are not eligible for interlibrary loan services; if you need this service, you may wish to consider membership in the Friends of NIU Libraries.
Courtesy card holders are not eligible for off-campus database access.
To apply for a courtesy card, print and bring the Courtesy Card form (Spanish) or Courtesy Card for Minors form to the Circulation Desk at Founders Memorial Library. Complete information is required on the application; cards are delivered to applicants by mail. You must be at least a high school student or older to apply.