Direct Access Program

The CDLC Direct Access Card Program is based on the premise that participating libraries will translate their commitment to cooperation and service into library access for users of other libraries in the region, even though their collections may not otherwise be open to the public. The program is meant to provide library users with access to resources not available in the library with which they are primarily affiliated. It is not intended to be a replacement for interlibrary loan.

The Direct Access Card Program is particularly helpful to users who need something from another collection immediately, who need to browse through a specialized collection, who lack sufficient bibliographic information for effective interlibrary loan, or who need to use resources which cannot be borrowed or photocopied. It is available to current faculty, graduate students, undergraduates, professional and research staff of participating institutions, regular users in good standing at their public library, and selected high school students. The card is non-transferable.

This program is open to Institutional members in good standing with CDLC. Personal members are not eligible except through a participating Issuing Library. Participation in the Direct Access Card Program is voluntary and supports the cooperative spirit of library access. Libraries that are interested in joining the program may fill out this application and send to dap@cdlc.org