Library services to off campus students

As off campus students at Karlstad University, you are able to use library services even if you are unable to visit the library in person. On this page, you can find information on how the library can be of help in your studies. You are considered an off campus student if a majority of your courses are held off campus.

Library card / KAU card

If you want to borrow books, you need to be registered to our library system. When obtaining a KAU card, you are automatically registered in our library system. Alternately, you can fill out our form applying for a library card. When your details are registered in our library system, you are able to borrow and reserve books by using your Swedish personal identification number and the PIN code of your choice.

NOTE! If you get the KAU card, the PIN code associated with your card is the same PIN code for borrowing books in our self service station.

Library card application (in Swedish)
Read more about the KAU card

Borrowing books off campus

As an off campus student, you are able to borrow books from Karlstad University Library and have them sent to your home address if your home address is outside of Karlstad or Hammarö municipalities and within the Nordic countries. You are responsible for returning the book on time, either by mail or by other means. Any return costs that may apply when sending the book is paid by you. You are also able to return our books at any public library in Värmland. Please note that the book is considered returned to our library when it reaches Karlstad University Library and NOT when handed in at the public library.

Order form (in Swedish)
Borrowing times, return policy and recalls

Return address:

Karlstads universitetsbibliotek
651 87 Karlstad

NOTE! When returning a book through a postal service agent, please make sure our postal code is correct. We are not able to collect deliveries at postal service agents, all deliveries must be made directly to us.

Access to e-books, articles, databases and journals from outside the university

As an off campus student, you have access to the library’s e-books, e-journals, databases, and electronic reference works from home or any other computer outside the university. To gain access outside the university, log in with your KauID (student account). You can find the library’s resources under SEARCH on the library’s website.

More information about access to library electronic resources

You can always contact the library if you need support and help searching for information, writing references, and more. You can reach us in several ways - by phone, email, or chat. You can also book an appointment with a librarian or writing tutor for personal guidance via Zoom.

INFORMATION DESK – help with searching and referencing

Guides and manuals

The library’s website is home to many guides and manuals that show you how to search for and evaluate information. There is also guidance on writing essays, writing references, and critical evaluation of sources.

Subject guides – Find tips on how to search when you want to find articles, books and other items within a specific subject.
Guides & manuals – Find guides to frequently asked questions
Writing and referencing – This section is home to guides, manuals and information about referencing, citing, publishing and more.
Academic information literacy – Take our open Canvas course and learn how to search for, evaluate and manage academic information. This course is a self-assessment course and is not part of any grade. You can retake the course whenever you want to.