FAU is one of 11 members of the Division of Colleges and Universities. The Libraries at FAU are funded to support the research and teaching needs of the University, and such support is at a bare bones level.

Like all other Divisions of Colleges and Universities, FAU is known as a "public university." This brings about confusion surrounding the notion that our library is a "public library." We are not a public library. There is a public library system set up for all residents of certain geographical areas (e.g. Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Palm Beach County, Broward County). The FAU Libraries are not a part of the nation's public library system. The general public (i.e. those people who are not taking credit courses at FAU and who are not faculty or staff of FAU) are, therefore, not the client group whom the FAU Libraries are funded to serve.

An exception to this general rule is at the Port St. Lucie Library, which is a joint-use library funded in part by the County Library System; therefore, county residents are given affiliated user privileges at this location.

However, the general public is welcome to come into our buildings, use the materials without hindrance, and ask reference questions. But we do reserve the right to limit service to those who are not students, faculty, or affiliates of Florida Atlantic University. The use of our library is a privilege to be appreciated.