Binghamton University Libraries wants to ensure that all patrons, including Binghamton Alumni and community guests, can have access to the wide range of resources and services that are available.
To maintain our collaborative learning space, please be aware of the Libraries policies.
On-Campus Services
The Binghamton University Libraries (Bartle, Science and the University Downtown Center) are open to the public during the posted hours. Late-night access after midnight is restricted to current Binghamton students, staff and faculty. Visitors to our on-campus locations have access to the following services and resources:
Borrow from Physical Collections
Alumni are entitled to a free library account which allows them to borrow materials from the Libraries’ physical collection. New York State residents who live within 50 miles of campus may sign up for a library account for $25 annually. Complete the Courtesy Borrower Request form on the Reader Services webpage to sign up.
Use Guest Computers
Guest access to computers is available in Bartle Library, Science Library and UDC Library Information Commons on a space available basis. Community members and alumni can access most BU-only electronic resources by asking for a computer pass at the Reader Services Desk.
On-site Access to Electronic Resources
Alumni and guests have on-site access to electronic library resources by requesting access to a guest computer account from a Reader Services Desk.
Both Contributing Service Instructors and Visiting Researcher/Scholar/Professionals can request a computer and e-mail account in person at the ITS Help Desk by presenting a valid University ID card.
Subscription databases, e-journals and e-books to the majority of online resources are available for use on campus only.
For more information about the use of guest computers, visit our policies page.
Access Federal and State Publications
The Glenn G. Bartle Library is a selective depository for U.S. government publications. We also serve as a Research Center Library for the New York State Document Depository program. Our collections are open to the public and are searchable in the Library Catalog through Find It! Most materials circulate if you have borrowing privileges with the Libraries. A growing number of government publications are also available online. Many NYS Depository materials are available online from the State Library. Our guide to government information can help you search for federal and state items of interest. If you need assistance finding a government publication, please contact the Research Help Desk.
Off-Campus Services
Due to licensing agreements, electronic resources require off-campus users to be current Binghamton students, staff, faculty, or emeritus faculty and sign in with their active university account. Alumni, guests and Binghamton University retirees do not have off-site access.
For more information on university accounts, visit ITS university account policies.
The Library Resources for Guests describes how alumni and guests can gain access to select research databases. The Libraries Subject Guides provides additional resources by subject area, some of which are freely available.
Guests can use Find It! to search the Libraries Catalog, Digital Collections and an index of millions of scholarly e-resources, including articles, e-books, reviews and legal documents. Searching is available, though access to resources with licensing agreements may be restricted.
New York State Resident Resources
All New York State residents have access to the New York Online Virtual Electronic Library (NOVEL), which includes the full text of thousands of journals, newspapers, magazines and other references.
New York State residents may also apply for a library card from the New York Public Library (NYPL), which can be used to access over 80 of NYPL's online databases from home.
For more information about both of these programs, see our guide to Library Resources for Guests.
Access Genealogy Information
See the Libraries’ Genealogy guide to learn about resources available. Note that subscription electronic resources are only available on campus.
