The Library extends borrowing privileges to BU alumni at no charge. To apply for a courtesy borrowing card, go to the circulation desk of any of the three campus libraries - the Bartle Library, the Science Library or the University Downtown Center (UDC) Library. You will need to present a photo id with your application. Books may be borrowed for a 4-week loan period and there is a 15-book limit.
The Libraries' online catalog, is freely available to all.
Databases, e-journals, and e-books to which the Libraries subscribe are available for alumni guests to use on campus. Restrictions in the subscription licensing agreements for these resources preclude their off-campus use by alumni guests, even those with courtesy borrowing privileges.
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 and other references. All you need to log in is your New York State Driver License ID or DMV Non-Driver Photo ID. New York State residents may also apply for a library card from the New York Public Library, 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 New York State Online Resources.
You may also want to try the Virtual Reference Collection, which has many free online resources.
