Library Access for Alumni and Community Visitors
This guide outlines access for visitors to the NDSU Libraries who are not affiliated with North Dakota State University, but who have need to make use of the Libraries’ collections and services.
The Libraries’ primary function is to support the academic work of NDSU students, faculty, and staff. Visitors should be aware that the Libraries give priority to University-affiliated users in providing access to resources, facilities, and services.
Computer Access for Visitors
NDSU computing resources, including wireless connections, are for the use of faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students, and are not available for use by un-affiliated visitors.
Visiting Scholars and Researchers
NDSU Libraries may provide guest logins to NDSU computers for visiting researchers (Tri-College, academic and general public) and extension agents needing access to electronic resources specific to NDSU and not available through public libraries or their home institution. Visiting faculty should make arrangements through the department they are affiliated with to establish NDSU credentials for the period of their visit.
Guest logins are also available to newly NDSU affiliated students, faculty and staff who have not yet received their official NDSU credentials.
References:
NDSU Policy Manual Section 158: Acceptable Use of Electronic Communications Devices (Sept 2015) https://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/policy/158.pdf
Collections and Facilities
Access. Visitors may access the Libraries’ on-site collections for research and study purposes. This includes books, government documents, current periodicals and newspapers, and microform and archival collections at the Main Library, Annex and branch locations.
Borrowing material. Alumni and community patrons can be issued a Friends of NDSU Libraries Borrowing Card to use on circulating collections with a $25 donation to NDSU Libraries. Please go to our Materials Page and click on "Community Patrons" to learn more about benefits and how to gain access.
Government Documents. The Libraries hold depository collections of U.S. government publications and North Dakota state documents, and provide public access to these materials. The Government Information Librarian are available to assist in locating and accessing government information. Visitors who require access to government information resources delivered via computer may use the government information kiosk. If visitors require access to government resources not available through the kiosk, they will be issued a guest login.
Restrictions: The following services are not available to non-affiliated library visitors:
- course reserve materials
- interlibrary loan services
- paging of materials from the Annex (except for Government Documents)
- Study room reservations
Resources
Borrowing and Accessing Materials
Collections
NDSU Archives/Institute for Regional Studies
Germans from Russia Heritage Collection
Free Resources
Visiting Researchers
NDSU ITS request for guest and affiliate accounts (must be filled out by NDSU faculty or staff on behalf of the researcher): https://kb.ndsu.edu/95342