Alumni Access to Library Resources and Services
The MSU Library is YOUR Library
The MSU Library recognizes that many MSU graduates would like to continue to use the library’s resources and services after their student privileges expire upon graduation.
There are a number of ways that MSU Alumni can continue to use and interact with the library including borrowing materials, accessing MSU-specific research, or exploring a wealth of freely available digital collections created by the MSU Library.
On Campus Access
All MSU Alumni are welcome to visit the library in-person at any time during open hours. While visiting the library, alumni can:
- peruse the library's physical collections such as Bobcat Browse
- use a library computer to access most (not all) licensed subscription resources or browse the internet
- print or make copies (for a fee)
- use the scanners
- meet with a librarian (by appointment only)
- visit Archives & Special Collections (by appointment only)
- use a study room if available (inquire at the Service Desk)
- grab a beverage or snack from Brewed Awakening
- Connect to the MSU-Guest WiFi network
Visting the MSU Library
The MSU Library is committed toproviding equal access to library collections, services, and facilities for all library users. The below resources include helpful information for your visit:
- Library Collections
- Floor and Location Guide
- Hours
- Parking on Campus & Directions
- Accessibility
- Virtual Library Orientation
Borrowing Privileges
Alumni that are Montana residents can continue to borrow physical materials (excluding all technology items except headphones) from the library by obtaining a Montana Resident Courtesy Borrower Card at the library's Service Desk.
Alumni are unable to borrow items from TRAILS libraries or submit Interlibrary Loan requests. Please use your local public library to borrow items from other libraries.
Research Assistance
Need help locating resources for a research project? Alumni can continue to make an appointment with a librarian for expert research assistance.
Archives & Special Collections
The MSU Library's Archives and Special Collections ensures access to valuable records of Montana State University along with designated collecting areas such as the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, regional writers, and trout and salmonids. Physical collections can be viewed on-site (by appointment only) in Archives & Special Collections (2nd floor of the library) while digital collections can be viewed remotely from anywhere.
Access Most Licensed Electronic Resources From Library Computers
Alumni may continue to access most licensed resources, such as journals and databases, by accessing them on campus using a library computer. Please note, there are select resources that require log in credentials, even from on campus, and they are specified with a lock-icon on the A-Z Database page.
Off Campus Access
Licensed Resources
Due to licensing restrictions, the library cannot offer remote access to the majority of it's electronic resources. However, the MSU Library is pleased to offer MSU Alumni remote access to a growing selection of library resources.
Alumni wishing to access these resources will need to acquire a NetID and password:
- Alumni that graduated prior to 2009 will need to claim a NetID.
- Alumni that graduated in 2009 through present, can recover their former NetID.
- After claiming or recovering a NetID, reset your password.
After you've completed these steps, navigate to the list of licensed resources for alumni and enter your NetID and password when prompted.
CatSearch
Use CatSearch to search across the library's print and electronic resources. Alumni that have obtained a Montana Resident Courtesy Borrower Card can also log in to CatSearch to place holds on items or view and manage borrowed materials.
ScholarWorks
ScholarWorks is an open access repository for the capture of the intellectual work of Montana State University in support of its teaching, research and service missions. Search ScholarWorks for articles, professional papers, theses, and dissertations created by MSU authors.
MSU DataSet Search
Find datasets from creators affiliated with Montana State University.
MSU Digital Collections
The MSU Library's Archives and Special Collections provides access to multiple open access digital collections that can be viewed remotely from anywhere. MSU Alumni may be particularly interested in the following digital collections:
- Montanan Yearbooks Collection: available digitally from 1906 - 1991
- ASMSU Exponent Digital Collection: MSU student newspaper available digitally from 1894 - 2018
- MSU Digital Historical Photos Collection: photos taken around MSU from 1893 through the 1990s
- MSU Class of 1940 Newsletters: newsletters for the class of 1940, published between 1944 - 2002
Free and Open Access Information
Due to licensing restrictions, the MSU Library cannot provide remote access to alumni for all subscription content. However, there is a growing number of excellent free and open resources that anyone, including MSU Alumni, can access without needing a subscription. The library maintains a list of select open access resources via the A-Z Database List.
Public Library Resources
Most public libraries have access to subscription online databases that users can access remotely with a public library card (for free!). Additionally, many public libraries offer interlibrary loan services. Consult your local public library for details.
More Ways to Stay Connected
