Alumni are welcome to use any of the libraries’ resources (books, DVDs, journals, dissertations, assessment tests, etc.) within the library. However, check out privileges can no longer be extended. Alumni may continue to browse the library catalog from home as well and then visit the library to access any materials.

Reservations are not required, but you may want to contact us beforehand to ensure your items are available (we’re happy to set items aside for you).

Local residents may purchase a guest library card for $10.00 a year. Requests for cards should be directed to Chris Baker, Facilities & Technical Services Manager (507) 457-8702
cbaker@smumn.edu

Because of licensing agreements, we will not be able to provide you with off campus access to our subscription online databases. About 60 days after you graduate your user name and password will no longer work for these resources.

You are welcome, however, to use any of these resources if you visit the Saint Mary’s Libraries–just ask a librarian to log you in as a guest. Print-outs continue to be free.

Please note: Alumni database access is intended solely for your own personal research and educational use. Current students have computer access priority during busy times.

As the open access movement continues to develop researchers can find many scholarly resources freely available online. To access a list of open access databases go to our A-Z databases list and from  the “All Subjects” menu choose “Open-access Databases.”  These databases may be searched freely with no logins.

What is “open access?”

Perhaps provide a screen shot here when we update our LibGuides CSS

MnLINK Gateway

If you are a Minnesota resident you can use this catalog to get books, DVDs, dissertations, audio books, CDs—anything from a Minnesota library, including the Saint Mary’s Libraries. Instead of checking the item out from us, you’ll go through your public library and order the item through interlibrary loan.

Please note: Some items in the Twin Cities Library’s collections cannot be circulated through interlibrary loan, including assessment tests.

U of M Friends of the Library

If you want immediate access to academic books that you can check out and take home, another option for locally-situated alumni is to become a member of the University of Minnesota Friends of the Library. Cost is $80/year for individuals. The loan period is six weeks; you can check out 25 items at a time. This option does not include remote access to online resources.

WorldCat OCLC Catalog

Searches some 2 billion items across the world. Your local library (where ever you live) will be able to order the items you need through interlibrary loan.

Electric Library of Minnesota (ELM)

If you are a Minnesota resident and have a public library card you can access online journal articles, eBooks, and more using ELM. Many of the EBSCO databases your used as a SMU student, such as Academic Search Premier, are available here. Contact your local library for more information.

There may be similar resources in other states. Again just contact your local library.

Open Access Resources

As the open access movement continues to grow researchers have increasing access to free, high quality, scholarly resources over a wide range of disciplines. To access a list of open access databases go to our A-Z databases list and from  the “All Subjects” menu choose “Open-access Databases.”

U of M Computer Workstation Card

All visitors are welcome to unlimited use of on-site resources provided by the University of Minnesota. You can obtain a Computer Workstation Card for free, which gives you up to two hours of on-site U of M computer access per day. The card is valid for six months and can be renewed. See a list of the U of M’s databases.