How do I ... ?

Use the libraries as a visitor

Visiting the Libraries

All of the Libraries are open to the public during the posted unrestricted hours.
After 10:00pm, access to Fondren Library Center is restricted to users with valid SMU ID cards.
The majority of the print materials in most of the libraries are accessible to the public, and photocopiers are available.
DeGolyer Library, because it is a special collections facility, has specific guidelines for use of materials.

Using online resources

The PONI catalog is available on the web to the general public.
Visitors may use online resources while visiting the Central University Libraries unless licensing agreements with database producers limit access to SMU students, faculty and staff. Ask A Librarian about visitor accessible databases.
Fee-based online resources (e.g., Lexis-Nexis, EBSCOhost, etc.) are available for off campus use only to current SMU students faculty and staff. The contracts for these resources to not allow remote access for visitors.

Borrowing from the libraries

General

There are several categories of eligibility for non-SMU community members. To find out if you qualify, please contact a circulation desk or use the Ask A Circulation Question form.

Student/faculty at another university

Obtain a Texshare Card from your library and bring it to a circulation desk for a free visitor card. At the Faculty level you may check out 10 books for 3-week loan, graduate level 5 books- 3-week loans, and undergraduate level 1 book, 3 days with no renewals.

Non-student visitors

You may purchase a Friends of the SMU Libraries membership online or at a circulation desk for a minimum $60.00 fee for a 1-year membership. If you are planning to purchase a membership at a circulation desk, please call ahead to confirm the valid times and locations. Library check out privileges includes a 10-book check out with 3-week loan period and 1 renewal.
You may obtain a Texshare Card from your public library, which will allow you a free visitor card with a 1-book check out, 3-day loan, no renewals. Cardholder must be present to check out materials.

Alumni borrowing

SMU Alumni may check out books. Please bring a picture ID so we may verify your alumni status. Once verified, we will issue you a visitor card, which will allow you a 10-book check out for a 3-week loan period and 5 renewals. Renewals must be done in person with the library materials. A $10 fee per semester is required.

Interlibrary loan borrowing

If you are not currently affiliated with SMU, please use the interlibrary loan service at your local public library or at an academic library with which you are affiliated.

Access for local businesses

Please use the IIS service for borrowing, document delivery, and database searching.