Library FAQ

You can borrow books and use other resources at the libraries at SUNY, CUNY, and New York State community college libraries through SUNY's open access policy.

• You will need to bring your SUNY Empire photo ID. Note: You will also need a CUNY open access card to borrow from CUNY libraries.

• If you incur any fines, a hold will be placed on your student account so that you can’t graduate, register for classes, or get your transcript until you have paid. In addition, libraries sometimes refer outstanding debts to the state attorney general’s office for collection.

• Although you can borrow books and use the libraries’ print journals in the building, you will not have access to their online subscription resources (databases) or interlibrary loan.

Tips and recommendations:

• Check WorldCat first to see if what you are looking for is available at a library near you.

• Call the library first. Confirm that they have the item(s) and that you can use SUNY Open Access to get it. You may find out that you can’t take it out but you can use the item in the library. This way you can plan ahead if you need to take notes or make photocopies.

• If they say there is no SUNY Open Access or they have never heard of it, ask to speak with a supervisor or a librarian. Sometimes the workers at libraries are students who may not be aware of all of the programs that are available.

• If they suggest that you use interlibrary loan, that is because they may not realize SUNY Empire does not have a physical library with traditional interlibrary loan services.