Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to be a member of Friends of the Libraries?

 Individual Membership: $50

Joint Membership (2 members): $75

Library Advocate: $250

Thompson Circle: $1,500

Corporate Membership: $300  

 

How do I join Friends of the Libraries?

Mail or fax the membership application to: Friends of the Libraries, 305 Thompson Library, 1858 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 43210 or fax to (614) 292-7859.  Memberships are not processed on Mondays or Fridays.

 

How long will it take to process my membership application?

Memberships are processed and membership cards are mailed on Thursdays.  Please allow approximately two weeks to recieve your membership card.  Memberships are not processed on Mondays or Fridays and same day service is not available.

 

What do I have access to as a Friends of the Libraries Member?

Books: Membership will give you access to anything in circulation at any of OSU’s libraries, including our regional campuses (except the Law Library) with no limit on the number of books you can have checked out at one time. You will have access to OhioLink books (you are limited to only 5 OhioLink items checked out at one time). However, you won’t be able to use Interlibrary Loan, which can be accessed through your public library.

Databases: You will be able to log into a limited number of online databases from non-university computers.  Click here to see the list of databases.  These are the ONLY databases you can access from your home computer. Due to licensing restrictions, other electronic journals are not available off-campus to Friends of the Libraries Members.  If you would like to access other databases, you may bring your Friends membership card into any OSU Library and show your card at the front desk.  They will give you a temporary username and password to use a library computer which will give you full access to the databases/online journals, etc.  This access will be good for one day or less.

 

Can I get a permanent username and password to access these additional databases?

No.  Only University Faculty, Staff and Students can receive a permanent username and password to access the Library’s full databases and eBooks.  In rare cases, if members have a justifiable reason (research related to the University) they can possibly receive a temporary account that would give access for a longer time period.

 

What if I am a member of the Alumni Association?

Alumni Association members have the exact same access to books and databases as Friends members.  Friends members receive newsletters and invitations to activities and special events.  See the Friends of the Libraries membership brochure for additional benefits available only to Friends members.

To access Library circulation and databases as an Alumni Association member, patrons need to bring their current Alumni Association membership card to the circulation desk at the Thompson Library and they will be issued a courtesy card to check out books.

 

How do renew my books online?

To access you account online, with the ability to renew and check out books, please go to the OSU Libraries website: www.library.osu.edu.  Click on the link in the upper right side titled “My Record.”  When prompted to log in, enter your first and last name in the first box and your barcode number (without spaces) into the second box.

 

How do I access the online databases?

The available research databases are located here.  When prompted for login information, use your Friends ID# as the UserID and your surname as the Password.