Guest Computer Use Policy
Non-OSU users must get a Guest Authentication account from staff at Library Circulation Desks to use computers in campus libraries. Guest users must at time of request show a valid government issued ID, such as a U.S. driver's license, State of Ohio ID, School ID, or passport. The guest account authorization must be used in the location where it is issued by the user it is issued to and is good for a set amount of time. Availability of guest accounts may be restricted during peak Library use such as end of semester and Exam Week, so it is wise to check ahead concerning pass availability.
Internet access is provided as a courtesy to guest users for purposes of scholarly research and users are required to follow the policy on Responsible Use of University Computing and Network Resources.
Based on computer availability Guest Research users will be issued 12 hours (non-renewable) guest passes for use. Research users include those with a valid ID from Big10 or other universities, Friends of the Libraries members and others with demonstrated and documented research needs.
Guest computer use not related to research can be done using public WI-FI on your own devices, or Based on computer availability we can issue you a 2 hours guest access pass (non-renewable) for use at provided stations.
Courtesy Cards
Courtesy cardholders are subject to the same policies as students, faculty and staff and are responsible for returning and renewing materials checked out on their library account in a timely manner. Courtesy library cards are available to:
- Life Donors of the Ohio State Alumni Association
- President's Club members
- Retired Staff
- Members of the Friends of the Libraries
Courtesy cards are issued at the Circulation Desk of Thompson Library, Health Sciences Library, Law Library and Regional Libraries. More information about lending policies.
Visiting Scholars and other individuals who are currently not faculty, staff or a student at Ohio State may be eligible for a courtesy card. To determine your eligibility, please call 614-292-OSUL (6785).
Loan Period and Limits on Borrowing
Courtesy patrons will have a borrowing limit of up to ten items with a maximum of five OhioLINK items for a 21 day loan period, and up to six possible renewals, provided another patron does not place a hold on the item.
Interlibrary Loan and publisher license agreements limit access to the Libraries' electronic journals, databases, and books to current students, faculty, and staff of The Ohio State University.
Reciprocal Borrowing Privilege
Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA)
BTAA faculty, graduate and undergraduate students may borrow items from or have access to the collections of participating Big Ten University Libraries through the BTAA. Please view the links below to learn more about this program.
Big Ten Academic Alliance Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement