Library Membership

qspeechc

Hi.

Someone told me that members of the public can join our university library (she used to be a librarian) for some annual fee, but with restricted borrowing rights: you're only allowed to take out one book at a time, for one week, with no renewals.
So I did some interweb research and found that some universities have a similar thing, others do not, but mostly the websites were not very informative.
Does anyone know about this kind of thing? I'm still a student but eventually I will leave university, and then I'd like to join some or other university library, mostly so I can have access to journals and stuff. What would be the best library to join?

IcedEcliptic

Knowing the country-state/province would be helpful for this one. Personally, I think you should join the libraries with the best selections and hang the expense. It is an investment in your mind after all.

qspeechc

Well actually I'll probably just want access to the electronic journals so it won't really matter where the university is. Only one websie (U of Georgia) gave a fee -- $10 -- so most of them are probably in that range.
And that's what I'd like to know, which library that allows outsiders to join has the best access to journals etc.?

IcedEcliptic

Most libraries subscribe to the same services, just call the ones in your area and ask the librarian, they are usually happy to help and knowledgeable. Heck, check out what kind of line they're on, for the sake of speed and reliability of access.

Jimmy Snyder

I graduated from Temple U and as an alumnus, I used to pay $10 a year for full priveleges to borrow books. However, in recent years, they dropped the $10 fee so it's free. I don't know what they charge non-alumni. A few years ago, my company mulled over buying me a year's subscription to the Princeton University library. The fee was $800 a year. I never got it.

IcedEcliptic

Damn, that would have been wonderful access!

Moonbear

I suppose the fees might vary (and be steadily increasing) based on what journals the library subscribes to, and how tight the university's budget is, and perhaps what percentage of student fees goes toward supporting the library.

Another option to consider, and again, this will vary by location, is to check with your local public library and find out what interlibrary loan services they offer. Why pay for a subscription to access another library if your taxes already support a public library that can obtain the references you need? But, again, it might depend on how well your public library is funded if they can do that for free for you or if they'd still charge a fee.

TheStatutoryApe

Perhaps if your Uni has a relationship with the new one you will be near your alumni status will help?