Boston College Libraries maintain reciprocal borrowing agreements with several groups and organizations, granting their members free library privileges. For those unaffiliated with a partner institution, a fee-based membership is available.
Guests, BC retirees, and Alumni are granted borrowing privileges at the following libraries: Bapst, O'Neill, Social Work, Theology & Ministry, and the Educational Resource Center.
The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) is a conference of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. As a member of the AJCU, Boston College Libraries grants borrowing privileges to the faculty of other AJCU institutions.
For AJCU Affiliates (Borrowing materials from Boston College Libraries)
To obtain borrowing privileges at Boston College Libraries present the following documents at the O'Neill Library Circulation Desk.
AJCU affiliate borrowers agree to abide by the policies governing the use of the Boston College Libraries.
Off-campus access to online resources is limited due to licensing restrictions. Some library databases are available through the BC alumni portal. Refer to services for guests and alumni for further information.
Alumni borrowing privileges are extended to graduates of Boston College, Newton College of the Sacred Heart, Pine Manor College, Saint John's Seminary, and Weston Jesuit School of Theology. Alumni can obtain library privileges by presenting the following documentation.
Alumni borrowers agree to abide by the policies governing the use of the Boston College Libraries. Graduation status will be confirmed before a library card can be issued.
Boston College Libraries is a member of the Boston Library Consortium and we extend borrowing privileges to faculty, staff, and students from other member institutions.
For BLC Affiliates (Borrowing Materials from Boston College Libraries)
Walk-in Borrowing Program: Brandeis, Boston University, and Northeastern University Only
All other BLC Borrowers:
BLC affiliate borrowers agree to abide by the policies governing the use of the Boston College Libraries.
Boston College Libraries is a member of the Boston Theological Institute (BTI) and we extend borrowing privileges to faculty and graduate students from participating BTI Libraries. Users have access to all BC Libraries, except the Law Library.
For BTI affiliates (Borrowing Materials from Boston College Libraries)
Faculty and graduate students from participating BTI schools can obtain borrowing privileges at Boston College Libraries by visiting the Theology & Ministry Library or the Thomas P. O'Neill Jr., Library, Monday-Friday between 9 am-5 pm.
Graduate students
Faculty
BTI affiliate borrowers agree to abide by the policies governing the use of the Boston College Libraries.
Boston College offers library borrowing privileges free of charge to educators from K-12 school organizations and schools that currently partner with the Lynch School of Education and Human Development. To obtain borrowing privileges, educators may visit the Educational Resource Center in Campion Hall and present: a completed application form, a valid government ID (such as a driver's license), and a current K-12 school staff ID. To learn more, visit the Educator Partnership Program page or contact the Educational Resource Center at erc@bc.edu.
Applicants agree to abide by the policies governing the use of the Boston College Libraries.
Boston College offers library borrowing privileges to Field Agency Supervisors from organizations that currently partner with the Boston College School of Social Work. This program provides access to physical library resources and librarian assistance, with some limitations, free of charge.
Accounts expire on August 31. To renew your account, visit the SWL to present your identification and complete a new application form. Applicants agree to abide by the policies governing the use of the Boston College Libraries.
Individuals who are not affiliated with Boston College, alumni of BC, Newton College of Sacred Heart, Pine Manor College, St. John's Seminary, Weston Jesuit School of Theology, or a member of one of our reciprocal partnerships (Boston Library Consortium, Boston Theological Institute or Association of Jesuit Colleges & Universities), may secure borrowing privileges for a fee.
Cards are non-transferable and issued in two increments - $200 for a 3-month period or an annual fee of $500.
To apply for privileges or to renew existing privileges, please email notices@bc.edu. Applications are processed Sunday-Thursday from 9 am - 3 pm. To obtain a fee pay card, please provide the following:
Fee Pay borrowers agree to abide by the policies governing the use of the Boston College Libraries.
Retirees
Retired faculty and staff automatically retain borrowing privileges at all of the Boston College Libraries and may continue using their Eagle ID as a library card.
Once you retire, your access to online resources and services will change. Retirees do not have remote access to electronic services (databases, library catalog accounts, etc). However, retirees may use the public computers at any BC library to access most databases. For access to online services, such as requesting or renewing materials please contact borrower services:
Spouses
Spouses of students, staff and faculty can obtain an Eagle-One Card through the Office of Student Services. Proof of identification such as driver’s license or passport, and a copy of the marriage certificate must be presented in order to obtain an Eagle-One Card. For more information, please contact the Office of Student Services.
SHARES provides reciprocal borrowing privileges for current students, Faculty, and Staff at participating SHARES institutions.
To apply for borrowing access, complete the SHARES onsite borrowing application before visiting Boston College. You must wait for approval by your home institution before privileges can be granted.
Library cards are issued at the Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. Library, Sunday-Friday, 9 am - 3 pm. Cards are not issued on Saturdays. A valid photo ID is required to complete your application.
SHARES affiliate borrowers agree to abide by the policies governing the use of the Boston College Libraries.
