NYU Library Access FAQ

Bobst Library

• Do I have access to NYU's Bobst Library?
• Can I borrow materials from Bobst Library?
• Can I use BobCat to search for books in the Dibner Library?
• Can I renew my books from Bobst Library online?
• May I borrow CDs and videos from the Avery Fisher Center for Music and Media (AFC) at Bobst?
• Can I use my wireless laptop in Bobst?
• Can I borrow a laptop for use in Bobst Library?
• Can I reserve a study room?
• How can I print at Bobst Library?
• How do I get a copy card?
• How do I make copies at Bobst Library?
• Can Polytechnic alumni access Bobst Library?

Access to Other Libraries 

• Do I have access to other NYU libraries?
• Do I have access to consortium and affiliated libraries?
• How can I use a resource available at library I don't have access to?
• May I use NYU Libraries' Interlibrary Loan?

Electronic Resources

• How do I access NYU's electronic databases?
• How do I get a NYU NetID and password?
• When searching databases, sometimes I come across these buttons: . What do they mean?
• How will I know when databases are added to the Dibner Library collection?

Bobst Library

Do I have access to NYU's Bobst Library?

Yes, you can use your valid Polytechnic Institute of NYU ID card to enter Bobst Library.

Can I borrow materials from Bobst Library?

Yes, you can borrow materials following Bobst Library's circulation policies. Visit the NYU library web site for details on circulation privileges for faculty & administrators and students & staff

Can I use BobCat to search for books in the Dibner Library?

No. The Dibner Library's collection is not currently part of BobCat. Search PolyCat for books and other items in Dibner Library.

Can I renew my books from Bobst Library online?

Yes, use the Bobst Library ID number placed on your ID card to sign into your BobCat account to renew your books.

May I borrow CDs and videos from the Avery Fisher Center for Music and Media (AFC) at Bobst?

Poly faculty may borrow videos and CDs. Before coming to AFC, check at AFC to make sure you are registered to borrow videos.

Poly students and staff may check out videos and CDs for Bobst Library use only.

Can I use my wireless laptop in Bobst?

Yes. You will need to use your NYU (not Poly) NetID and password. Information on how to connect.

Can I borrow a laptop for use in Bobst Library?

Yes. Laptops are available for use within the library in the Library Computer Center on Lower Level 1.

Can I reserve a study room?

Yes. Use your NYU NetID to complete the electronic reservation form. Please see Study Rooms for more details and instructions.

How can I print at Bobst Library?

Papers can be printed from the Windows and Mac computers on the lower levels of Bobst Library and in the Library Computer Center (Lower Level 1). Color printing is also available in the Library Computer Center. All printing is payable by copy card.

How do I get a copy card?

You can purchase a visitor copy card at Value Transfer Stations (VTS) located on floors 1, 6, 9 and Lower Levels 1 & 2. A one-time $0.80 card fee is charged for the visitor copy card.

How do I make copies at Bobst Library?

Self-service copiers are located throughout Bobst Library and payable by copy card or coins and dollar bills.

Can Polytechnic alumni access Bobst Library?

No, but alumni may become a Friend of Bobst Library to gain access.

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Access to Other Libraries

Do I have access to other NYU libraries?

* Access for uniquely held items only. A letter from a professor or librarian is required, stating the period of time access is needed and the material needed.

Please note that access may not include borrowing privileges. Contact a Dibner librarian for further details.

Do I have access to consortium and affiliated libraries?

* Includes all New School Libraries: Fogelman, Gimbel, & Scherman

How can I use a resource available at library I don't have access to?

You may request a METRO referral card at the service desk to use resources at these libraries as well as over 270 other libraries in the New York City area. The card is valid for one visit with no borrowing privileges. You can also request resources via interlibrary loan. Please consult with a Dibner librarian for more information.

May I use NYU Libraries' Interlibrary Loan?

No. Use the NYU-Poly Document Delivery form.

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Electronic Resources

How do I access NYU's electronic databases?

You can gain access to electronic resources shared among NYU libraries in a variety of ways:

• On-site at the Dibner, Bobst and Courant Libraries.
• Remotely via the Dibner Library database page using your Last Name and NYU-Poly ID number.
• Remotely via the NYU Libraries web site using your NYU NetID and password.

How do I get a NYU NetID and password?

You should have received an email from NYU/ITS Client Services containing your NYU University ID and NetID. You must activate your Net ID by following the instructions here: http://start.nyu.edu.

For more information on NYU IT services, read the IT Services FAQ.

When searching databases, sometimes I come across these buttons: . What do they mean?

These buttons indicate that the full text of an article may be available in another database. You may be required to enter your NYU NetID and password to follow the link to the full text.

How will I know when databases are added to the Dibner Library collection?

When a new database is added to our collection, it is announced on the library blog. You can subscribe to the blog to keep up to date.

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