Empire State AcademicSHARE

The following academic libraries have agreed to the following statement and will add this statement to their website:

We are an Empire State AcademicSHARE library. Therefore, AcademicSHARE member libraries minimally agree to allow on-site access and lend materials to any current college student, staff, and/or faculty member from another Empire State AcademicSHARE member library. However, at minimum, a verifiable valid college I.D. is required. The library may choose to treat the college I.D. as confirmation the student/faculty member is in good standing. Other proof of identification or status may be required.

These are the academic institutions whose libraries are participating:

FAQs

What is the Purpose of AcademicSHARE?

To increase academic library access to college students and staff regardless of where they live or attend school in New York State. AcademicSHARE member libraries minimally agree to allow on-site access and lend materials to any current college student, staff, and/or faculty member from another Empire State AcademicSHARE member library.

Are students, faculty or staff verified in any other ways than showing their ID?

You can verify enrollment by watching them login to a course page or their college portal. To verify an address, you can ask for a second form of ID, such as a driver’s license. 

How much information do I need to record from the student? And  how do I treat the users in my ILS?

This is entirely up to you. You can record the home institution if you think it will help you find delinquent borrowers. Depending upon the type of ILS that you have, you can also set up a separate borrower type for Academic Share borrowers, so that you can track them more readily.

Can I request reimbursement for lost materials from the home institution?

The relationship is between you and the borrower, not you and the home institution. Reimbursement should not be expected. However, you can expect, to a degree, cooperation from the home institution in locating delinquent patrons.  Consider limiting checkouts to a lower number if this is a concern. An advisory group is being formed to evaluate issues like this that may arise.

Do items need to be returned to the institution they’re borrowed from directly, or can they be returned at any participating institution?

Items would be returned to the library from which they are borrowed.  (Of  course, items will be mailed to the lending library if mistakenly returned to the home library.)

Do I have to provide computer use, e-resources use, consultation services, etc.

This is determined by your own guest policies. However, a general expectation is that  users would at least have access to services that support academic work, such as being able to log into computers, access databases (as allowed by your licenses),  and study in the building. The amount of time that you can dedicate to reference services will be determined by your guest policies.

Do I have to provide interlibrary loan services for AcademicShare borrowers?

No, AcademicShare borrowers should contact their home library for all interlibrary loan services.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

 Contact the Executive Director of the Library Council you belong to. A list of the councils and director contact information is available here.