Navigating Stanford University Libraries: A Comprehensive Guide for Alumni

Stanford University fosters a lifelong connection with its alumni, extending beyond graduation. A key aspect of this enduring relationship is access to the university's extensive library resources. This article provides a detailed overview of the e-resources available to Stanford alumni, ensuring they can continue to benefit from these valuable tools for personal and professional growth.

Staying Connected: The Stanford Alumni Community

Stanford provides a virtual home for its global alumni community, fostering connection and collaboration. This platform allows alumni to reconnect with classmates, explore new opportunities, and stay informed about the latest research and ideas emerging from Stanford. The platform offers news, views, and perspectives from the Stanford community.

Back to COLLEGE: Citizenship in the 21st Century

The "Back to COLLEGE" program offers alumni the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on citizenship with fellow Stanford graduates. This program mirrors the courses taken by current first-year students, providing a unique and engaging learning experience.

Stanford Open Minds

Stanford Open Minds fosters curiosity and connection, bringing together Stanford's president, leading faculty, and the latest insights. Alumni are encouraged to bring their questions and a spirit of possibility to these events, creating a vibrant and collaborative environment.

Programming with a Purpose

Stanford Alumni offers a wide array of programming designed to help alumni connect, learn, and grow throughout their lives. These programs cater to diverse interests and needs, ensuring there is something for everyone.

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Career Connections

Alumni seeking career changes or networking opportunities can leverage Stanford's career resources. These resources provide valuable support and connections to help alumni advance their professional goals.

Community and Travel

Alumni can stay connected and make new friends through various alumni groups, organized by region, industry, identity, or interest. Additionally, Stanford offers Travel/Study programs, providing unique opportunities for alumni and their families to explore the world while engaging in enriching educational experiences.

Library Access for Graduating Students

As graduation approaches, it's crucial for students to understand the upcoming changes to their library access. Planning ahead ensures a smooth transition and continued access to necessary resources.

Preparing for Graduation: A Checklist

Download Essential Articles: Before your library privileges change, download all the articles you need and submit any Scan-and-Deliver requests for articles or book chapters you anticipate needing.
Return Library Materials: Return all borrowed books and verify your library account is in good standing by logging in to your My Library Account.
Clear Interlibrary Services Account: Ensure all books borrowed from other libraries have been returned.

Upon graduation, access to library electronic resources will be discontinued unless specific arrangements are made.

Department Sponsorship

In limited cases, academic departments may sponsor graduating students for temporary SUNetIDs, potentially including library e-resource access. Students should consult with their department to explore this possibility, as the Libraries themselves do not sponsor SUNetIDs or library e-resource access.

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Alumni Library Privileges: Access Options

Stanford alumni retain access to the libraries through various options, allowing them to continue utilizing these valuable resources.

Visitor Access

All alumni are welcome to visit the libraries and register as visitors by presenting a government-issued ID at the entrance. Alumni receive seven free visits per calendar year, while Stanford Alumni Association members receive 14 days of access.

Stanford University Libraries (SUL) Card Options

Alumni can purchase SUL Cards at discounted rates, offering enhanced access to the libraries.

SUL Access Card: Provides on-site access only (excluding GSB, Lane, and Crown Law). Rates are \$10 for 2 weeks, \$15/month, \$40 for 3 months, or \$100/year.
SUL Borrowing Card: Includes access and allows you to check out up to 25 items. Rates are \$125 for 3 months, \$175 for 5 months, or \$400/year.

It's important to note that Interlibrary Services (borrowing from non-Stanford Libraries) and Scan & Deliver are not available to alumni, even with a SUL Card.

On-Site Database and Licensed Resource Access

Alumni can access most licensed electronic resources from visitor kiosks inside the libraries, but not from personal devices or off-campus.

Read also: Navigating Stanford Scholarships

Special Benefits: Stanford Alumni Association Sweeteners

Stanford Alumni Association membership provides limited off-campus database access, including resources like ABI/INFORM, Business Source Alumni Edition, and Project Muse. Detailed information is available on the alumni benefits web page.

Stanford Business Library Resources

The Stanford Business Library offers a wide range of resources to support alumni with research projects, job searches, and class assignments. Alumni are encouraged to explore these resources to enhance their knowledge and skills.

Responsible Use of Library Resources

The Stanford Business Library licenses electronic resources for academic uses by Stanford University faculty, students, and staff. It is imperative to understand and adhere to the terms and conditions of use.

Key Restrictions

Systematic Downloading: Systematic downloading, distributing, or retaining substantial portions of information is strictly prohibited.
AI Program Usage: You typically cannot feed data/text from library resources into an AI program (e.g. ChatGPT) without checking the license terms.
Commercial Use: These resources may not be used to commercially benefit for-profit or non-profit organizations.

Violating these terms constitutes a violation of the University Code of Conduct and the Honor Code.

Tips for Accessing Articles

If you encounter difficulty finding an article, try searching for the first sentence of the article, as titles can sometimes change. Additionally, consider using browser extensions to facilitate access to library-licensed resources.

Browser Extensions

Library Access Extension: Download and install the extension to automatically connect to library-licensed resources. You will be prompted to authenticate with your SUNet ID when necessary. This extension works primarily for academic/scholarly journal articles.
Google Scholar Browser Extension: Install the Google Scholar browser extension (Firefox, Chrome) to easily access publications through Google Scholar.

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