Community Members

Washington state residents, local and regional, who are not affiliated with Washington State University may use The WSU Libraries resources and services on-site and borrow WSU library materials (per the Washington Administrative Code (504-40-020)). Residents who are 16 years old or older may apply for an off-campus borrower card at any WSU Libraries Access Services desk with a valid ID. Acceptable forms of ID that can be used for signing up for a borrower card include identification from a federal agency, state agency, or another academic institution. Community users may request WSU Libraries items (from any WSU Library) from circulating collections to be paged and held for them by visiting an Access Services Desk. 

Community borrowing privileges are open to all residents of the state of Washington. 

Community User Privileges

Community users can obtain a free library card at any of the WSU Libraries circulation desks. This includes WSU Alumni. Those requesting community cards must have a valid picture ID. These cards are renewed annually upon request.

Community users can check out materials the day they register for the card, but the card itself is mailed within a week and must be signed before the first use. 

These community cards are for local (WSU) Library borrowing. 

Community users may access the library databases from any of the library computers. These computers are open to the public and do not require a login. Some electronic resources are limited to affiliates only. See the Access Services policies page for more information on how to renew your materials or more information, please call 509.335.9672. 

Restricted Services for Community Users

Community Members do NOT have access to the following library services:

  • Remote access to online resources. Online resources include our online databases, E-Books and E-Journals.  
    • Please note that most online resources are available to all, if physically used within the WSU Libraries.  
  • Requesting books or articles from libraries outside WSU: Community members have no access to Summit or Interlibrary Loan.
  • Laptop checkout.
  • Booking study rooms  
  • Lockers