Using SUNY, CUNY, and NY community college libraries

Through the State University of New York (SUNY) Open Access program, Empire State College students have access to the libraries of the State University of New York's two and four-year colleges and universities, including community colleges. For students who live in New York City, a similar arrangement is in place with the City University of New York (CUNY) library system.

You will need your Empire State College photo ID and a valid student ID number to borrow books. This photo ID card can be obtained from the nearest Empire State College center. Instructions and contact information are available here. Although you can borrow books and use their print journals in the building, you will not have access to their online resources (databases) or interlibrary loan.

You are responsible for any overdue fines and lost book replacement fees that you incur. As long as you owe money to another library, Empire State College will not allow you to graduate, register for classes, or request transcripts. At our discretion, we will refer outstanding accounts to the State Attorney General's Office for collection.

You may need to do research in other academic/research libraries either in New York or out of state. In most cases, you will be welcome to use their books and print journals in the building. Some of them allow local residents or students at nearby schools and colleges to borrow. Others only extend borrowing privileges to those who pay a certain amount per year. It's always a good idea to call ahead to find out.

Another option to consider is using interlibrary loan at your local public library.