Impact

Digital library resources accessible at University Libraries for public use

On-site access to library databases, e-books and other digital resources available at University Libraries locations at all Penn State campuses

On-site access to library databases, e-books and other digital resources is now available to members of the public at University Libraries workstations on all Penn State campuses through the use of Penn State Limited Access Accounts. Credit: Steve Tressler/Vista Professional Studios / Penn StateAll Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Library users who are not currently enrolled at or employed by Penn State, including Penn State retirees, community borrowers and library visitors, can log into Penn State University Libraries workstations at any Penn State campus and access digital licensed resources using Penn State Limited Access Accounts.

“As an academic research library at a land-grant university, Penn State University Libraries offers many information services and resources to the public, and digital resources are no exception,” said Faye A. Chadwell, dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications. “We are challenged to navigate the restrictions of licensing agreements that we have with many databases and journal publishers, restrictions that limit online access to students, faculty staff and emeritus faculty. However, the use of Limited Penn State Accounts will now enable anyone to visit our libraries and log in through our on-site computer workstations to pursue their digital research interests.”

A Limited Penn State Account can be created by anyone with a valid non-psu.edu email address at accounts.psu.edu. Limited Penn State Accounts provide members of the public on-site-only access to digital library resources, including licensed library databases, through University Libraries workstations on all Penn State campuses.

Penn State retirees should continue to use their existing Penn State Accounts, which will automatically revert to Limited status upon retirement, and should not create new accounts. Retirees with emeritus status will continue to have both on-site and remote access.

Limited Penn State Accounts do not provide email use, do not expire, and provide only on-site access to library resources. The same login ID and password may be used for each library visit. All Penn State Account changes, such as resetting passwords, must be made at accounts.psu.edu.

Standard Accounts, issued to current students, faculty, staff and emeritus retirees, provide both on-site and remote access to all digital library resources. A Limited Account is promoted to Standard status for individuals who later enroll or accept employment at Penn State. Limited accounts also may be promoted to Standard if sponsored by a Penn State college or department.

When logging into a library workstation and accessing digital resources, a Penn State Account holder should use their full Penn State Account — for example, ID@psu.edu — during login.

The University Libraries does not create Penn State Accounts and is not involved in managing, authorizing or monitoring their use. Visiting researchers or groups, such as local K-12 students visiting a Penn State library for instruction, should create Penn State Accounts at accounts.psu.edu in advance of scheduled visits.

Last Updated March 21, 2022