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Stony Brook University

Researching Without an SBU ID

This guide is meant to help high school and other community groups who are looking for freely available high quality research materials, such as peer-reviewed journal articles.

Public Libraries

School Libraries

Make sure you're familiar with all of the resources available at your own school library. Your school library media specialist can help you navigate the school's databases and assist you with interlibrary loan.

Borrowing Books from SBU Libraries

Individuals wishing to have borrowing privileges at Stony Brook University Libraries may have courtesy borrowing privileges by completing a Community Borrower application form. 

Community Borrower cards are issued for 12 months. Please allow two weeks for processing if submitting by mail. On-site applications may be submitted at the Main Stacks (3rd floor) Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm. If you wish to renew, please contact the library two weeks prior to expiration to renew and submit payment. 

Courtesy borrowers such as Stony Brook Alumni, Community Borrowers, and affiliates (e.g. BNL, OLLI, Southampton Hospital staff) may take out up to 25 items at a time for a period of 60 days with a 30 day renewal.

The form and the $60 annual fee can be brought or mailed to: 

Courtesy Borrower Program
Main Stacks Circulation, 3rd floor
Frank Melville Jr. Memorial Library
Stony Brook University
100 Nicolls Road
Stony Brook, NY 11794-3339

For more information, please call 631.632.7115 or email circulation@stonybrook.edu