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Alumnae in Neilson during Reunion

Services for Smith Alums

Smith College alums enjoy a number of library benefits both on and off campus.These include access to a variety of online resources including JSTOR, Project Muse, Mango Languages and more.

Explore Library Resources below...

Library Resources

Access to Library Databases

After you graduate, you may access most online resources when on campus using the college’s wireless network. In addition, a limited number of databases are available to alums from off campus.

Access to a selection of online resources has been negotiated by the Libraries for use by alums. Note that access is through the Smith College Network and not the Libraries website. 

Log in to The Network and click on "Library Benefits" from the list of options. (Access instructions are provided there for first-time users.)

The following is a list of the resources available to alums through The Network:

  • JSTOR - Complete full text backfiles (excluding latest 2-5 years) for thousands of scholarly journals.
  • AM Explorer - Global digital collection of  primary sources, spanning the 15th to 21st centuries,with diverse themes such as borders and migrations, gender and sexuality, global history and war and conflict.  
  • Annual Reviews - Authoritative, analytic reviews in 40+ focused disciplines within the biomedical, life, physical, and social sciences.
  • Company of Biologists - Access all five journals from the Company of Biologists -- Development, Journal of Cell Science, Journal of Experimental Biology, Disease Models & Mechanisms, and Biology Open.
  • Mango Languages - Online learning tool for 60+ languages; self-paced tutorials to practice reading, listening & speaking. Also includes specialty courses (e.g. food & wine in French, Arab etiquette).
  • Media Education Foundation - Streaming documentary films about the social, political, and cultural impact of American mass media, from a Northampton-based media company
  • Project MUSE - Full text of current issues for hundreds of scholarly journals in the humanities, social sciences, and mathematics
  • SAGE Knowledge - eBook and eReference library (primarily social sciences)
  • SAGE Journals - Hundreds of journals primarily in the humanities and social sciences
     

Smith alums are welcome to use the full range of library databases, e-books, and e-journals onsite using their own laptop and Smith’s guest wireless network.

  • Open Access Initiatives - Smith College Libraries contributes to many Open Access initiatives, helping to provide access to scholarship for all, regardless of institutional affiliations past or present.
  • Other State’s Online Resources - Most states have a program for providing statewide electronic resources. Ask your local public library for details or check if your state is included on this list of online resource programs by state.
  • Boston Public Library - Residents in Massachusetts can access a number of subscription online databases through the Boston Public Library, using a BPL e-card.
  • DPLA-Digital Public Library of America -  Provides free access to digitized primary source documents, exhibitions, audio recordings and more from institutions across the country.

Borrow Library Materials

Alums may borrow materials when they visit the Libraries in person. Note that the Libraries do not lend materials to alums by mail.

You must first obtain an Alum OneCard, then bring it to the circulation desk of any of the libraries. Neilson Library is the preferred location for registering (please bring a picture ID). There is no charge for a borrower’s card, but it must be renewed annually.

  • Once registered, alums will be able to request and borrow regular Smith College items including books, CDs, and videos, but not periodicals.
  • Smith items housed at the annex can be requested and sent to the Smith library of your choice (Neilson, Hillyer or Josten) for pick up; an email notification will be sent when the items arrive at that library location.
  • Requests for items from the other Five College Libraries (Amherst, Mount Holyoke, and UMass) and interlibrary loan services are not available to Smith alums.

Visit Smith Libraries

Libraries’ Hours

Hours for Neilson Library, Hillyer Art Library, Josten Performing Arts Library, and Alumnae Gymnasium.

Neilson Library Digital Media Hub, ground floor

Spaces & Technology

Locations, technology, and spaces in the Smith College Libraries including quiet study, group study, and reservable spaces.

Neilson Library study space, student at blue table

Accessibility

Information for users with disabilities about collections, study spaces, and technology.

Neilson Library, first floor Learning Commons

Support the Libraries

Support the Libraries

Learn how you can support the mission of the libraries through financial donations and gifts of materials.

Student in Special Collections with photo of Otelia Cromwell

Give Online

Make your contribution online and designate the fund where you would like it to go.

Student in stacks

What’s New in the Libraries!

Social Networks

Join, subscribe, follow, or check in on the Libraries’ Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Student with smart phone