Borrowing

Who may borrow from Williams?

Williams Libraries are open to the public.

  • Anyone may visit in person to view our collections, exhibits, and access many online resources from public computers.
  • Borrowing of library materials is available to certain groups. See below for details about borrowing privileges for each group.
  • Remote access to databases, e-books, and streaming platforms is limited to those with a Williams network login.
  • Some e-book collections and subscriptions are limited to those with full Williams credentials (network login and email address). If you have questions, contact us.
  • Students, Faculty and Staff

    Students, Faculty and Staff with a valid Williams ID have full access to all of our library services.

    Spouses of Faculty, Staff, and Students

    Spouses of Faculty and Staff have access to some of our library services.

    Children of Faculty and Staff

    Children of faculty and staff can check out items as Courtesy Borrowers.

    Alumni & Alumni Spouses

    As part of this group, you are eligible for Courtesy Borrowing at no cost. Relevant ID is required.  Access to online resources is available while on campus only.

    The Clark

    Research Associates

    • Research Associates have full access to all of our library services.
    • The status of Research Associate is granted by the Dean of the Faculty to local or visiting scholars or scientists working with academic departments.

    Summer Academic Conferences

    Borrowing privileges for summer conferences and programs vary widely.  Contact Access Services in Sawyer (413-597-2501) to find out if your program includes borrowing privileges. Access to online resources is available while on campus only.

  • Access to online resources is available while on campus only.

    Amherst College

    As part of this group, you are eligible for Courtesy Borrowing at no cost. Relevant ID is required.

    Bennington College

    Faculty: you are eligible for Courtesy Borrowing at no cost. A relevant ID is required.

    Students: you are eligible to borrow books from Williams through our Local Lending Agreement with your library.

    Berkshire Community College (BCC)

    Faculty: you are eligible for Courtesy Borrowing at no cost. A relevant ID is required.

    Students: you are eligible to borrow books from Williams through our Local Lending Agreement with your library.

    Hampshire College

    As part of this group, you are eligible for Courtesy Borrowing at no cost. A relevant ID is required.

    MCLA

    Faculty: you are eligible for Courtesy Borrowing at no cost. A relevant ID is required.

    Students: with a referral from your MCLA Freel Librarian you are eligible to borrow up to five books for 28 days. Your librarian will email Williams Libraries requesting a library account for you.  Please verify this email has been sent prior to traveling to Williams. You will be required to present your MCLA photo ID to set up an account at Williams.

    Mt. Holyoke College

    As part of this group, you are eligible for Courtesy Borrowing at no cost. A relevant ID is required.

    RPI

    As part of this group, you are eligible for Courtesy Borrowing at no cost. A relevant ID is required.

    Smith College

    As part of this group, you are eligible for Courtesy Borrowing at no cost. A relevant ID is required.

    U-Mass Amherst

    As part of this group, you are eligible for Courtesy Borrowing at no cost. A relevant ID is required.

  • Cardholders from the following libraries are eligible to borrow books from Williams through our Local Lending Agreement with your library:

    • Adams Free Library
    • Bennington Free Library
    • Mt. Greylock Regional High School
    • North Adams Public Library
    • Pownal Vermont Public Library

    Access to online resources is available while on campus only.

  • Library card holders from BLC Libraries can borrow books in person from Williams with their college or university ID and a Boston Library Consortium card. The card must be obtained from your own library before visiting Williams.  Access to online resources is available while on campus only.

  • Williamstown residents and teachers from Williamstown public and private schools are eligible for Courtesy Borrowing at no cost. A relevant ID is required. Access to online resources is available while on campus only.

  • Residents of the following towns are eligible for annual borrowing privileges. A driver's license or other proof of residence is required. Access to online resources is available while on campus only.

    • Adams, MA
    • Hancock, MA
    • New Ashford, MA
    • North Adams, MA
    • Petersburg, NY
    • Pownal, VT