Services for Alumni and Visitors
Access the Libraries
Alumni and visitors can enjoy GVSU library spaces.
Borrow Resources
Alumni and authorized guests can check out materials and resources from GVSU libraries.
Parking
Visitors and alumni need a parking permit on Allendale and Grand Rapids campuses.
Alumni Library Access
As an alumni, you still get full on-campus access to library resources at any GVSU library location. Your alumni association membership card doubles as your library card. You are also able to access databases on-campus. If you don't already have an alumni association membership card, you can request one online.
Please visit our Borrowing Policies webpage to see full details regarding Alumni borrowing limits. Because we currently don't have the ability to set up online accounts for Alumni, you will need to call, email, or message the Library in the event you have questions about your account or need to renew your items.
Unfortunately, we can't offer alumni off-campus access to databases at this time due to contract limitations with our database providers. If you are near campus, we would love to have you visit and use the databases in-person. If you are still in Michigan, but are too far from Allendale or Grand Rapids, we suggest using the MeL list of databases, a free resource available to all Michigan residents with a valid state ID.
Guest Library Use
As a visitor, you are free to enjoy library spaces and browse the libraries' collections. Additionally, you can use the Guest WiFi network.
While we do not require guests to “check in” or interact with service desk staff at all if they’re just using the space, in order to access online resources on GVSU computers you must check in at the service desk to be given login credentials. These login credentials are valid for 24 hours and allow guest users to log in to computers, access electronic resources, and print.
Guest users' use of electronic resources is governed by our Electronic Resources Licensing and authorized users policy and the respective vendor license agreements.
Library access for guest users is limited during the exam periods. During this time, computers, WiFi, and space are in high demand by students. Computers are available to students only during the Exam Jam schedule. If you are worried it may be exam time, simply check the academic calendar or give us a call at (616) 331-3500 to be safe.
Temporarily affiliated guest users who actively engaged with a GVSU faculty or staff member on a project can be granted additional access to library resources. This includes, but is not limited to: visiting researchers, guest instructors, and short term consultants. The sponsoring GVSU faculty or staff member must fill out a Library Guest Access Form (GVSU login is required).
Borrowing from GVSU Libraries
Where and how to check out materials
You can check out materials by visiting any library service desk. Additionally, the Mary Idema Pew Library has a self checkout kiosk available near the service desk in case you would like to check out on your own.
Forgot your ID? We can still check a book out to you from one of the library service desks.
How long you can check something out
How long you can check something out from GVSU libraries depends on many factors: how you relate to the university, what sort of item you are looking to check out, and where the item is from. You can check out our policies page in order to get a better sense of how long you can check any specific type of item.
Electronic Resources Licensing for Authorized Users
Use of electronic resources such as databases and journals by GVSU University Libraries guests, alumni, temporarily affiliated users, and other visitors is governed by our Electronic Resources Licensing and Authorized Users policy, as well as the individual vendor license agreements.
Visitor Parking
Allendale Campus
Visitors can pick up a free parking permit at Public Safety with a photo ID and license plate number. Public Safety is located on Service Drive, just past the Alumni House on Campus Drive.
Metered visitor parking is also available in front of the Kirkhof Center next door to the Mary Idema Pew Library. Meters cost 30 cents for each 12 minutes or $1.50 per hour with a 4 hour limit.
Additionally, on the weekends, visitors can park in any regular parking spot for free. The closest parking lot to the Mary Idema Pew Library is Lot H, directly across Campus Drive from the library.
Grand Rapids Pew Campus
You can obtain a temporary parking permit from Pew Campus Security department with a photo ID and your license plate number. Pew Campus Security is located in the Eberhard Center at 301 West Fulton Street in downtown Grand Rapids. Short-term parking while you get your permit is allowed in the Eberhard lot directly adjacent to the building.
Additionally, on the weekends, visitors can park in any regular parking spot for free. The F/S lot on the Grand Rapids Pew Campus is the nearest open lot to Steelcase.
Near Steelcase, there are meters located northwest of the building in the DeVos lot.
Near the Frey Learning Center, there are meters located on the north side of the CHS building, and 9 visitor spots in the lower level garage if you have a permit.
Additional Resources
Another place to look is your local library. Public libraries have free databases, ebooks, and lots of other resources for cardholders.