Borrowing from other libraries
We recommend using our interlibrary loan (ILLiad) service to access materials from libraries outside of Tufts. If you wish to visit other libraries in the area, please contact them directly before visiting to find out their current access policies.
Boston Library Consortium
Tufts students, faculty, and staff can borrow items at BLC libraries using a BLC card. Visit the Information and Circulation Desk at Tisch Library to fill out an application for a BLC card.
Boston Public Library e-card
Members of the Tufts community can apply for a Boston Public Library e-card, which allows you to borrow e-books and use databases from the library’s extensive collection. Apply for a Boston Public Library e-card to start borrowing e-books straight away.
Please note that Boston Public Library’s e-card is only available to residents of Massachusetts, both permanent and those attending school or working in the state.
Visiting other libraries
Boston Library Consortium
Tufts belongs to the Boston Library Consortium (BLC), a regional network that shares access to all member libraries with individual library users from any of the participating libraries. The BLC includes academic libraries in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
If you’re a student, faculty, or staff member at Tufts, you can borrow items directly from BLC libraries using a BLC card. If you’re a member of another BLC library, you can use your BLC card at Tisch, Lilly, and the SMFA libraries.
Drop by the Information and Circulation Desk at Tisch Library and fill out an application. We can issue your BLC card right away.
Visiting Harvard University libraries
Please view Harvard University's visitors policy page if you wish to visit one of their libraries.
Tufts students conducting original research that requires access to Harvard’s collections should set up an appointment with their subject librarian to discuss their project and if they need an independent researcher’s Library Access Card.
Many resources at Harvard are available at Tufts or through Interlibrary Loan. Please contact your subject librarian for assistance.
Harvard borrowing cards for faculty
Arts and Sciences & Engineering (AS&E) tenure-stream/tenured faculty who need to check out materials from Harvard Libraries may request that Tisch Library pay for a “borrowing card.” First-time requestors should contact Martha Kelehan for information on how to set up billing. Renewals are handled directly through the Harvard Privileges Office.
Existing card holders are required to fill out Harvard's visitor registration form in advance of each visit (select the Non-Harvard faculty form, or use the Alumni form if you are a Harvard alumnus).