Guest Access to the Internet

A Circulation Supervisor may give an MSU guest (who is at least eighteen years of age) temporary access to the Internet and Microsoft Office from one of two workstations in the Digital and Multi-Media Center (DMC). NOTE: MSU Library electronic resources are not available from these workstations. Visual identification of the individual by driver’s license or passport is required. Those visiting campus for an MSU-related activity that spans several days will be given guest access for all days of the visit. Michigan residents will be given guest permission for one day no more than once every thirty days. Specific procedures are used to keep precise records of when guests use a guest workstation.

Procedures for library staff who receive inquiries about access to the internet from patrons who are not MSU students, faculty or staff

Library staff (at Main Library Reference or other service desks) will refer guests to the Main Library Circulation Desk, where they must ask for the Circulation Supervisor.

Circulation Procedures

The Circulation Supervisor will talk with the guest to determine if the guest is a visitor for one or more days (conference, parent/guardian, etc with prospective MSU student visiting campus, alumni here for Homecoming weekend, etc.) or if the guest is a Michigan resident who may desire occasional access to the internet in the MSU Libraries. In the latter case, internet access will be allowed no more than once every thirty days.

In either case, if the guest has a current valid drivers license (from anywhere) or passport -- and the Circulation Supervisor can visually identify the guest as the person on the DL or passport -- a circulation account will be created.

The Circulation Supervisor will also complete a "MSU Libraries Guest Permission for Access to the Internet" form, including the day or days of access. If access is for one-day only Michigan access, the Circulation Supervisor will explain the “no more than once every 30 days” policy. The form will be given to the guest.

If DMC is open, the Circulation Supervisor will provide directions to the DMC desk on the 4th floor of the west wing of the Main Library. If DMC is not open, Circulation staff will provide guest with DMC/VVL open hours.

Digital and Multi-Media Center procedures

The guest will present the "MSU Guest Permission for Internet Access" form and pictured identification to staff at the DMC service desk. The barcode will be recorded in the DMC logbook. Staff will then log the user into one of the guest access workstations.