Community members who are not current Penn State students, faculty or staff may apply for a borrower card at any University Libraries' location by presenting current photo ID and proof of current address. University Libraries' borrower cards may be used to borrow books, videos, CDs and other materials.
If you’re a community borrower with a University Libraries' library card, you can also apply for a OneID account and link your OneID account to your University Libraries' account.
With a OneID account, you can place holds, renew materials and review your checkouts online through My Library Account.
OneID accounts do not provide access to the Libraries' online databases, journals, or e-books.
STAAR Accounts
Please note that STAAR Accounts will not be issued during the fall 2020 semester.
Community members and visitors to University Libraries may also apply for a STAAR account (Short Term Access Account for Research). STAAR accounts may be used to log into University Libraries' computers to access most online databases, journals, e-books, and the Internet. STAAR accounts can only be used while at a University Libraries' location and only for one day. You may apply for a STAAR account at a University Libraries' service desk by presenting current photo ID.
STAAR accounts are provided for online research or short-term Internet access and are not linked to your University Libraries' card. STAAR accounts are not required for borrowing and are issued at the discretion of the University Libraries.
Question | OneID | STAAR |
---|---|---|
How can I apply? |
Bring current photo ID and proof of current address to a University Libraries' service desk |
Bring current photo ID to a University Libraries' service desk |
What can I use it for? |
Place holds, renew books, use My Library Account online |
Access most online databases, journals, e-books, and the Internet |
Do I need a library card to use it? |
Yes | No |
Is it linked to my library card? |
Yes, can be linked using the online form (above) or at a University Libraries' service desk |
No |
Can I use it from home? |
Yes | No |
Does it expire? |
No |
Yes, expires after one day |
Can I print to library printers? | No | No |