Borrowing in person from other libraries

We have agreements with other libraries in the area that allow you to borrow items from their collections when you visit in person.

There are three different types of agreements: reciprocal, BLC and local.

Before your visit, check the list below to find out which agreement the library you plan to visit uses and to learn more about it.

  • Reciprocal

    Amherst College
    Hampshire College
    Mt. Holyoke College
    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    Smith College
    University of Massachusetts at Amherst

    BLC

    Boston College
    Boston Public Library
    Boston University
    Brandeis University
    Brown University
    Marine Biological Laboratory and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Northeastern University
    State Library of Massachusetts
    Tufts University
    University of Connecticut
    University of Massachusetts
    University of New Hampshire
    Wellesley College

    Local

    Adams Free Library
    Bennington College
    Bennington Free Library
    Berkshire Community College
    Massachusetts College of the Liberal Arts
    Mt. Greylock Regional High School
    North Adams Public Library
    Southern Vermont College

  • Williams students, faculty, staff, and their spouses can borrow materials in person with their Williams ID.

    Lending Policy Details

    • Bring your current Williams College ID
    • You can borrow a total of 20 items from all libraries in the reciprocal borrowing group.
    • You can keep items for 28 days
    • You can renew items up to 3 times if someone else does not request the book
    • Items NOT included in agreement:
      • art and music books
      • journals and magazines
      • movies
      • sound recordings
      • archives and special collections

    Questions? Ask a librarian before your visit.

  • Williams faculty, students, and staff as well as emeriti faculty can borrow items in person with a BLC Card.

    Lending Policy Details

    Before You Go:
    Apply for a BLC Card at circulation desk in Sawyer or the services desk in Schow.

    Once at the Other Library:
    Use your BLC Card and your Williams ID to check out books. When you do, the books will show up in your Williams account just as if you had requested them online.

    When you are finished with the books:
    You can return the books to Sawyer or Schow.

    Questions? Ask a librarian before your visit.

  • Williams students, faculty, and staff can borrow up to 5 books in person, with a local lending form.

    Lending Policy Details

    Before You Go:
    Obtain a local lending form from the research help desk in Sawyer or the services desk in Schow. The form states that you have our library's permission to borrow up to five books on a specific subject. It must be signed by a reference librarian.

    Once at the Other Library:
    Select from 1-5 books, and fill in the local lending form with the call number, author, and title of the book(s) you want. Take the form and books to a reference librarian, who will check out the books.

    When you are finished with the books:
    Return them to the Williams Interlibrary Loan department.

    Questions? Ask a librarian before your visit.