New York State Library

As of 1/1/2021, the New York State Library (NYSL) no longer provides access to Elsevier ScienceDirect journals.

Other collections continue to be available; to check title holdings please see Health and Medical Collection or Science Collection. The NYSL also provides access to several grant databases. Please apply for a NYSL Borrower's Card for direct access to resources at the NYSL.

• Search the New York State Library via Citation Lookup

How do I get a New York State Library card?

• The application forms are available at http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/apply.htm.
• Complete and sign the form, and gather the required supporting documents.
• Email, mail or fax the form and supporting documents to the NY State Library.

Which application should I fill out?

• If you are a physician, choose "Physicians who are NYS Residents".
• If you are an Upstate faculty or staff member, choose "New York State Government Employees".
  • exception: Research Foundation employees. See below for more information.
• If you are an Upstate student or community member, choose "New York State Residents".
  • exception: Graduate Assistants. See below for more information.

How long will it take to get my card?

Turnaround time is usually 3-4 weeks from the time the NYSL receives and processes your application.

Where will they send my card? Home or work?

If you are a NY State employee or physician, the card will be mailed to the work address provided on the application. If you are applying for a NY state resident card, the card is mailed to your home.

How long is my card valid, and how do I renew it?

Your NYSL card is valid for two years.  The NYSL will contact you directly with instructions for card renewals.

What if I lose my PIN or card number?

Please complete the Borrower’s Card Number/PIN request form.

Research Foundation Employees and Upstate students (excluding graduate assistants) are ineligible for a NYSL card that begins with a "P" number.

We encourage you to submit article requests via the Upstate Health Sciences Library's Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery service (ILLiad).

If you are a Research Foundation Employee, please state this in the notes field on the ILLiad article request form.

College of Graduate Studies Graduate Assistants are eligible for a conditional New York State Borrower's Card separate from the types listed above. Please contact Jennifer Brennan in the College of Graduate Studies to complete your application.