Frequently Asked Questions
The information below is specific to Dibner Library. For information on using Bobst and other NYU libraries, read the NYU Libraries FAQ.
Research Questions:
- How do I find full text journal articles?
- How do I access online resources from off campus?
- How do I get books or articles not available at Dibner Library?
- How do I access other NYU libraries and databases?
- What if the book I want to borrow is not on the shelf?
- Where can I find the Harvard Business Review or Harvard Business School case studies?
- Can I read the New York Times or Wall Street Journal online?
Using the Library:
- How do I renew a book?
- How do I login?
- How do I print and make copies?
- Can I return a book from another NYU library to the Dibner Library?
- How do I find out which books are on reserve for my course?
- How do I connect to the wireless network?
- How do I print out my word document (or PowerPoint/Excel/etc.)?
- Can I send a fax from the library?
- I am a Polytechnic Alum, can I borrow books?
Research Questions
How do I find full text journal articles?
Many of the databases the library subscribes to include full text articles, while others only include citations and abstracts. The full text icon 
indicates which databases contain full text articles.
Databases that are set up to use an article-linker (called SFX) are indicated by this icon:
. When you see a button in your search results that looks like: 
click on it to access full text options. You may need to sign into another database using your NYU NetID. Read the SFX FAQ for more information.
Make sure you access databases through the library web site to retrieve full text. If Dibner Library does not have access to a full text copy the article, you can request it from another library.
How do I access online resources from off campus?
In order to use the library databases from off campus, you must first log in to the library's authentication system. After clicking the resource you want to use, you will automatically be prompted to log in. Use your NYU-Poly email user ID and ID number to log in. Use the same information to login to your library account to renew books online.
Alternatively, you can connect remotely to NYU-Poly's VPN (virtual private network). For instructions, contact the Information Systems Help Desk (24-Hour Phone Support: 718-260-3123 or help@poly.edu). When you use the VPN, all poly accounts should function as if you are actually on campus. You can also connect via NYU's VPN.
How do I get books or articles not available at Dibner Library?
If the item you need is not available at Dibner Library you may request it from another library using Interlibrary Loan.
How do I access other NYU libraries and databases?
Read NYU Library Access FAQ for information on using Bobst and other NYU libraries. It includes information on using NYU's electronic databases.
What if the book I want to borrow is not on the shelf?
First, check the book’s record in the catalog and make sure is not marked “course reserve” or “reference.” If it is part of the circulating collection, and you cannot find it on the shelf, come to the service desk and let a librarian know. We will try and locate it and contact you when it is found. If the book is lost, you can request a copy from another library.
Where can I find the Harvard Business Review or Harvard Business School case studies?
The Harvard Business Review is available in the EBSCO database, Business Source Premier. Harvard Business School case studies are not available in library databases. Your professor can order them from the book store.
Can I read the New York Times or Wall Street Journal online?
Yes, the full text of these newspapers is available online via Proquest Newspapers. Additional databases containing newspapers are also available.
Using the Library
How do I renew a book?
You can renew a book several different ways:
- Online: Login by clicking “My Library Account.” Your login is the first part of your NYU-Poly email address (before the @ sign) and your password is your NYU-Poly ID number.
- In Person: Come to the service desk on the main floor of the library and provide your ID card.
- By phone: Call 718-260-3530 and provide your full name.
You may renew a book one time, unless the book is on hold for another user.
How do I login?
Use the first part of your email address and your NYU-Poly ID number to login to both your library account and to use Dibner Library databases when off-campus. Consult the Login Help page for more information.
How do I print and make copies?
You can pay for printing and copying using your NYU-Poly OneCard. For more information see Printing and Copying.
Can I return a book from another NYU library to the Dibner Library?
No, currently you must return all books to the library you checked them out from.
How do I find out which books are on reserve for my course?
Use the Course Textbooks search box located on the library home page to find course reserves. You can search by by course name or number, department, or instructor name.
How do I connect to the wireless network?
Instructions on how to connect to Poly-WiFi are available on the Information Systems website. For further assistance, please contact the Information Systems Help Desk.
How do I print out my Word document (PowerPoint/Excel/etc.)?
The computers in the rear of the main floor (rooms LC337 and LC336) are equipped with Microsoft Office Suite. You can open and print your documents from these computers.
Can I send a fax from the library?
No, fax services are not available. Businesses such as FedEx or the UPS store offer fax services nearby.
I am a Polytechnic Alum, can I borrow books?
You may borrow up to two books at a time with an alumni card, obtainable from the Office of Alumni Relations. See Services for Alumni for more information.