Penn State University Libraries - Short Term Access Accounts for Research

This information pertains to the libraries at University Park.  For information on other campus libraries, visit the Campus College Libraries page. 

If visitors without Penn State Access Accounts have research needs that require Internet access to other URLs, they can request a Short Term Access Account for Research (STAAR). A STAAR account allows them to login/authenticate to Penn State services for a limited time. The University Libraries will issue a STAAR for one day. At University Park, only Lending Services (on the first floor of Pattee Library) issues STAAR accounts. For other locations, contact the campus library.

A current, valid photo ID is required (driver's license, state or national identity card, or passport). K-12 students must have a parent or guardian sign the application for them.

Visiting professors and other academics in residence for an extended period should check with their sponsoring department.

The University Libraries is not an internet service provider. STAAR accounts are intended to provide temporary internet access to facilitate research and scholarly communication, to provide non-PSU users a means to email research materials obtained through Library resources, and to provide assistance to colleagues visiting from peer institutions.