Alumni and Retiree Services
Welcome WPI Alumni & Retirees!
WPI graduates and retirees have some lifetime privileges at the Gordon Library. You are welcome to use the resources in the library building, and to borrow library materials.
Borrowing Privileges
ALUMNI
WPI Alumni can borrow physical items from the Gordon Library with an Alumni Library Card. To obtain an Alumni Library Card, email your card request to alumni-office@wpi.edu, instructions can be found on the ID Services webpage.
For more information on what you can borrow, please see Borrowing Policies.
RETIREES
WPI retirees can borrow physical items from Gordon Library with their WPI ID.
For more information on what you can borrow, please see Borrowing Policies.
Interlibrary Loan
WPI Alumni and Retirees cannot request materials through Interlibrary Loan. Most public libraries offer interlibrary loan services and can assist you in requesting materials from other libraries.
Interlibrary loan services are available for retirees with emeritus status.
Access to Computers
Alumni and retirees may use computers on the Main floor in the library. Alumni and retirees need to visit the Information Desk with a photo ID or alumni ID to request access and a staff member will log you in. Emeritus retirees may log in with their WPI credentials.
Access to the Building
For immediate service, we encourage alumni and retirees to use the library during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM), but we are open longer hours for your convenience. Please note that after 8pm Sunday - Friday and 6pm on Saturday, card access is needed to enter the building.
Access to Materials
Retirees, alumni, and visitors can access our electronic resources and databases on-site at the Library. However, our licensing agreements with publishers and resource providers specify that off-campus access to electronic resources must be limited to current WPI employees, faculty, staff and retirees with emeritus status. So, while retirees and alumni have access to library electronic resources and databases on campus at the library, off-campus access is not available, due to these licensing restrictions.
Wondering what research information you'll be able to access for free, after you graduate or retire from WPI? This guide offers many suggestions.
Note: Recent graduates have access to their WPI network accounts for approximately 4 months after graduation and access to most library resources on and off campus during this time.
Research Assistance
Our library staff and resources can provide some assistance with your research. See our online tools and resources for Research Help, consult a librarian, or email us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Find Articles after Graduation or Retirement
After you graduate or retire from WPI, you'll lose electronic access to the hundreds of thousands of paid resources that the Gordon Library provides to the WPI community. If your employer or institution or public library can't afford the high cost of information or you can't come in to the Gordon Library, check out our guide to finding articles after you graduate or retire.