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Boston Library Consortium: Home

About the BLC

Founded in 1970, the Boston Library Consortium (BLC) is a resource sharing consortium of 20 academic and special libraries in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. As of 2018, Bentley University Library is a full member of the Boston Library Consortium.

Our membership grants Bentley students, faculty, and staff on-site access to most materials, services, and resources at other full member libraries. Materials can also be borrowed through Interlibrary Loan (ILL).

News & Updates

Bentley Library is now accepting applications for BLC member cards for the 2021-2022 academic year! Please come to the Library Services desk to fill our and application and get your card.

Important information regarding access and services during COVID-19:

While many of the Boston Library Consortium libraries are now allowing visitors from outside of their own institutions for on-site services and borrowing, others remain restricted to only their institution members. You can check the following BLC Resource about member library visitor policies:

However, the most current information will be available on the individual libraries' websites -- make sure to check there or contact the library for the most up to date information.

Contact our Library Services Department if you have any questions.

Requesting Items from BLC Libraries

Want items from a BLC Library sent to Bentley?

Simply fill out an InterLibrary Loan (ILL) request!

Visiting & Borrowing at BLC Libraries

  • Check the individual member library's website for hours and any restrictions for visiting during special times of the year such as during exams. You may also want to look into the university's visitor policies for general information about campus rules and parking.
  • Make sure you have your Bentley University ID with you when you go.
  • If you plan on borrowing any materials while visiting the library, you must obtain a BLC Consortium Card from the Bentley Library and have it with you when you visit. You will need both your Bentley University ID and the BLC Consortium Card to check out books.
  • We recommend if you borrow an item from another BLC Library using your BLC Consortium Card, you return the item directly to that library to ensure that it is returned.

If you have any questions regarding access to materials or library policies, we encourage you to contact the library you are visiting.

BLC Consortium Card

Who is eligible for a BLC Consortium Card?

All current Bentley students, faculty and staff members in good standing with the Bentley Library are eligible for a BLC card. To be in good standing, you must not have any longstanding overdue items or owe more than $10 in fines.

How can I apply for a BLC Consortium Card?

Visit the Library Services Desk to get a BLC Consortium Card. After you have obtained your card you will be able to use it at any BLC member library.

How long is my BLC Consortium Card valid?

Undergraduate student cards are valid for one semester and can be renewed for a second semester pending verification that patrons are still a registered Bentley student and have remained in good standing at the library. Faculty, Staff, Graduate Students, and PhD Student cards are valid for one academic year. New cards must be obtained at the beginning of the fall semester.

BLC Consortium Card Policies

Any borrowed items from member libraries are subject to that library's loan periods and fines. Bentley University patrons are responsible for all fees/fines charged to their BLC Consortium Card. Failure to abide by member library policies may result in a loss of BLC Consortium borrowing privileges.

FAQs

Another BLC Library has access to a database that I would like to use for my research. How can I use it?

Off-site or remote access is unavailable due to vendor licensing agreements. However, access to the database on site at a BLC member library may be possible. Contact a reference librarian at the BLC library to ask about potential access. ​​

Questions?

Contact Library Services with any questions:

Or use the live chat feature on this page!