The Library has partnered with Student Government to provide Lafayette students, faculty, and staff with easier, unlimited access to the New York Times website. For many years, the Library has been providing electronic access to the content of the New York Times from its first issue in 1851 through the current day’s paper from various third-party vendors but had not been able to provide access via the Times’ own website. A prohibitively expensive pricing structure for academic libraries prevented us from subscribing despite numerous requests from faculty and students. But when Student Government approached the Library to say that they were considering changing their institutional subscription to the Times from paper to electronic, we saw an opportunity. Student Government wanted to get away from paper copies distributed outside of Farinon because documented use was low, and they thought switching to the digital option would be both more convenient for students and more environmentally sustainable. When the Library agreed to contribute some of the cost to make the switch, Student Government decided that was the route to go.
Now all Lafayette users have unlimited access to the digital New York Times via the Web or the Times app when they register for an account using their Lafayette email address. Students who register will be prompted to enter their expected year of graduation and their access will be active throughout that entire period. Faculty and staff will have to renew their accounts once a year. This is a significant improvement from last year’s option, when a limited number of Lafayette users could access the site with a 24 hour pass.
To register for an account go to https://myaccount.nytimes.com/verification/edupass
Remember, too, that the Library still provides access to the content of the New York Times back to 1851 via the New York Times Historical Backfile, which is available from the Library’s web site. And for those who prefer the smell of newsprint, a paper copy is available in both Skillman and Kirby Library.
Kylie Bailin
Skillman Library
bailink@lafayette.edu