Members of the Tufts University Community, including Tufts Medical Center and other affiliates are eligible to access Hirsh resources; we are not open to the general public. A patron’s affiliation determines their specific library access.
To renew items, view items that you have checked out, or determine if items are overdue, please manage your library account. You will login with either the email associated with your account or your Tufts username and password. For information about physical building access, please visit our Building Access Policy. To learn more about accessing resources, find your affiliation below.
Tufts Students, Faculty, and Staff
Those primarily affiliated with Tufts University are automatically assigned a Tufts username and are given instructions to create a password when you begin taking classes or working for the university. This username and password will allow you to access library databases and other resources on- and off-campus. You also have a barcode printed on your ID that will allow you check out physical materials from Hirsh. If you need help with or have questions about your Tufts username and/or password, please see Tufts Technology Services (TTS) Tufts Usernames and Passwords page or call 617-627-3376.
Affiliate Faculty, Post Docs, Interns, Residents, & Fellows
Affiliate faculty appointments and house staff academic appointments are managed by the Office of Faculty Affairs. Please email med-ofa@tufts.edu or call 617-636-6631 concerning any issues with these appointments. Attendings should apply for faculty status through their department chair, if the process hasn't already begun.
Residents and fellows automatically receive academic appointments; please contact your program administrator or the Graduate Medical Education office at GME.Office@tuftsmedicine.org or 617-636-7990 for more information.
A verification email will be sent that includes your Tufts University account self-registration instructions, including how to obtain a Tufts login, password, and tufts.edu email. This email account will give you access to library resources and other benefits. Once completed, an appointment confirmation letter is mailed to your business address on file with the Office of Faculty Affairs.
If you are interested in checking out physical materials, please visit the Library Service Desk when open to get a Library Barcode.
Tufts Medical Center Staff
Tufts Medical Center staff must register with the Hirsh Health Sciences Library to gain access to e-resources, including journals and databases. You will also be able to borrow books and other materials if you are interested.
To register, complete the Library Registration Form and email copies of your current Tufts Medical Center ID to hhslcirc@tufts.edu from your official TMC email. Once we receive both the registration form and ID photo, you will be registered for a 9-digit Library Access Number. This number will allow you to access electronic resources from the hospital or off-campus. Please make sure you are accessing materials, including databases like PubMed, through the main Hirsh homepage. If you are interested in checking out physical materials, please visit the Library Service Desk when open to get a Library Barcode.
Alumni
Boston campus alumni gain remote access to e-resources by registering with the Tufts Alumni Online Community after graduation. When visiting the Boston campus, alumni of the Medford and Grafton campuses are required to bring a library card issued by their school. Requests may be made electronically for physical items the library owns by registering for Direct Borrow Access.
Boston Library Consortium
At Tufts University libraries, Boston Library Consortium card holders have access to the building, on-site use of e-resources, borrowing materials, and reference services. Visit the Boston Library Consortium site to see if your institution is a member. To get access, patrons must first obtain a BLC card from their home institution library, bring it with their current institutional ID, and register at the Library Service Desk for access.
Visiting Faculty, Scholars, & Students
In order to be eligible to register with the library, visiting faculty, scholars, and students must present a copy of a letter on letterhead from the sponsoring department at Tufts University or Tufts Medical Center. This letter must explain your affiliation with Tufts, your length of stay, and contact information for the party at Tufts who will be responsible for any library fees.
New England College of Law Students
Students of the New England School of Law are eligible for on-site access to Hirsh reference services and e-resources. You must bring your current school ID and keep it with you at all times. You will be required to sign in at the front desk on the 1st floor. Access may be restricted during Tufts exam periods.
Associate Members
Visit the Associate Membership Program page to learn about the privileges and benefits of this program before filling out an Associate Member Registration form.
Still Have Questions?
Please call the Library Service Desk at 617-636-6705 or email hhsl@tufts.edu if you are unsure about your affiliation or have questions about your access to Tufts University Hirsh Health Sciences Library.