Q. How can Ferris alumni access or download full text?

As a Ferris alumnus, your access through FLITE Library continues with a broad array of subject-specific full-text information resources for learning, research and pleasure.

While you may find that the full selection of sources that you used as a Ferris student are no longer accessible, several options still exist. This access difference is due to licensing agreements with vendors/publishers for online subscription products, i.e., databases, e-journals, e-books and media, where university libraries can offer online access only to currently affiliated students (enrolled in a course), faculty and staff with off-campus computers/devices. The Ferris Library (FLITE) is not an exception!

Not all access, however, is lost!  Alumni have different options –

Use the Databases A-Z list on FLITE’s homepage.  Click the drop-down “All database types" then “Alumni” for the listings.

Tip: Use the “All Subjects/Majors” (button upper left) to view databases in categories.

• Michigan resident? As a student, you may have used databases found through the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) eResources. Many are accessible through the Databases A-Z listings as well.

MeL eResources - https://mel.org/az.php/az.php

• Non-Michigan resident?  Visit your nearest community/district/public library for assistance.

Open Sources and Access –

An open access movement is underway in the publishing world. This means that a growing collection of quality free content is available to everyone. Some databases, which are searchable without login, are unlisted on the FLITE website. We still utilize these resources for available full text.

If you know of a specific resource or topic where you need research help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local community/district/public librarians or FLITE for assistance with finding information resources available to you.  If reaching out to FLITE, please indicate that you are an alumnus so that our librarians can best assist you!

 Data/statistics or audio, film and images – Need sources in these areas? Just let us know!

FLITE’s Book & Media Collections – You still can use the search engines on the FLITE website!  Unable to visit us in Big Rapids or KCAD in Grand Rapids? Then contact your local community/district/public library to determine how to obtain the book or other resource of interest.

FLITE - You are most welcome to visit FLITE when open to access the full text of journal articles, our growing e-book and onsite collections.  The Information Commons computers on the first floor are available to everyone. No passwords are necessary or required.

Visiting FLITE - https://www.ferris.edu/library/about-us/visit-flite.htm

Library hours - https://ferris.libcal.com/hours/

Lots of exciting digital information access possibilities exist through FLITE and the online world. Ferris faculty librarians are happy to share ideas!  

Questions/comments are welcome!  Reach out to us through AskFLITE or Ask a Librarian https://www.ferris.edu/library/askflite.htm Chat research is open 24/7!