Oftentimes in the Find It @ USC Libraries interface you’ll see a prompt like the one below.  

What does this mean?  To the average user, not much.  The University has very few resources that are restricted to search (this does not mean that Full Text is not restricted).  The difference between searching as a guest (the default for someone who isn’t logged in) and an identified user is currently not of significance. 

When should you sign in?  If you need to request print materials via Inter Library Loan or via PASCAL Delivers, you must sign in to Find It @ USC Libraries with your USC network credentials (the username and password associated with your mailbox.sc.edu or email.sc.edu email address, Blackboard, etc).  Additionally, if you want to view and work with your Library patron record (view checked out materials, renew, etc), you must sign in.  Most users DO NOT NEED TO Sign In to Find It @ USC Libraries.