Some Great Questions About the Library!

I received some great questions about the library from Ms. Hommer's PSU 3 class! I thought if they have these questions, there are probably other students wondering the same things.

Have a question of your own? There are many ways to ask! Or, see one of these FAQ pages:
Eiche Library, Virtual Reference Service, Lending Services, Interlibrary Loan, or Library Learning Services' Knowledge Base.

Finding Things
Q: Is there a library catalog that I can access? How do I go about using the catalog? - H.F.

A: Yes, the PSU Libraries' catalog is called "The CAT." You can access the The CAT from the University Libraries home page, under the "Find Books" heading. See "How to Search The CAT" or ask for help.

Q: How does the number system work for finding books in the library? For instance, if I wanted to find a book about drawing the human body or environmental problems or something specific, how would I go about finding it? - S.J.

A: I don't encourage browsing the shelves... at least until after you've checked the catalog! A book's call number is assigned based on the subject of the book, and the catalog can help you find one or more call number ranges to browse. Books only have one call number, but often have more than one subject, so you very well may find books on your topic in several different places on the shelf. The Boston Public Library has a guide to popular subjects and their LC call numbers. To see what I mean, check out the entry on "date rape."

Penn State Libraries use the Library of Congress or "LC" call number system. The BPL has a nice explanation of how to find a book on the shelf using the LC system. If you want to practice, try the "Within Range" game!

Borrowing Things
Q: I am going to be doing a big research paper soon and was wondering if I'm allowed to check out the books, or just use them and make photo copies? - K.P.

A: Yes! Most books in the Eiche Library can be checked out. These include books in the General Collection (the largest collection in our library), Juvenile Literature Collection, Mutimedia/AV Materials Collection, and Popular Titles (Browsing) Collection. You can assume books and other materials can be checked out (circulate), unless The CAT record says "nocirc" (non-circulating).

Q: How do you order books that are not in the Penn State library system? - J.S.

A: Place a request for books not found at any Penn State library location by using ILLiad.

How Long?
Q: I was wondering if students can check out magazines and for how long? I also wanted to know if you keep old newspapers anywhere in the library? - M.L.D.

A:  No, sorry, the library does not lend popular items like magazines, newspapers, or reference books. However, you are encouraged to use them anywhere in the library and since they aren't loaned out, they'll always be here for you to see. These items are considered "non-circulating materials." The "Borrowing Privileges" page explains more about this, and the "Lending Code" explains your library account privileges and responsibilities.

Q: I was wondering if students are allowed to take out reference books, and if so for how long? - M.A.D.

A:  Sorry--like magazines, newspapers, and journals--reference books are non-circulating items and cannot be checked out. They can be used in the library and can be photocopied ($.10 per page), if you wish to take what you need with you. See the question above for more explanation. -- Also, the University Libraries has quite a few electronic reference books that you can view on the Internet, from anywhere. See the "Online Reference Shelf" page for details.

Q: What is the typical time period it takes to receive a book from another state? - L.S.

A: Most book requests can be filled by the library one one of the many PSU campus locations, and if not, by a university in Pennsylvania through the E-ZBorrow system (see Materials Not at Penn State). All book requests are usually filled within about a week. You'll be happy if they come in a little sooner, but be aware sometimes it takes little longer.

Q: I was wondering, when there is an article or research that's at a different campus, how long does it normally take to get it? - S.S.

A: Books at another campus usually arrive within 3-5 days, sometimes as quickly as 2-3. For DIY reqeust, look for the "I Want It" button when you find a book in The CAT. Or, stop by the Eiche service desk with the title.

Reference
Q: I have a term paper on the history of American businesses and I was wondering what would be the best source of information that the library has relating to this topic? - F.B.

A:  In one of our online reference resources, the Gale Virtual Reference Library, you can search or browse the contents of hundreds of reference resources normally only available in print. Included in the business category is the International Directory of Company Histories, which would be a great place to start your research. Ask at the reference desk if you need additional sources.

Hours
Q: My question for the library is what are the hours, and do they changes during finals week? - V.M.
Q: Does the library stay open later during finals week? What are the libraries normal hours? - K.M.

A: Yes, we are open later during finals week. See the Eiche Library hours page for regular and details.