The OSU Library strives to create the best possible environment for research and study. We welcome any suggestions and opinions that will help us reach this goal.
We've gathered many of our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) together for you. Please take a look -- you may find your concern has already been addressed.
Building/Facilities 
Computers & Phones Food & Drink Photocopying Services Staff Famous People
Building/Facilities
Why is one place in the Library so hot when other
areas of the building are cool?
Each floor within the Library has several zones that are regulated separately without
affecting other areas in the Library. In extreme instances, the entire building may be affected due to
an equipment breakdown but rest assured that physical plant personnel will be working to correct the
problem. It is important to us that our patrons and staff are comfortable while studying or working here.
If you are experiencing a problem with the temperature of the building, please let us know immediately.
You can contact someone at the Circulation Desk on first floor, south (4-6812)
or at the Reference Desk on first floor, north (4-9775). Please
make sure you let us know which area you are referring to so Physical Plant personnel can make the correct
adjustments.
Can the Library could add outdoor seating, more trash recepticles, etc. to make the area around the Library more attractive and serviceable?
The Library is always planning rennovations and building improvements, and we welcome your input. Some ideas are relatively easy to implement but others need funding resources to bring them to fruition. We've got big plans -- keep your ears open!
What is the Library's mailing address?
Our mailing address is:
Edmon Low Library
216 Library
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078-1071
Don't worry about a mailing or shipping service not delivering to us -- they all visit us several times a day, so your package or letter will arrive with no problems.
Has anyone ever seen any ghosts in the Library?
Rumor has it that there have been sightings but everyone knows there are no such things as ghosts, right? The only way you can know for sure is to spend some time in our great facilities and see for yourself. If you see one, let us know!
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Computers & Phones
What programs are available on the Library's computers?
There are seven computers right by the Reference Desk that are intended for Library catalog and database access. All other public workstations on the Library's first floor are equipped with MS Office and Internet access, among other programs. The Library also offers the "floating" Tech Fee Lab -- a wireless network with laptop computers students can check out and use in the building. These laptops have much the same software as the other Student Tech Fee labs around campus. Stop by the Circulation Desk on first floor, south to find out more.
Can't the Library do something about those darned cell phones and the noise people make using them?
Cell phone use is becoming a problem that gives some bystanders grief. It is difficult to study with someone talking to mom or a friend in an animated and lengthy conversation. The Library has posted signs at the
entrances to the Library restricting the use of cell phones to the high traffic areas on first and second floors, near photocopiers, and in group study areas. We ask that you turn the ringer or the phone off while you are in the building.
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Food & Drink
Can I bring a snack to enjoy while I study at the Library?
As a service to our patrons, we have relaxed our policy regarding food and drink in the Library. Food, such as candy bars and small snacks and drinks in securely covered containers such as bottled soda and water, will be allowed in the Library.
Read more about our food policy at www.library.okstate.edu/news/drink.htm.
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Photocopying
Why is the copy center closed so much of the time in the summer or during breaks?
If staffing is low due to students leaving for the semester or during school breaks, the CopiCenter becomes short-staffed and must lock its doors for short periods of time in order to service machines located in the various areas. Staffing can also be a problem for keeping the area open for extended hours at night. We know that this may inconvenience some of our patrons and we are trying to shorten or eliminate this problem.
How do I get value added to a copy card if the machines don't work?
Machinery does break down from time to time (we try to get parts needed for repairs as quickly as possible!). When the machine doesn't work, CopiCenter personnel will be glad to replace your copy card with one that reflects the total value that you wish to add.
Why can't the circulation desk give change for the photocopiers when the copy center is not open?
For security reasons, the Circulation Desk does not keep large amounts of cash on hand and therefore can only handle limited amounts of change. It is unlikely they could change large bills, so do try to get your cards updated before the CopiCenter closes for the evening. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause for our patrons.
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Services
How can I find out what times the library is open?
Library hours are available in several ways. There is an Hours Line you can call at 744-5029 (off-campus) or 4-5029 (on campus). There are printed flyers found at the main doors inside the library and at the Reference and Circulation Desks. During breaks and holidays, the library hours are reduced due to staffing reductions and lowered patron usage. These changes will be posted at the doors and online before the break. In addition, you may check the library's hours online at http://www.library.okstate.edu/services/hours.htm.
Are there any quiet/group study areas in the Library?
Signs are now posted on each floor describing how each area of the Library is designated. The three categories
are Silent Study (no talking), Quiet Study (low voices), and Group Study. Check around the area you'd
like to use to see how it is designated. Areas on the first floor near entrances and around the Circulation
Desk, the first floor Reference Area and those designated for
group study will be noisier.
Why does the Library have employees sitting at the doors counting people?
Door counts of patron use of the Library, as well as other data we collect, are tools we use to help us form plans to improve our services for you.
This place is really big... how can I find anything?
Please come to the first floor, north side. There is someone at the Reference
Desk to help you almost every hour the Library is open. The Edmon Low Library is large and can seem
confusing at first, but that's why the staff and librarians are here. And why we all wear our nametags.
If you need help, just find someone with a nametag on. If they aren't the right person, they will get
you to the person you want to talk with.
The catalog says this book/journal is "Not Checked Out," but when I went to the shelf, it wasn't there! How can I find things that aren't where they say they are?
Shelvers try to reshelve books left out on the floor and at the check-in areas within 24 hours. There are reshelving areas on each floor where the books are gathered before they are reshelved. Patrons are welcome to look in these areas for items that aren't on the correct shelf. If you are looking for an article in a journal, ask at the Reference Desk -- we may have access to it electronically.
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Staff
I just received the best service from one of your staff members! Who can I tell about it?
We are pleased that our staff has been helpful! The best way to compliment someone is to thank them directly. Or if you like, send us a message about the service you received. If you'd like to thank them more "officially," our Personnel Directory lists the supervisors and department heads for each area. This is the best person to tell if you've had a good experience with one of their employees.
Where do I go to make a complaint against a rude staff member at your Library?
We are very proud of our service to students and faculty here at the Edmon Low Library and appreciate your comments about our staff. If you have a complaint, we want to know so we can address the issue and remedy the situation. Feel free to contact their department head or a member of the administration with your concerns. Or if you like, send us a message about your complaint. The Library's Personnel Directory will help you identify their supervisor. Let us know when and where this incident happened. Providing information about the time
of day and a brief description of the individual will help us identify whom you encountered so that we may speak with them to improve their future service to our patrons.
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Famous People
Where can I find more information about Chief Wilma P. Mankiller?
The OSU Library has collected some information about Chief Mankiller at http://www.library.okstate.edu/friends/endowments/mankiller.htm.
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