- How big is the OSU Library?
The Edmon Low Library has six floors and holds over 2.5 million volumes!
- Where
is the Library?
The Edmon Low Library is centrally located on campus. It is north of the
Student Union and is the only other building on campus with a bell tower.
The Stillwater campus also has four branch libraries: the Architecture
Library,
in the Architecture Building, the Mary L. Williams
Curriculum Materials Library,
in Willard Hall, the North Boomer Annex, and the Rex
Cunningham Memorial Library,
located in McElroy Hall.
- When is the Library open?
During the fall and spring semesters the Main Library is open Monday-Thursday
7:30 am-2:00 am, Friday 7:30 am-10 pm, Saturday 9 am-10 pm and Sunday 9 am-2
am. Hours vary during holidays and intersessions. You can get the most up
to date information about Library hours by calling (405) 744-5029 or visiting
www.library.okstate.edu/services/hours.htm.
- How & where do I check out books?
Your OSU identification card (from either the Stillwater or Tulsa
campus) is your Library Card. You check out books at the Circulation
Desk on the 1st floor.
- How long can I check out books?
Undergraduate students can check out books for 30 days. There are
special materials (videos, DVD's, maps, reserve materials, branch
library books) that have shorter loan periods. Staff will tell you
when items are due. The loan period will be shortened for item recalled
by another (see question 11).
- How many books can I check out at once?
Undergraduate students can have 50 books checked out at a time.
- How can I get an item that the Library doesn't own?
If the Library does not own a book or journal, we may still be able to get
it at no cost to you. We take part in a program called Interlibrary Loan.
The Interlibrary Services (ILS) office is located on the west end of the 1st
floor. ILS borrows materials from other libraries, so you can use them here.
Stop by the ILS office for details.
- Are there computers I can use in the Library?
There are internet stations on the 1st and 5th floors. At these computers
you can use MS Office, search and print from the web, OSU Library Catalog
and other library electronic resources.
OSU students can also check out wireless
laptops at the Circulation Desk
on the 1st floor. Laptops (including your own!) can access the web anywhere
in the building and at least one printer is on each floor.
- What is "reserve"?
Many professors will place items "on reserve." Reserve
material may be required readings, notes, homework solutions or sample
tests. This material has a shorter loan period and often can not leave
the building. All reserve material is available at the Circulation
Desk on the 1st floor. Some reserve material can also be found on
the web. Check the OSU
Library Catalog.
- Who can I ask for help?
Librarians or Library GAs are available at the Reference Desk on the 1st
floor to answer questions and give hands-on instruction 94 hours a week. We
offer assistance in-person, by phone (405)744-9775, via email lib-dls@okstate.edu or
via IM. IM reference is available Mon-Thur
1 pm-9 pm & Fri 1 pm-5 pm. Add our screen name to your contact list; AOL
or Yahoo!: OkstateLibrary; ICQ: 195159930; MSN: OkstateLibrary@hotmail.com.
- What if the book I need is checked out?
If you need a book that is checked out, you can place a recall on the item
at www.library.okstate.edu/forms/recallbk.htm.
A recall changes the due date to two weeks after the request is placed. When
the book is returned, you will receive an email and a letter. The book will
be held for you for ten days.
If a book you have checked out is recalled, you will receive notification
of the new due date. Remember to return recalled material on time. The fine
for a past due recalled item is $5 a day.
- Where can I learn more about using the Library?
At the beginning of each semester the Library offers free tours and training. These tours and classes are 30 minutes each. Students can also enroll in LBSC
1011, a one-hour credit course on using Library resources.
You can also find instructional guides to using the
Library in bins at both entrances. All guides and additional tutorials can be found
on the Library website.
- Can I talk in the Library?
The Library is sectioned into Group Study areas, for large groups to meet
and conversation is allowed; Quiet Study areas, for smaller groups with moderate
conversation; and Silent Study areas, where there is no talking. There are
also meeting rooms on the 1st and 2nd floors. You can reserve these rooms at
the Circulation Desk on the 1st floor.
We do ask that you turn pagers and cell phones to silent mode and only use
them in the lobbies or reference area.
- Can I work here?
Yes! The Library is the second largest student employer on campus. Part-time
jobs are listed at www.library.okstate.edu/personnel/.
The Library's part-time application process is completely paperless. You apply
online.
- Do I have to come to the building to use the Library?
Not always. You can use the Library's website to access the OSU
Library Catalog, where you can check the status of material and renew
items you have checked out; the A to Z
listing of electronic indexes and databases; the online course reserves;
and the Information Literacy site,
which explains step by step how to write a great paper. If there is an article
or book chapter we only own in paper, try our Document
Delivery Service. We'll digitize the article and send you a link.
Our Digital Library Services Department (lib-dls@okstate.edu)
is available to answer questions you have about the Library's electronic resources.
- Can I bring food or drinks into the Library?
Yes, you may bring drinks with a secure lid and small snack items.
The Edmon Low Library even has its own cafe, Java Dave's, where you
can buy specialty coffees, blended beverages, sodas, water, and snacks.
They even accept campus meal plans. Remember-eat
and drink responsibly!
- How are books in the OSU Library arranged?
The OSU Library uses the Dewey Decimal System. Each book is assigned
a number between 000 and 999. Each number represents a different subject
area. You can read more about Dewey Decimal classification at www.library.okstate.edu/info/ddh.htm.
- How much are fines?
Standard overdue fines are $.25/day/book. Reserve, recalled, and
special permission materials have higher fines ranging from $5/day
to $1/hour! Fines not paid at the time material is returned are billed
to your Bursar's account. You may renew most items online.
Register your email at the Circulation Desk and
we will send you reminders before your books are due!
- Does the Library have more than just books?
The Library has materials in a variety of mediums. There are videocassettes,
audiotapes, DVDs, maps, microfiche, journals and magazines. Our Special
Collections and University Archives Department (located 2nd floor
east) has collections ranging from OSU Athletic paraphernalia to African
artifacts. Please note that hours may
vary for offices like SCUA.
- Are there any special programs at the Library?
The Library holds a variety of events throughout the year. There are exhibits,
lectures, readings, book clubs, discussions and dinners. Most of the Library
events are free and open to the public. For information on exhibits and upcoming
events in the Library call (405) 744-7331 or visit www.library.okstate.edu/news/calendar.htm.
Help accessing online journals & databases (405) 744-9161 or (877) 744-9161
toll free
20 Questions for Faculty
