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Frequently asked questions by category:

General Information Helpful information about the OSU Libraries and its departments.
Getting started using the Library Essential terms and information about the OSU Catalog, OhioLINK, journals, reserves, etc.
Using Computers in the Library How to search for books and articles,info about e-mail, surfing, connecting a laptop to the library's wired and wireless networks.
Guest Accounts to use Library Computers Non-OSU users may need a guest account to use library computers, see details.
Connecting to the Library How to connect from your home or your office.
Circulation Policies Who may check out library materials, how long, renewing, etc.
Correcting your address To help us maintain your correct address please view your patron record regularly.
Printing and Copying Using library printers, BuckID card, emailing searches, etc.
Research Tips How to cite sources in your research papers, use bibliographic management software, etc.
Directions How to get to the library coming from any direction.
Information for Faculty Online coursepacks, putting materials on reserve and getting videos for class.
Recommended Browsers The best browsers to use on The Ohio State University Libraries Web sites.
Screen reader and magnification software How to use Read and Write and Magnifier software in Microsoft Windows.
Recommend an Item for Purchase Fill out this form to recommend an item to purchase.

If you have further questions, you can Ask-a-librarian.

General Information about the OSU Libraries

How many libraries are on the OSU Main Campus?
What are the Library's hours?
What is the OSU Depository and what is their delivery schedule?
How many books does the OSU Library own?

Getting started using the Library

What is the OSU Library Catalog?
What is OhioLINK?
How can I borrow a book from OhioLINK?
Where do you keep your journals?
What are "reserves" and where can I find them?
What does "stacks" mean?
How to find a book by its call number

Using Computers in the Library

Looking for books?
Looking for magazine or journal articles?
Can I get the full text of magazine articles from the computer?
Can I check email or word processing from the Library's computers?
Can I surf the web on the Library's computers?
How can I learn to use the Internet?
How do I connect my laptop to the Library's (Columbus campus) wired and wireless networks?

Connecting to the Library

How do I connect from home using a commercial internet service provider?
Can I connect to library resources if I am not affiliated with OSU?
Having trouble connecting from off campus? Check out our EZProxy Remote Authentication FAQ.

Circulation Policies

Who can check out books?
If I am not affiliated with OSU, is there any way I can check out books?
How long can I check a book out?
How can I renew my books?
What if the book I need is checked out?
How do I borrow a book that OSU does not own?
How do I know if a book I have ordered has arrived?
How can I see what materials I have checked out?
Can I get books delivered to my office or dorm?
How do I pay fines?
How do I appeal a fine?
A faculty member may authorize another person to check-out materials under the faculty's name.
Where can I find additional information about Circulation?

Updating Address

Keep your address current and be sure the Libraries has your e-mail address to facilitate receiving courtesy notices on overdue items, recalls, and holds. To help us maintain your correct address please view your patron record regularly and take appropriate action if we have an incorrect address:

Printing and Copying

What is a BuckID card?
BuckID Printing & Photocopying
How do I make a print out from the library's computers?
Can I download from the library's computers?
Can I email searches to myself?
Can I make copies from microfiche?

Research Tips

How do I create references (citations) for my research paper?
How can I download citations from research databases into bibliographic management software?

Directions

How do I get to the OSU campus?
Coming from the North
Coming from the West
Coming from the East
Coming from the South
Coming from Downtown
Where can I park?
Need a campus map?

Information for Faculty

How can I create an online coursepack?
How can I put materials on reserve?
Are there any videos that can be used for classroom purposes?

Screen reader and magnification software

How do I use Magnifier software on Windows PCs in the Libraries?
How do I use Read and Write software?
How do I use IBM Home Page Reader, a screen reader, on Windows PCs in the Libraries?


General Information about the OSU Libraries


How many libraries are on the OSU campus?

There are more than 20 separate libraries on campus, including the Music/Dance Library, Science & Engineering Library, Agriculture Library, and Business Library. When you are using our online catalog, it is important to note the 3 letter location code, which tells you which library the item is stored in. You can pick up a yellow bookmark at any library which tells you what each code stands for, and lists all the separate library buildings on campus. The hotlinked location code for each book takes you to that library's website. Also see our Library Location Map.

What is the OSU Book Depository?

The OSU Book Depository is a storage building where we keep lesser used materials, and is not open to the public. You can easily request any item from the Depository. Click on "Request this item" and follow the on screen instructions.

Books are picked up from the Depository on the following schedule:
Monday-Friday: 10:00, 3:00 and 7:00
Saturday: 11:00, 2:00 and 4:00
Sunday: 2:00, 5:00 and 7:00
Materials will be delivered to the Sullivant Library.

If your request is placed within an hour or so of the pick-up time, your item should be delivered with the next shipment.

How many books does the OSU Library own?

The OSU Libraries own approximately 6 million volumes, and subscribe to approximately 35,000 serial titles.

Getting started using the Library

What is the OSU Library Catalog?

The OSU Library Catalog is the online record of all holdings at each of the libraries, including branch campus libraries, is represented in the Catalog.

What is OhioLINK?

OhioLINK is a computerized library catalog for over 80 academic libraries in the state of Ohio and is an easy way to access the combined strength of all the major university libraries in the state. The most popular feature of OhioLINK is the ability to borrow books. If a book you need is not owned by your institution, you can easily arrange for a copy to be sent to you within 3-5 working days.

How can I borrow a book from OhioLINK?

If you find a copy of the book you would like to borrow, click on " Request this item," and follow the on screen instructions. The book will be delivered to the OSU library of your choice in 3-5 working days. Check on the status of your request by viewing "My Record" and clicking on "Held items." When the status of a book reads "OhioLINK rcv'd" your book is ready to be picked up at the circulation desk. A courtesy email will also be sent to you after the library receives the item.

Where do you keep your journals?

In most of the OSU libraries, the journals are interfiled with the books. Log into the Catalog and do a title search on the name of the journal. To find the call number and library which owns a subscription to the journal you want. These journals are filed in the stacks just like a book.

If you are looking for a current issue of the journal (usually less than a year old), most of our libraries keep these in a current periodical area. Ask for directions at the circulation desk of the library where the journal is owned.

What are "Reserves" and where can I find them?

When an entire class needs to use a particular book or class notes, a professor may place them on Closed Reserve, where students can check them out for a few hours. In the Sullivant Library, the Closed Reserve Desk is on the first floor as you enter the Library. It is open during all hours that the library is open. Some reserves are online and are called electronic reserves. Check the E-reserve (FAQ) for information on accessing electronic reserves.

In other libraries, please ask at the Circulation desk for the location of the Reserve section.

What does "stacks" mean?

The stacks is where the circulating collections are shelved. When you search a title in the Catalog you will see its location displayed. It refers you to a specically designated section, such as microfilm, reference government documents or "stacks". All circulating books and journals are shelved in call # order in each location's Stacks.

How to find a book by its call number.

Read this guide to learn how to find a book by its call number.

Using the Library computers

Looking for books?

Search the book or journal title in the OSU Catalog. There you will find the book/journal location, eg SEL stacks or SUL bound Periodicals, and the Call #.

Looking for magazine or journal articles?

If you are looking for articles on a particular topic, you will need to use a periodical index to identify them. A popular starting point is Academic Search Premier, which covers a little bit of everything. If you want in-depth research on a topic, you will probably need to use a more specialized periodical index. The OSU libraries has access to over 400 research databases for specific disciplines. To find the most appropriate database, click on the a subject on the Research Databases page. You can then select a database that appears most appropriate to your topic.

For more help on finding articles, see:

Once you have logged into an appropriate journal index, you are ready to begin gathering relevant citations. Because none of these indexes are tailor-made for OSU, you will need to consult the OSU library catalog to verify that we have a subscription to whatever journals you need to see.

If you want to find out if we have a subscription to a particular journal, you will need to log into the Catalog and search for the title of the magazine (i.e., Saturday Evening Post) to get the call number and location of the journal. Once you have called up the journal on the screen, you must take note of the location of the journal, as it may be located in one of many libraries.

Can I get the full text of articles from the libraries' computer?

The OSU libraries has access to over 400 research databases for specific disciplines. Many of these databases include full text articles. To find the most appropriate database, click on the a subject on the Research Databases page. You can then select a database that appears most appropriate to your topic..

Can I check email or do word processing on the library computers?

Because of the enormous demand that email and word processing would create, the library cannot permit patrons do these functions on our computers. There are computer labs throughout campus where you can do email and word processing, and you can ask at the reference or circulation desk to find out where the nearest computer lab is.

Can I surf the web on the library computers?

Due to the limited number of computers available in the libraries, we ask that web-surfing be limited, especially. If you notice that there are students waiting to use the library computers. Chat room users will be asked to leave if others are waiting.

How can I learn to use the Internet?

If you are unfamiliar with the Internet or how to navigate the Web, you may find our series of tutorials, net.TUTOR, a good place to get started.

Connecting to the Library from Home or Office

How do I connect from home using a commercial internet service provider?

If you use a commmercial ISP such as RoadRunner, IBM's ICE, or another service, you may have trouble connecting to some of the libraries' databases. To remedy this, an authentication service is available by connecting through our proxy server.
If you are a member of the OSU community, you may Connect To Our Proxy Server Here.
NOTE: This only provides access for members of the OSU community. Those who are not affiliated do not have access to some of our services.

Can I  connect to library resources if I am not affiliated with OSU?

You can connect to our Catalog, although contract restrictions do not allow us to provide access to some of our specialized indexes. You may connect to the OSU catalog as indicated above.

Please also see our brochure for remote access to the libraries, regarding access to our many other services.

Having trouble connecting from off campus? Check out our EZProxy Remote Authentication FAQ.

Circulation Policies

Who can check out books?

Current OSU students, faculty and staff have borrowing privileges, as do patrons who have a valid ID from any OhioLINK school.

If I am not affiliated with OSU, is there any way I can check out books?
If you are a member of the OSU Alumni Association, you are eligible for borrowing. Apply for a Courtesy Card at the Sullivant or Ackerman Libraries Circulation Desks.

Members of the Friends of the Library are entitled to a Courtesy Card. Membership is $45/yr.

Please inquire at the circulation desk for more information about Courtesy Cards.

For how long can I check a book out?

The circulation periods vary depending on library location, patron status (faculty, undergrad, grad, etc.) and type of item (book, journal, etc.) You can easily check the due date of the items you have checked out by viewing your patron record on the computer. (see below)

How can I renew my books?

On the Libraries Home page, click on "My Record" and type in the request info. When your record appears, click on the "currently checked out" button. A listing of the books checked out in your name will appear. Renew them all by clicking on the "renew all" button, or just renew specific items by clicking in the corresponding white box and then on "renew selected items." You cannot renew books recalled by other patrons.

What if the book I need is checked out?

If the book you need is checked out, the fastest way to get a copy is to place an OhioLINK loan. Even if the book is due to be returned tomorrow, it will take several days before the book can be processed and reshelved. You are almost always assured of getting a copy faster through OhioLINK (3-5 working days).

If there is no copy of the book you need in OhioLINK, then you can place a hold on our copy in OSCAR.You will be notified when the book has been returned. This will usually take a minimum of ten days.

How do I borrow a book that OSU does not own?

If you are affiliated with OSU, the first thing you should do is check to see if the book you need is listed in the OhioLINK Central Catalog.

If no library in OhioLINK owns a copy that can be loaned, you may be able to request a copy through Interlibrary Loan. This service is available only to OSU faculty, staff and graduate students. Requests can be placed electronically through the Catalog. Select "Interlibrary Loan Request Form".

How do I know when a book I have ordered has arrived?

Check on the status of any books you have ordered by logging into your circulation record and checking for status "OhioLink rcv'd" An e-mail is also sent to you know your item is on hold or arrived.

How can I see what materials I have checked out ?

From the Libraries homepage, click on "My Record" in the toolbar and fill in the requested information. You can select to view items being held for you, as well as the due dates of any items you have checked out.

Can I get books delivered to my office or dorm?

If your address in our Catalog is a campus office or a Columbus Campus dorm your books can be sent to your office or dorm. You will notice that when you place an OhioLink request, one of the locations available is "My office or Columbus Campus Dorm". View your circulation record to see what address is on file for you. To correct your address please follow these instructions. Delivery to your office or dorm usually adds a day onto the time it takes for you to get the book.

Printing and Copying

What is a BuckID card?

BuckID cards allow our patrons to print out information from the library's computers. Our printers do not take cash, and you MUST have a BuckID card to print. Copies from our terminals cost 10 cents per page. You may add money to your BuckID cards as often as you wish.

BuckID cards can also be used in our photocopy machines. Prints will cost 8 cents with a BuckID card or 10 cents if you use cash.

For more information, and a full list of places where you can use BuckID see:
www.buckid.com

BuckID Printing & Photocopying

This document does not apply to computer printers and photocopiers at:

BuckID Office

Add money to BuckID cards

OSU users can add money to their BuckID card at http://www.buckid.com using any major credit card or an ATM card with a Mastercard or Visa logo. Checks can be written at University ID Card Services, Room 219 Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Drive. Vending machines that can add money to existing cards in $1, $5, $10, $20 increments are also available at the following locations:

Non-OSU users can purchase a Visitor BuckID Card at any department library circulation desk (except the Sullivant and Music Libraries) for $5.00. Vending machines are also available at the following locations:

Money can be added to a Visitor BuckID Card in $1, $5, $10, and $20 increments at the same vending machines. Major credit cards or an ATM card with a Mastercard or Visa logo can be used at http://www.buckid.com; when asked for a Social Security Number enter the 9-digit number on the Visitor BuckID card.

Departmental BuckIDs

Take a 100W or departmental charge card to University ID Card Services, Room 219 Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Drive, Columbus, OH 43210, 292-0400.  Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wed 8 a.m-6 p.m. | Summer hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Departmental BuckIDs may be restricted to use for library copying and printing; ask Lisa Morton in University ID Card Services, Room 219 Lincoln Tower.

How do I make a print out from the library computers

Use your Buck-ID card to make print outs from the library computers for 10 cents per page. You cannot use cash to print. Printing instructions vary considerably depending on which database you are using. There is a plastic stand near each library workstation which provides printing instructions for all of the different databases available. Once you have followed the instructions for your database, insert your BuckID card in the receiver near the printer. On many of these machines, you must turn a black knob to be pointing towards the number of your computer terminal. Enter the final instructions to submit your print job, and your request should be printed at this point.

On some databases your print will be held if it has not amounted to more than one page of information. Removing your BuckID card from the receiver will to prompt the printer to eject your page.

Can I download from the library computers?

Some databases will allow you to download searches. There is a plastic stand near each workstation which provides information about downloading on databases which have this feature. Insert a disk into the A drive and follow the instructions for your particular database.

Can I email searches to myself?

Most of our databases will allow you to email specific citations to yourself. On the web versions of databases, there is usually an icon at the top or bottom of the screen for an email option. In the telnet versions you will usually be offered an email option after you hit the print command. Use the help command in each database for more detailed instructions.

Can I make a copies from microfiche

Most of the libraries which have microfiche or microfilm collections have machines that can print selected pages for 10 cents. Some of these machines will accept dimes only.

The Microforms Room in the Ackerman Library also has a machine that can make fiche copies of fiche documents. These cost 15 cents per page of fiche, and usually require a 24 hour turn around time.
 
 

Research Tips

How do I create references (citations) for my research paper?

The Libraries have various publications in the reference are called "style manuals" that describe the process of creating references. Different academic disciplines use somewhat different formats for these references. We also have quick guides to answer many basic questions about creating references. See:

How can I download citations from research databases into bibliographic management software?

Many research databases, as well as the OSU and OhioLINK catalogs, allow you to output citations in a format that can be imported directly into bibliographic management software. Here are instructions for some of these programs:

Directions

How do I get to the OSU campus?

Coming from the North:

Take 315 South to Lane Avenue (the Ohio State University exit).
Turn left on Lane Avenue.
Turn right on North High Street.
There will be two large parking garages on the right hand side of High Street. These are the best places for visitors to park when visiting the campus.

Coming from the West:

Take I-70 to 315 North
Take 315 North to Lane Avenue (the Ohio State University exit)
Turn Right on to Lane Avenue
Turn right on North High Street
There will be two large parking garages on the right hand side of High Street. These are the best places for visitors to park when visiting the campus.

Coming from the East:

Take I-70 to 315 North
Exit from 315 onto Lane Avenue (the Ohio State University exit)
Turn right on Lane Avenue
Turn right on North High Street
There will be two large parking garages on the right hand side of High Street. These are the best places for visitors to park when visiting the campus.

Coming from the South:

Take I-71 north to 315 North
Exit 315 North onto Lane Avenue (the Ohio State University exit)
Turn right onto Lane Avenue
Turn right on North High Street
There will be two large parking garages on the right hand side of High Street. These are the best places for visitors to park when visiting the campus.

Coming from Downtown:

Take 4th Street to I-670 West
Follow I-670 West to 315 North
Exit 315 North onto Lane Avenue (the Ohio State University exit)
Turn right onto Lane Avenue
Turn right on North High Street
There will be two large parking garages on your right hand side of High Street. These are the best places for visitors to park when visiting the campus.

Where can I park?

There are a number of large parking garages which have visitor parking. There are two located on North High Street, and another on West 8th Avenue near the Medical Center. Unfortunately, there is very little visitor parking available outside of these areas.

Need a campus map? (Note: You can click on any area you would like enlarged.)

Information for Faculty

How can I put materials on Reserve?

Please view our Guide to Closed Reserves and our E-Reserves (FAQ).

Are there any videos that can be used for classroom purposes?

Faculty can search the OIT Media Library to identify videos for classroom use. Videos/DVDs purchased by OSU Libraries can be found by searching the Libraries' Visual Materials catalog.

Screen reader and magnification software

How do I use Magnifier software on Windows PCs in the Libraries?

Enlarge screen text with the Windows Operating System Magnifier available on all public and staff computers in the University Libraries. See Magnifer instructions.

How do I use Read and Write software?

Read & Write is a program designed to provide help for reading and writing. It is available on library computers in OSU Columbus campus libraries, excluding Health Sciences and Law libraries. To use Read & Write see the instructions prepared by the Office for Disability Services.

Updated: 12/03/07 jt