Library Survival Tips
Library Frequently Asked Questions
Access to most Library services and information can be found at http://www.library.sfsu.edu.
Some of the Library's Frequently Asked Questions are answered at http://www.library.sfsu.edu/about/faq.html. If you cannot find the answer to a question on our website, please contact us.
Requesting Items From the Library
Search InvestiGator (the Library's online catalog) for items in the library's collections.
1. Search the Library Catalog. 
2. Click “Save to Book Bag” for each item you want 
3. After selecting desired titles, click “View Book Bag” 
4. Click “Request Book Bag” to request the items in your Book Bag
5. Enter your name, SF State ID number and Library PIN
6. Click “Submit”
The books you request will be retrieved from the Library and delivered to HSS 102 weekdays within 24 hours. You can review the books to decide which ones you want to check out.
Checking out Library materials
Use your SF State OneCard (student ID card) to check out all materials and for other Library services. The OneCard office is in Student Services Bldg. 103 or visit the Web site at http://fiscaff.sfsu.edu/departments/onecard/.
Library Hours
These are listed at http://www.library.sfsu.edu/about/hours.html.
Setting up a Library PIN & Viewing Your Library Record
You must set up a Library PIN (Personal Identification Number) in order to access the electronic databases from off campus. With your Library PIN you can use the library's self check-out machines in the Circulation area and renew your books online. Complete information at http://www.library.sfsu.edu/services/accounts/index.html.
Document Delivery Service
Document Delivery Service is used to obtain materials that the library does not own. Complete information about services offered is available here: Borrowing Items from Other Libraries.
OASIS: Online Advancement of Student Information Skills
This online tutorial, designed to improve your information skills, is required of most new undergraduates at SF State. Complete information at http://oasis.sfsu.edu.
Accessing Library Databases from Off-Campus
Most Library databases may be accessed from off-campus by simply setting up your Library PIN (see above). For exceptions and complete information see our guide to Off-Campus Database Access.
Printing & Photocopying
The SF State OneCard (student ID card) is used for all printing/photocopying in the Library. You may add cash value to your OneCard at several Value Transfer Stations (VTS) located by the front doors of Library Annex I. For complete information about using your OneCard go to http://fiscaff.sfsu.edu/departments/onecard/ and the Library's pages on printing and copying.
Reserve Services
The Reserve Services is where professors may set aside or reserve materials for their students to be checked out for shorter periods of time. Reserve Service is located in HSS 102. Exit the building, turn left down the stairs, and enter through the ground floor entrance.
Help
Use IM Library Help or go to the Research Assistance Desk in Library Annex I for research advice or help using any Library resources including electronic databases. For all types of computer skills classes and workshops, see the Division of Information Technology training page at http://www.sfsu.edu/~doit/train.htm.
MF 12/2/08
