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.
Finding Items in the Library
After you have searched InvestiGator (the Library's online catalog) look carefully for the Location, Call # and Status of the item. For most books, in the Main Collection, the first letter of the Call # will indicate the floor your item is on, as shown below.
|
First Letter of Call #
|
Library Floor # |
|
A-C
|
4 |
|
D-N
|
3 |
|
P
|
2 |
|
Q-S |
1 |
|
T-Z
|
4 |
| YP | 4 |
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 in the library. 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
Reserve Services is where professors may set aside or reserve materials for their students to be checked out for short periods of time. The service desk for Reserve Services for students to borrow books placed on reserve has been relocated to HSS 102.
Help
For directions around the Library go to the Information Desk in the Library lobby on the 1st floor. Go to the Research Assistance Desk on the 1st floor 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.
