September 18, 2008
New to the Library
Now that the semester has gotten underway, it’s a good time to answer some commonly asked questions.
Where do I get a library card? If you are a student, staff or faculty, your Penn State ID card is your library card. If you are a Penn State Alumni you can register for an Alumni Card at the library’s circulation desk. If you are Pennsylvania resident or work in Pennsylvania, you can register for a Resident Card.
Will I be charged for printing or copying? No and yes… Printing is free; there’s a 10 cent/copy charge for copying.
How long can I borrow materials? Generally, if you are faculty, staff or student most material can be borrowed for the length of the semester, with an option to self-renew online twice. The exception being audio & video materials and certain materials identifed by professors for class use. All borrowed items are subject to Recall. (Recall will be discussed next.) Penn State Alumni and PA residents can borrow materials up to 30 days (also able to renew online).
What is Recall? If a borrowed item is needed by another library user, that user can place a hold and then the item will be recalled form the borrower. The borrower will receive an email giving him/her 10 days to return the material. Please pay attention to this email; unreturned recalled items are subject to fines. This is the fairest way to ensure every user has access to library materials.
How many item may I borrow at one time? Faculty, staff and graduate students may borrow up to 500 items at any one time. Undergraduate students can borrow up to 200, and Penn State Alumni & PA residents can borrow up to 100 items.
Is it possible to borrow dissertations and theses? Yes, they can be checked out with the same time limit as most printed materials: for the semester for faculty, staff, and students; for 30 days for alumni and residents. As will all library materials they are also subject to Recall.
If you have any other questions regarding library or resource usage, please call the library 610-648-3215.
