Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the library?
- How do I get a library card?
- How do I find books on a topic?
- How do I find the book I want on the library shelves?
- What is the loan period for items at the library?
- How many items can I borrow at once?
- How do I recall a book if someone else already has it checked out?
- How do I renew a book?
- How do I order materials from another Penn State campus?
- How long does it take to receive materials from other Penn State locations?
- I tried to use the "I Want It" feature, but it didn't work. Why is that and what should I do?
- How do I order materials from another University?
- How do I find articles on a topic?
Where is the library?
Upper level
113 Hiller Building
College Place
DuBois, PA 15801
Phone 814-375-4756
Fax 814-375-4784
How do I get a library card?
If you are a Penn State student, faculty or staff member, your student or faculty id is your library card. This will be good as long as you are at Penn State. If your address changes, you will need to notify the Library either in person or online by going to My Library Account and clicking on Update Address. If you are a non-PSU patron, you must stop at the circulation desk to get a card.
How do I find books on a topic?
To find books and other library materials, use the CAT, Penn State's online catalog.
How do I find the book I want on the library shelves?
Once you have found a book in the CAT, write down the Call Number. Use the call number to find the book on the shelf according to the Library of Congress Classification System. Try "Within Range" - an online game that will help you learn the Library of Congress Classification System.*
*"Within Range" was created by graduate students from the Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University, in collaboration with the University Libraries (and the support of the Buhl Foundation).What is the loan period for items at the library?
The standard period for regular loans is four weeks. Faculty, graduate students and honor students are given semester loans. All loaned materials are subject to recall.
How many items can I borrow at once?
Undergraduates can borrow 100 items at any one time. Graduate students, University Scholars/Honor students, and faculty may borrow 200 items. University staff may borrow 50 items. The general public may borrow 20 items.
How do I recall a book if someone else already has it checked out?
You can request that materials already checked out be returned by using the I WANT IT feature in The CAT. Materials already checked out are subject to recall after the current borrow has held them for seven days. The library will allow an additional ten days of use after it sends a recall notice. When the book has been returned, it will be placed on hold for you at the DuBois Library circulation desk.
How do I renew a book?
To renew books, click on My Library Account and follow the link to renew books. You will be alerted if not all your books may be renewed. You can also renew your books by calling the library at 814-375-4756.
How do I order materials from another Penn State campus?
When looking at a book in the CAT that is not located in the DuBois campus library, click the I WANT IT button to request that the book be sent to the DuBois library for you. This will not work on a screen that lists several books; you must be at a Single Item Display screen describing an individual book. When the book arrives, you will receive an email letting you know to come to the library circulation desk to pick it up.
How long does it take to receive materials from other Penn State locations?
Generally, about 5-7 days. We ask that you allot as much time as possible to allow for recalls and delays.
I tried to use the "I Want It" feature, but it didn't work. Why is that and what should I do?
There could be a number of reasons. First, if you haven't used the library for a while, your account may have expired. Go to the library circulation desk and they will update your account or log on to your library account and update your information. Second, this feature will not work if the status is listed as "1 Reported Missing" or "Check Shelves." Third, if an item has multiple volumes, this feature often will not work. To request an item when this feature isn't working, print out the page that lists the book's information in The CAT and bring it to the Circulation Desk. We will process your request manually.
How do I order materials from another University?
To request books from outside of Penn State, you have two options. Start with PALCI, which will look for the book at other Pennsylvania Universities. If you cannot find the material in PALCI, submit your request through ILLIAD. For more information, visit the Penn State DuBois Interlibrary Loan page.
How do I find articles on a topic?
The library's online databases are a great place to search for articles in magazines, journals and newspapers. Start with the Try These First resources which are very general and search many different topics. If you're looking for something more specific, use the Research Guides to find databases and other resources specific to your major or subject area. If you're still having trouble, ask a librarian!
- Please direct questions to ASK!
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- Updated: 02/26/09
- U.Ed. LIB 05-62
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Contact
113 Hiller Building
College Place
DuBois, PA 15801
Phone 814-375-4756
Fax 814-375-4784
