Frequently-Asked Questions
How do I register / get a Library card?
All faculty, staff and students at Penn State are eligible to receive Penn State ID cards which also serve as Library cards at any Penn State Libraries location. New or replacement ID's are issued by the ID Office, located in the HUB, Room 103 from 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Monday - Friday and from noon - 3:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday. Residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who are not directly affiliated with Penn State may be issued a Resident Borrowers card at Pattee Library or at any Penn State campus library location. Just bring in your PA driver's license and $1.00 when you come in to apply.
Please Note: A valid Penn State ID or Resident Borrowers card must be presented whenever borrowing materials from the Libraries.
How do I update my address?Addresses may be updated by filling out a patron registration/address change card at any Lending Desk, or online at My Library Account.
How do I renew my books?Library materials may be renewed at any Lending Desk, by phone at (814) 863-2174, or online at My Library Account.
Where do I return my books?Standard library material may be returned to the book return window to the left of the main Lending Desk in Pattee, or to any Penn State Libraries branch or Commonwealth location. At the Pattee and Paterno Libraries, outside book drops are located off the Curtin Road entrance, at the West Pattee entrance, and at the bottom of the Paterno Library underpass.
Recalled material must be returned to any Lending Desk.
Reserve or special permission material must be returned to the location from which it was borrowed.
How do I recall a book?To recall an item that is currently charged to another borrower, just click on the "I Want It" button at the citation screen for the item you're looking for in the CAT. When the item has been returned and placed on Hold, you will be notified by either postal or electronic mail.
Please note that any item you recall will not be available to you for approximately two weeks following the date of your request.
Why can someone recall my books before they're due?Many patrons, such as faculty, graduate students, staff, and Schreyer Scholars, may borrow materials for a full semester. To allow all of our patrons access to all materials within a reasonable amount of time, the Libraries has determined that any material may be recalled from any borrower who has had that material for at least one week. Also, every borrower has an additional ten days after the recall notice is sent before the recalled material is due, so that each borrower has at least 17 days to review any Library material before it is subject to return. The only exception to this policy is material to be placed on course reserve, which may be recalled at any time. We have found that this policy best and most fairly addresses the different needs of the variety of patrons that we serve.
What is annexed material?Some materials, especially older materials that do not often circulate, are stored in one of three Library Annexes located both on and off campus. Annexed materials listed as on the shelf in the Cat record may be requested by clicking on the "I Want It" button. Periodicals (including photocopy requests) may be ordered by completing forms located at most Lending desks, or online via the Annex Request Form. Typically the material will be delivered to whichever University Park Libraries location you submit the form (request forms submitted to Pattee will be delivered to Pattee, forms submitted to the Engineering Library will be delivered to the Engineering Library, etc.). Please note that Annexed material will generally be available within 24 - 48 hours following the date of your request.
How can I get books from another Penn State campus?Books owned by libraries at any Penn State campus location may also be ordered through The CAT. Just click on the "I Want It" button on the citation screen. Available material should arrive at your requested pick-up location within approximately one week.
Where can I pay a fee?Library fees may be paid by cash, check, money order payable to PSU, or IDCC (sorry, no credit or debit cards are accepted) at the Main Lending Desk in Central Pattee or at any of the branch/campus Libraries locations. See Fees and Fee Payment for more information.
How can I get a Library Carrel?Library carrels, the small lockers found on many of the study desks located throughout Pattee, are available on a first-come, first-serve basis to all Penn State faculty, graduate students, and Schreyer Scholars free of charge. Just click on Carrels for an application.
Can I check out a book without my ID/Library card?Unfortunately, no. A Penn State ID card or Library-issued borrowers card for patrons not affiliated with Penn State, is required by both Libraries' and Penn State policy.
Specifically -
"USE OF THE CARD:
Presentation of the card is required for services of University dining commons, libraries, and admission to athletic events. It may also be required for other University activities and services. In order to gain access, the individual must register for appropriate use and sign a registration form indicating understanding of the responsibilities and obligations of having access to the system. Violations of University Policies and procedures in using the card will be dealt with accordingly. ID cards may be used for appropriate educational discounts and admission to facilities at other institutions, etc. Student ID cards should be carried by all students at all times. Fraudulent use of the card will result in disciplinary action."-- From Penn State Administrative Policy AD 24
Other Questions? Suggestions?Please let us know how we can improve our service to you! You can forward questions or offer suggestions to staff at any Lending Desk, e-mail us at Lending Services, or consult our homepage.
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Last updated September 24, 2003
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