Top 10 Things to Know About the University Library

  1. Your Jag Card is your library card. Use it to check out library materials at the Circulation Desk on the first floor of the library.
  2. It's an academic library. Libraries that are part of an institution of higher learning, such as a college or university, are known as academic libraries. The mission of an academic library is to support the curriculum and research needs of its students, faculty, and staff. Because of this, the collection of an academic library differs from that of public libraries. Generally speaking, this means fewer bestsellers and how-to books, and more scholarly publications.
  3. Look for the ABCs and then the 123s. We use the Library of Congress (LC) classification system. It's different from the Dewey Decimal System you know and love from the public library. Just remember, books on similar subjects are shelved together, so when you find one really great book, browse the books nearby to find others on your topic.
  4. The library is here for you 24/7. No, the building isn't open all the time, but you can access the library catalog (SOUTHcat) and most of our electronic resources anytime from any computer with internet access.
  5. We have more than just books! We also have electronic books, journals, magazines, newspapers, government documents, microfilm and microfiche, CDs, videotapes, and DVDs (including feature films).
  6. The library is not a computer lab - but the library has a computer lab. Public computers in the library have internet access, but if you need to write a paper, you'll need your Jag Card to get into the Academic Research Center (ARC) lab in room 128. We also have wireless internet access available on all floors of the library.
  7. Need to access your course reserves? Use the Course Reserve link from the library homepage, then enter the course number or instructor. Many reserve readings are available electronically.
  8. Need to print or make copies? Pick up a TRACcard at the Circulation Desk. The reloadable card is $0.50 and printing/copying is $0.10 per page. Be sure to put your name on your TRACcard.
  9. Got a group project? Get together in one of the library's group study rooms. Most rooms are located on the 3rd and 4th floors of the library and are available on a first come, first serve basis.
  10. Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t know where to start? Librarians are ready to help you. Stop by the Reference Desk on the 2nd Floor North. You can also call, email, or IM a librarian by using the Ask a Librarian link on the library homepage.
This list is adapted from Mary Kate Boyd-Byrnes and Marilyn Rosenthal's Top 10 Things to Know About Your Library, online at http://www.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/ref/top10.html.