What Are Course Reserves?
When your instructor wants everyone in the class to read the same items for a particular course, the instructor might put the items "on reserve" in the library during the semester that the course is taught. Reserve items are placed behind the circulation desk and are given shorter check-out periods than other books so that everyone in the class gets a chance to use them.
Items placed on reserve can include books, study guides, answer keys, magazine and newspaper articles, copies of past exams, or just about anything else your instructor wants everyone to read or use. Students will need a library card to view a course reserve.
Is My Textbook on Reserve?
The Library does not generally buy textbooks, but in many cases, instructors have lent us their own extra copies. To find out if the textbook for your class is on reserve check the Library's catalog. (See instructions below).
How Can I Tell Which Materials are on Reserve for My Class?
Check the Library catalog for reserve lists.
The Reserve Database on SNAPweb is searchable by COURSE NAME, COURSE NUMBER, and by PROFESSOR's LAST NAME. The best way to search is by COURSE NUMBER, as not all instructors are represented in the database. When searching by course number, use the 3- or 4-letter abbreviation followed by a space and the 2- or 3-digit number corresponding to the course (e.g. ART 110, BUSI 90). It is also possible to search by putting in the first letter of the COURSE TITLE and press the "enter" key.
Where is the Reserve Desk?
The Reserve Desk is located at the Library's main circulation desk.
How Long Can Reserve Items Be Checked Out?
Many reserve materials are designated two-hour "library use only" whihc means that they can only be used inside the library. Others might be available for a four-hour or sometimes 1-day or 3-day checkout. Your instructor decides how long the materials can be used and whether they must be used inside the library.
Reserve items may be checked out up to three times in a row if no one else is waiting for them. After that, you may not check them out again for 1-2 days in order to give others a chance to use them.
Reserve materials are typically in high demand and may not be held or reserved for an individual student. If an item is checked out to another student at the time you request it and you want to be the next student allowed to use it, you'll need to check back at the desk at frequent intervals in case the item you need is returned early.
Fines for Overdue Reserve Materials
Reserve materials must be returned to the circulation desk. Because these materials are typically in high demand, materials which are not returned on time will accrue overdue fines which are higher than those for other library books:
2-hour and 4-hour items: $1 per hour per item, up to $5 per day per item.
1-day and 3-day items: $2.50 per day per item. Fines accumulate daily up to replacement cost of items. |