Pfau Library FAQ

If we don't have a particular item you need, just ask for it, and we'll get you a copy from a library that does have it. When you are in OneSearch, or using our "Search for Full Text" button, you may encounter a message that you can request delivery of an item through Interlibrary Loan. Clicking the link will take you to our Interlibrary Loan system, called ILLiad. If it's your first time logging ... Read more about: How does ILLiad/Interlibrary Loan work?

Get your ID in the Technology Support Center, PL-1108.  If you are facing the front of the library, go to the far left-hand end of the building.  It's known as the "Wedge" because of its unusual shape. More information on the OneCard. Once you have your Coyote OneCard, ALWAYS bring it with you when you come to the library--you will need it to print and to check out course reserve textbooks, lapto... Read more about: Where do I get a student ID (Coyote OneCard)?

The PL second floor and basement classrooms have special classroom-only entrances (see photo below) for security reasons.  Do not enter the Pfau Library (where the Starbucks and all those books are)! Second floor classrooms include PL-211, 214, 217, 224, 245, 256, 263, 266, 269, 277, 283, 287, 293, or any 3-digit PL room number that begins with 2.  For more detail with additional photos, see the S... Read more about: How do I get to a classroom on the 2nd (second) floor?

There are 3 second floors in the PL building (yes, really!).  Please see our guide, PL-2005: How to Get There. ... Read more about: How do I get to PL-2005 (the Library Instruction classroom)?

Currently registered CSUSB students can check out laptops (Mac or HP) at the Check-Out Desk on the 1st floor.  The first time you check out a laptop, you will have to fill out and sign an “Equipment Responsibility Form”.  Laptops are capable of running either Windows or Mac OS and may be checked out for 4 hours.  They may be renewed once either online via My Library Account or in person. See if an... Read more about: Where can I check out a laptop?

There are many ways! Try our guide on Finding Articles and/or watch the video below.   Finding Articles in a database... Read more about: How do I find articles?

Each department on campus has an assigned librarian liaison/subject specialist. You can make an appointment to see yours.... Read more about: Is there a librarian I can speak to in my major/discipline?

The library's hours vary during classes and break, see all library service hours.... Read more about: What time does the library open/close (hours)?

Check our map of electrical options: Plug In, Charge Up! (PDF) A charging station with a variety of cords is located on the 1st floor of the library, in the Reference area.  Two secure charging stations allow you to lock up your device while charging it. One is on the 1st near the Featured Magazines shelves, and one is on the 2nd floor, across from the elevators. A charging table, with various cor... Read more about: How can I charge my phone or tablet?

Yes, many, but they don't work quite the same way as books you buy for your Kindle or Nook. In general, it's best to just read them online rather than trying to download them, but in some cases, you can download a portion of the book as a PDF file to keep. You can find ebooks in the Pfau Library's online catalog, OneSearch, or check our list of ebook databases. For advice on working with ebooks, s... Read more about: Does the library have ebooks?

For personalized help choosing the best keywords for your topic, speak to a reference librarian at the Research Assistance Desk. For general advice, see our guide to Choosing Keywords. If you're making no progress, the problem may lie with the way you have defined your topic, rather than your choice of keywords. View this guide with advice on narrowing a topic. ... Read more about: How can I choose the best keywords for my search?

Nearly all of the library's databases contain many articles from scholarly journals; also called peer-reviewed, refereed, or academic journals. When you do a search, look for an option (usually a check box) to limit your search to this type of material. For help understanding and recognizing scholarly sources, view our quick videos What are Scholarly Journals? and Popular and Scholarly Sources: Th... Read more about: How do I find scholarly/peer-reviewed articles?

Yes, we have several study rooms for groups and for individuals. Some can be reserved ahead of time, and others are first come, first served. See Study Rooms for details. View the Map of Group Study Rooms (PDF). ... Read more about: Does the library have group study rooms?

PRINTING AND ADDING VALUE TO CARD: If you have problems while printing or adding value to your card and lose money, see the librarian at the Research Assistance Desk. If no one is there, fill out one of the small beige forms next to either print station and give it to a staff member at the Check-Out Desk. Refunds will be issued directly back to your card and can take up to two weeks. COPYING: If y... Read more about: How do I get a refund?

You must have a card (either a Coyote OneCard or Visitor Card) loaded with funds to pay for printing or photocopying. There are no direct cash payment options for printing in the library. See our guide for more about Using the Printers. Please note that damaged ID cards may not be accepted by the machines even if they have sufficient funds.  Get a replacement card at the Technology Support Center;... Read more about: How do I pay for printing or photocopying?

Yes! Use the Pfau Library's online catalog, OneSearch, to find them.  Type in a title and click Search.  Then use the Location limit (found on the left side of the screen near the bottom) to select DVDs or Blu-rays.  We also have streaming video collections. And no, we don't rent them, we let you borrow them for free.... Read more about: Do you have (rent) movies (DVD/Blu-Ray)?

Yes. For research help or general questions, call the Research Assistance Desk (Reference) 909-537-5091. For questions related to checking out materials, reserves, renewals, fines, and membership cards, call the Check-Out Desk (Circulation) 909-537-5090.... Read more about: I have a question, can I call (telephone) someone?

Login to My Library Account to renew your library items online. Here is our guide, My Library Account: How to Use It if you need it. You may also bring your items to the library Check-Out Desk to renew them in person. Please note that not all library items can be renewed, such as materials from Course Reserves and DVDs. Other items have a limited number of renewals. For more information, see Check... Read more about: How do I renew a book, laptop, or other library item that I have checked out?

Yes, but they won't be checked in until the next day the library is open. If the library is closed, please return books and DVDs/CDs to the outside book drops. One is north of the library, on the way from the library exit to the east-west walkway. The other bookdrop is in the drive-up/turnaround entrance to campus from University Parkway, near the flagpoles. WARNING! The book drops are only for li... Read more about: Can I return books when the library is closed?

There's no limit for current students, staff, and faculty members; you can check out as many books as you can carry. Alumni and Library Associates may check out five items at a time. Find out more at our page on Services: Check-Out/Renewal. ... Read more about: Is there a limit to how many books I can check out?