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Pfau Library FAQ

Find what you need in our searchable FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).

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How does the Interlibrary Loan service (ILL) work?

192334 views   |   Last updated on Aug 11, 2022   

Interlibrary Loan (also called ILL) helps you get copies of articles, books, book chapters, or physical media like DVDs that the CSUSB libraries do not have. ILL service is free for current CSUSB students and employees. Articles and book chapters are delivered as PDFs and are yours to keep once you download and save them offline. Physical objects like books are sent to the library of your choice (... Read more about: How does the Interlibrary Loan service (ILL) work?


Where do I get a student ID (Coyote OneCard)?

188725 views   |   Last updated on Mar 15, 2019   

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)?


How do I get to a classroom on the 2nd (second) floor?

187831 views   |   Last updated on Aug 28, 2019   

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?


How do I get to PL-2005 (the Library Instruction classroom)?

186666 views   |   Last updated on Aug 04, 2021   

  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)?


How do I find articles?

186503 views   |   Last updated on Aug 07, 2020   

Start with one of the library's Article Databases. Get a quick how-to in our Library Guide, Finding Articles. We also have two short video tutorials:  Using OneSearch to Get Books, Articles, and More Find Articles in a Database   ... Read more about: How do I find articles?


What time does the library open/close (hours)?

186409 views   |   Last updated on Nov 15, 2021   

The current hours for the whole library and individual departments and service points appear on the right hand side of website. See also our page of all library service hours.... Read more about: What time does the library open/close (hours)?


Is there a librarian I can speak to in my major/discipline?

186126 views   |   Last updated on Aug 04, 2021   

Yes!  Each department on campus has an assigned librarian liaison/subject specialist. Once you know which librarian you need, make an appointment with them.... Read more about: Is there a librarian I can speak to in my major/discipline?


Does the library have ebooks?

186113 views   |   Last updated on Nov 19, 2021   

Yes, many! Find ebooks in the Pfau Library's online catalog, OneSearch.Tip: stick to the section labeled "Books & Media CSUSB," then choose the limiter "Full text online."  We also have a list of Book Databases. For advice on working with ebooks, see our Library Guide on Ebooks at Pfau Library. Or, try our short video demo, Ebook Walk-Through. ... Read more about: Does the library have ebooks?


How do I find scholarly/peer-reviewed articles?

185949 views   |   Last updated on Aug 07, 2020   

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. Start with one of the library's Article Databases. Get a quick how-to in our Library Guide, Finding Articles. We also have two short video tutoria... Read more about: How do I find scholarly/peer-reviewed articles?


Does the library have group study rooms?

185896 views   |   Last updated on Apr 11, 2022   

  Yes, we do.  Nineteen group study rooms on 3rd-5th floors, six individual study carrels on 4th floor, and two "Multimedia Collaboration Rooms" on 5th floor may be reserved in advance. One additional room, PL-503, is designated as a "Multi-Group Study Room," with several tables to accommodate more than one group. The Multi-Group Study Room cannot be reserved in advance, and you must be willing to... Read more about: Does the library have group study rooms?


How do I pay for printing or photocopying?

185890 views   |   Last updated on Oct 11, 2021   

  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 Printing in the Library. Please note that damaged ID cards may not be accepted by the machines even if they have sufficient funds. ... Read more about: How do I pay for printing or photocopying?


How can I choose the best keywords for my search?

185807 views   |   Last updated on Aug 04, 2021   

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 be 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?


How do I get a refund for printing or photocopying?

185758 views   |   Last updated on Oct 11, 2021   

Printing or 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 ... Read more about: How do I get a refund for printing or photocopying?


Do you have (rent) movies (DVD/Blu-Ray)?

185551 views   |   Last updated on Aug 04, 2021   

Yes! Use the Pfau Library's online catalog, OneSearch, to find them.  See step-by-step instructions for finding media in OneSearch.  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)?


Can I return books when the library is closed?

185429 views   |   Last updated on Aug 24, 2021   

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 media to the exterior library return boxes. There are two on the San Bernardino campus and one on the PDC campus.  Show me where they are.  WARNING! The book drops are only for library books or media. Library laptops and equipment must not put into the outside book drops, to ... Read more about: Can I return books when the library is closed?


How do I renew a book or other library item that I have checked out?

185216 views   |   Last updated on May 20, 2022   

Regular library books (not in Course Reserves) are automatically renewed after 8 weeks, for a total 16-week check out period, so normally there is no need to renew them. After the 16 weeks, the book must be returned to the library. 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-Ou... Read more about: How do I renew a book or other library item that I have checked out?


I have a question, can I call (telephone) someone?

185175 views   |   Last updated on Aug 04, 2021   

For research help or general questions, use the Ask a Librarian service (big blue button on our website). 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?


Is there a limit to how many books I can check out?

184136 views   |   Last updated on Aug 04, 2021   

There's no limit for current students, staff, and faculty members; however, you are limited to 5 requests per day when using our contact-free check out system. Alumni and Library Associates may check out five items at a time. Find out more at our page on Check-Out Policies. ... Read more about: Is there a limit to how many books I can check out?


Do you have the textbook for my course?

75313 views   |   Last updated on Aug 11, 2022   

Maybe! We try very hard to make as many textbooks available as possible, but we are unable to offer every single one. Some we can get as ebooks, so that you can use them online. If we have the one you need in print, it will probably be kept at the Course Reserves Desk on our 1st floor.   How to find out if we have the textbook you want. How does Course Reserves work? Textbooks in our Course Reserv... Read more about: Do you have the textbook for my course?


Can I add money to my ID card (Coyote OneCard) with an ATM or credit card?

74737 views   |   Last updated on Dec 23, 2019   

Yes! You can do so online: Login to MyCoyote.  Click on Student Center. Click on Finances (only on smartphone) Click Make a Payment, then Next Click the Make Payment tab. Look for the option Flex Cash Online Payments. Funds usually transfer immediately, but it may take up to 5 minutes for funds to become available.  Please note that you cannot transfer funds onto a Cash Value Card purchased from... Read more about: Can I add money to my ID card (Coyote OneCard) with an ATM or credit card?


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