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. Clicking the link will take you to our Interlibrary Loan system, called ILLiad. If it's your first time logging in to ILLiad, you'll be asked to fill out your personal information. You only need to do that once; the system will remember it from then on. Pay careful attention to ... Read more about: How does ILLiad/Interlibrary Loan work?

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?

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)?

You cannot use the stairs or elevator inside the library itself! The classrooms have an outside entrance for security reasons. There is a staircase to the left of the front library entrance, if you are facing the library. There are two staircases and an elevator to the right of the front library entrance (around the corner), if you are facing the library. Map of Pfau Library (go to page A-3 for se... Read more about: How do I get to a classroom on the 2nd (second) floor?

From the first floor, use either the staircase at the end of the hall in front of the elevators or the pair of elevators closest to that staircase to get there. ... Read more about: How do I get to PL-2005 (the Library Instruction classroom)?

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

At the Check-Out Desk on the 1st floor, but only if you are a currently registered CSUSB student. Your first time, you will be asked to fill-out and sign the “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 any laptops are currently available at the... Read more about: Where can I check out a laptop?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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)?

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?

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?

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?

Login to My Library Account to renew your library items online.  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-Out/Renewals. ... Read more about: How do I renew a book, laptop, or other library item that I have checked out?

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?

Yes, but they won't be checked in until the next day the library is open. If the library is closed, you may use the outside book drops. One is near the northeast corner of the library building, near the outside elevators. Two more are in the drive-up/turnaround entrance to campus from University Parkway, near the flagpoles. For more info, see Returning Books is Easy. WARNING! The book drops are on... Read more about: Can I return books when the library is closed?

There are outlets throughout the library, and many are convenient to tables or other seating. For complete details, see our map: Plug In, Charge Up! (PDF) Several tables on the 1st and 2nd  floors have outlets on the tabletop; some have both USB ports and electrical outlets. We also have several upholstered seating units around our 1st and 2nd floors with outlets on the tabletop. Most of the study... Read more about: Where can I plug in my laptop or other device?