2 views | Last updated on Jan 15, 2026
When CSUSB Libraries do not have an item (journal and newspaper articles, book chapters, books, DVDs, CDs, and more) in our own collection, we endeavor to find those items and borrow them from other libraries. Sometimes we are able to borrow those academic materials from other CSU libraries and sometimes we borrow those materials from libraries in another state or further. However, not everything can be borrowed. Libraries may refuse to loan materials or place limitations on the use of their materials. Please read below for some common material types that may be difficult for us to obtain for you.
Current Textbooks -- Many libraries do not loan textbooks of any kind or shorten their loan periods if they do loan.
Material published or released within the current or past year -- Libraries sometimes take months or longer to acquire newly released titles, and they may be in high demand with their own patrons. If we cannot borrow a newly released title, please consider submitting a request at later date.
Popular Fiction or Recreational Materials -- Most of these materials are held by public libraries which have limited loan periods. Check with your local public library for access.
Theses/Dissertation -- Usually only owned by the college or university library where the degree was granted. Newer theses may be available online in the campus institutional repository or through the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Full Text database. Older and theses outside the U.S. may not be possible to borrow.
Audio/Visual Materials -- Media formats are increasingly easier to borrow than in years past, although there are still libraries that do not lend their media.
Microforms -- Microforms (mainly historical newspapers) are increasingly easier to borrow than in years past, although there are still libraries that do not lend their Microforms.
Specialized Journals -- Journals, periodicals and magazines are usually impossible or highly costly to replace if they are lost or damaged, so most libraries will not loan them.
Artworks and Exhibition Catalogs -- Often these materials are only owned by one library and few copies exist elsewhere. They are too valuable, historically significant, or irreplaceable to risk having them shipped
Rare books, Genealogical and Archival research materials -- Rare books, genealogical works, and archival papers are often not loaned by libraries. These items are typically owned by few libraries and are irreplaceable if lost or damaged.