Reserves FAQ

What are reserves?

Reserves are course materials that professors ask The Library to set aside for their students. Course materials may include books, articles, audiovisual materials, and course packs.

How do I know if my assigned readings are on reserve?

Professors will inform you at the beginning of the semester if they have placed materials on reserve. If you are unsure whether an item is on reserve, please check the reserves catalog in ALEPH.

Where in The Library can I find reserve readings?

The reserves desk is the same as the circulation desk. The circulation desk is located at the entrance to The Library.

How do I check out reserve materials?

To check out reserve materials, you must present your ID and the item's call number to the circulation-desk staff. If you are requesting an article, please know the article's title and the course number.

How many reserve items may I take out at a time?

You may check out up to three reserve items at one time.

May I take reserve items out of The Library?

Reserve items may be taken out of The Library; however, please be sure to inform the circulation desk that you will be leaving The Library with the materials.

For how long may I keep reserve items?

A reserve item may be kept out for two hours at a time. It can be renewed for an additional two hours if no one else has requested it.

What are the fines on reserve items?

Late reserve items are fined at $1/hour. There is no grace period for reserve items.

How do I find the call number for a reserve item?

The call number for a reserve item can be found in both the main catalog of ALEPH and in the reserves catalog. Please note that articles and course packs are listed by professor's name and course number—not by call number. If you need help with searching ALEPH, please ask at either the reference or circulation desk.

How do I determine if an item is on reserve?

Often your professor will let you know if an item is on reserve. You can also locate a record for the item in ALEPH and then check the holdings screen. If you need help learning how to search ALEPH or check for the item's holdings status, please ask at either the reference or circulation desk.

What if the item I need is an article, course pack or personal copy?

Articles are indexed by title under the professor's name and course number. Articles are not indexed by the periodical or book from which they were taken. Course packs are listed by professor's name and course number. Personal copies are only listed by title. Please have all of the appropriate information ready when coming to the reserve desk.

What if my professor says an item is on reserve and it is not?

Sometimes there are miscommunications between the professor and The Library as to what has been put on reserve. When this happens, we do our best to help students locate the materials they need for their courses.

Can reserve items be taken out overnight or over the weekend?

Reserve items may be taken out overnight--they may be checked out only during the last two hours that The Library is open. They are due back by 9:00 a.m. the next day on weekdays. Reserve items taken out within two hours of closing on Friday are due back by 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.

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