How do I check out a book?

First, search the library catalog (OneSearch) for a book that you would like to check out. If you need help finding a book, you can visit the Information Desk on Level 1 of the library, or contact a librarian through the chat box on the library's Get Help page. 

Also, see the video How to: Search for Books

Write down the call number and location to find the book in the library. Based on the location, you may be able to find the book yourself in the library or you may need to request it. 

Also, see the video How to: Find Books in the Library

Retrieving a Book from the Main Stacks, Oversize Stacks, Curriculum Materials Collection, or Popular Reading Collection

Make a note of the book's Location (i.e. Main Stacks) and Call Number (i.e. BS2556 .S36 2009), so that you can retrieve the book. Use the Building Directory to find the location and call number, or ask at any service desk for more help. 

If you are not currently in the library, you can select the Request button on the record page. Library staff will find the book for you and the book will be on hold for you at the Circulation Desk. For more details about retrieval time and how long the book will be held, see Book and Media Retrieval.

Requesting a Book from Basement Storage

If the catalog indicates "Basement Storage" as the location of a book, you can request the book from the Basement and then pick it up at the Circulation Desk. For more details about retrieval time and how long the book will be held, see Book and Media Retrieval.

Retrieving an Item from Archives and Special Collections

If the catalog indicates "Special Collections" as the location of an item, you should contact Archives and Special Collections to request an appointment to view the item. Items in Archives and Special Collections cannot be checked out or taken from the Special Collections area.

Check out your books

1. You can present your OneCard to the person at the Circulation Desk, so that they can check out the book on your library record.
2. Or, you can use either of the two self-checkout kiosks, located next to the Circulation Desk on Level 1 and the ITS Service Desk on Level 2, to check out the book on your library record.

Self-checkout Kiosk at the ITS Service Desk