Frequently Asked Questions About 

Briggs Library

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Level

Circulation/Reserve Desk

Classrooms

Computer Lab

Computer Workstations/Lobby

Computer Workstations/Reference

Current Periodicals

Graduate Computer Lab

Information Desk

Interlibrary Loan 

Printers

Recent Fiction Area

Reference Room

Reference Collection

Upper Level

Blue Couches

Circulating Books

Computer Workstations

Quiet Study Areas

Special Collections

Lower Level

Bound Periodicals

Curriculum Collection

Documents

Microforms

 

Group Study Rooms

Library Hours

Photocopiers

Printers

Restrooms

More Information

Back to Top

Back to Top

The frequently asked questions are divided into three sections: services, facilities, and resources. If you have additional questions, please visit the library Information Desk, call (605) 688-5570, e-mail the SDSU Librarians or AskUs. 

Library Services

• Is sufficient staff available to help me?

  • The library has 32 full-time staff who are ready and willing to help you. The staff at the Information Desk on the main level is available to answer both general and research questions. In addition, you may call the Information Desk at: (605) 688-5570, e-mail the SDSU Librarians or AskUs. We're here to serve you!
     

• Is the staff friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and available when I need them?

  • Staff members are available during most library hours, and will do their best to meet your information needs. You may also make an appointment to meet with a librarian at your convenience by calling: (605) 688-5570. We hope you will let us know if you have questions or concerns regarding the library. 
     

• What instruction programs are available to teach me how to use the library?

  • The library offers a wide variety of instructional services for students, faculty and staff. Free classes are available on how to use multiple library resources. For more information on instruction services and a schedule of upcoming classes, visit the Instruction Services page.  
     

• Are computers available and easily accessible?

  • The library offers over 50 public computer workstations connected to the Internet and library resources. These computers also have Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel loaded on them for your use. In addition, the library houses a computer lab with 25 internet-accessible workstations, which also provide additional software programs for students to use. Laptop computers are available for checkout at the Circulation Desk for use in the library. Wireless access to the internet is also available.
     

• What ways can I access the library from my personal computer?

  • To access library resources from your personal computer if you are on campus, you simply access the Internet and go to the library's web page at:  http://lib.sdstate.edu 

  • If you are off-campus, you can access our web page, the library catalog, and several online services free of charge. However, you will need a user name and password to access electronic resources for research. For information about off-campus access, visit the Off-Campus Access to Briggs Library page.
     

• Are there fees for services, such as printing and interlibrary loan?

  • Printing and photocopying both cost 5¢ per page, color printing costs 15¢ per page, and microfilm/microfiche copies cost 5¢ per page. Interlibrary loan materials are obtained at no cost to the individual whenever possible. However, when this is not possible, an agreed-upon charge will be assessed. There is no charge to access our electronic resources from off-campus. The library does not provide a copy service at this time.
     

• How many library items may I check out and for how long?

  • There is not a limit on the number of items that you can check out. The length of check-out depends on your status (i.e. undergraduate, graduate, faculty, etc.). For more information on the duration of check-out periods, visit the Circulation Services page.

     

• Can I receive help electronically, via e-mail or instant message?

  • You can E-mail the SDSU Librarians. Librarians check this e-mail daily and will attempt to answer your question as soon as possible. You can also contact a librarian via instant message by clicking on AskUs.
     

• Does the library support distance education?

  • The library offers a wide variety of services to meet the needs of distance students. For more information, visit the Distance Library Services page, or call 1-800-786-2038.
     

• Does the library support emerging technologies such as laptops and e-books?

  • The library has implemented a wireless network system and has wireless laptops available to use in the library. You can check them out at the Circulation/Reserve Desk. In addition, the library provides access to multiple full-text e-book collections. 

Back to Top

Library Facilities

• Is there study space at the library?

  • Individual study carrels and group study tables are available on all three floors of the library. In addition, several quiet study areas are located on the upper level. Group study rooms are available on all floors of the library. Three of these rooms can be reserved ahead of time at the Circulation/Reserve Desk and others are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
     

• What are the library hours?

  • Library hours vary on holidays, weekends, and when classes are not in session. Current library hours are posted online at: http://lib.sdstate.edu/AbouttheLibrary/Hours.html
     

• Can the library accommodate any disabilities or special needs I may have?

  • The main entrance to the library is a wheelchair accessible ramp and an elevator in the lobby provides access to the upper and lower levels. In addition, one of the online catalog terminals in the lobby is available for wheelchair users. If physical difficulty in retrieving materials is encountered, library staff in the Circulation or Information Services Departments will provide assistance as needed. The library also houses an adaptive equipment room providing services for students with varying disabilities. For a more complete description of services available, see the Services to Students with Disabilities page.
     

• Is there a computer lab in the library?

  • The computer lab is down the hallway next to the stairwell on the main level. This lab offers 22 computer workstations with network connections and a variety of software programs that students need to use. There is also a scanner available in the computer lab for students to use.
     

• Does the library provide an Interlibrary Loan service?

  • The library's Interlibrary Loan Department obtains materials not owned by Briggs Library for SDSU affiliated individuals, i.e., current faculty, staff, and students. Books and photocopies of articles are obtained from other libraries, document supply services, and electronic full-text services. Whenever possible material is obtained at no cost to the individual. However, when this is not possible an agreed-upon charge will be assessed. For more information, or to fill out interlibrary loan requests online, visit the Interlibrary Loan Services page.

Back to Top

Library Resources

• How large is the library collection, and what does it include?

  • Hilton M. Briggs Library has over 620,000 books, and buys more than 10,000 new books annually. The library subscribes to more than 2,150 magazines, journals and newspapers, has 79,000 maps and 815,000 microforms, and provides access to 31,000 full-text electronic journals over the campus network. Briggs Library also has 573,000 Government Publications pieces.
     

• Is there a web-based library catalog?

  • The Briggs Library Catalog is accessible via the Web both on and off campus at no charge, and does not require a password for access. To use the Catalog, go to the library's web page at:  http://lib.sdstate.edu, and click BOOKS under FIND. The library provides an online tutorial on how to use the catalog, as well as instruction sessions.
     

• Are there electronic tools for locating magazine and journal articles?

  • The library provides access to more than 80 online databases.  These online databases are used to locate bibliographic and/or full-text information for thousands of magazine, journal, newspaper, and encyclopedia articles, as well as book chapters, proceedings, papers, and other documents. Click Articles & Databases on the library home page to see the list of databases available.
     

• Are items available on electronic reserve?

  • The library does provide an electronic reserve system. Materials are placed on reserve by instructors or library staff. For more information, visit the Reserve Services page.
     

• Are library resources available remotely?

  • Most of the library's electronic resources are available online through the library's proxy server. For more information on accessing library resources from off-campus, visit the Off-Campus Access to Briggs Library page.