Frequently Asked Questions About 

Briggs Library

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Level

Circulation/Reserve

Laser Printers

Computer Workstations

Microcomputer Lab

Reference Room

Information Desk

Reference Collection

Computer Workstations

Indexes/Abstracts

Current Periodicals

Upper Level

Circulating Books

Special Collections

Lower Level

Documents

Bound Periodicals

Microforms

Restrooms

Photocopiers

Laser Printers

Library Hours

Group Study Rooms

More Information

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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, or E-mail the SDSU Librarians . 

Library Services

• Is sufficient staff available to help me?

  • The library has 32 full-time staff who are ready and willing to help you.  Staff at the Library Information Desk on the Main Level are available to answer both general and research questions. In addition, you may call the information desk at:  (605)688-5570, or e-mail the SDSU Librarians .  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, including 2 workstations with sound cards.  In addition, the library houses a microcomputer lab with 25 internet-accessible workstations, which also provide word-processing software programs.

• 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, library catalog, and several online services free of charge.  However, you will need a password to access electronic resources for research.  Students, faculty and staff may obtain the password by calling the Information Desk at:  (605)688-5570.  For more information on off-campus access, visit the Distance Library Services page.

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

  • Printing and photocopying both cost 5 cents per page, color printing costs 15 cents per page, and microfilm and microfiche copies cost 10 cents 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?

  • The number of items you may check out and the duration of check-out depends on your status (i.e. undergraduate, graduate, faculty, etc.).  Undergraduate students may check out up to 50 items, graduate students up to 100, and faculty and staff may check out up to 200 items.  For more information on the duration of check-out periods, visit the Circulation Services page.

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

  • You may E-mail the SDSU Librarians .  Librarians check this e-mail daily and will attempt to answer your question as soon as possible.

• 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.  In addition, the library provides access to multiple full-text e-book collections. 

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Library Facilities

• Is there study space at the library?

  • Individual study carols and group study tables are available on all three floors of the library.  In addition, the quiet study area is located on the upper level.  Several group study rooms are available on the upper and lower levels of the library.  Two can be reserved at the circulation 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/lib18/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, student assistants at the Circulation Department will obtain materials 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 Access and Services for Students with Disabilities page.

• Is there a microcomputer lab in the library?

  • The Microcomputer Lab is down the narrow hallway next to the stairwell. The Library Microcomputer Lab offers more than 25 computer workstations, with network connections and word processing software. 

• Does the library provide an Interlibrary Loan service?

  • The library's Interlibrary Loan Service 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.

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Library Resources

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

  • Hilton M. Briggs Library has over 586,000 books, and buys more than 10,000 new books annually.  The library subscribes to more than 3,200 magazines, journals and newspapers, has 78,000 maps and 815,000 microforms, and provides access to 5,500 full-text electronic journals over the campus network.  Briggs Library also has 305,000 Government Publications pieces.

• Is there a web-based library catalog?

  • The library catalog is only available online via the web.  The Briggs Library Catalog is called the SDLN Catalog, and it is accessible via the Web both on and off campus at no charge, and does not require a password for access.  To use the SDLN Catalog, go to the library's web page at:  http://lib.sdstate.edu , and click LIBRARY CATALOG found under QUICK SEARCH.  The library provides an online tutorial and quick guide 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.

• Are items available on electronic reserve?

  • The library now provides 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 Access to Library Resources from Off-Campus page.

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