Borrowing from LSU Libraries

Current faculty, staff, and properly registered students of LSU may borrow library materials from LSU Library upon presentation of a valid University identification.

Retired LSU faculty and staff may borrow library materials from LSU Library upon presentation of a valid University identification or a valid photo id. Electronic resources are available to retired faculty and staff at several designated public computers in LSU Library.

Students who are registered for classes during the current semester will be granted borrowing privileges through the first two weeks of the following semester. Graduating students' privileges will expire on graduation day of the current semester. If students have not registered by the first day of classes of the current semester, their privileges will expire two weeks after the beginning of the semester.

Some individuals not affiliated with LSU may receive limited borrowing privileges. These individuals include:

• Louisiana residents (age 18 or older) with valid photo ID
• Out-of-state residents who teach in Louisiana K-12 schools (must be requested by principal or superintendent)  
• Out-of-state residents who attend LALINC institutions (must have LALINC Card)
• Out-of-state residents working for Louisiana state agencies
• OCLC Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Program participants
• Graduate students from institutions located in other states or countries (must be requested by thesis advisor, department head, or a librarian at their home institution)
• The LSU Libraries will revoke a Public Patron Card in the event of misuse or if we receive information that the patron is no longer welcome on campus. Revocation of a Public Patron Card may result in permanent denial of Public Patron Card privileges.

Individuals may request a Public Patron Card and be processed during the following times (barring holidays, school breaks, and special hours). Call Access Services (225) 578-2058 to confirm the hours.

• 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Mon-Fri
• 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Sun

Letters requesting special borrowing privileges should be submitted to the Head of Circulation Services or to the Dean of Libraries and must be accompanied by proof of eligibility.

Public Patrons may borrow up to 10 books for a period of 28 days. Audio-Visual items circulate for 7 days. All Special Borrowers are subject to all rules and regulations including all library fees.

Due to licensing restrictions, remote access to electronic products is not available to Public Patrons. Also, Interlibrary Loan services are only available to Visiting Scholars.

What is the Reserve Desk?

The Reserve Desk houses material instructors require their students to read during a regular semester. This can include such materials as library books, tapes, and the professor's personal books on Reserve for their students. Journal articles that the Library owns can be scanned, as long as they include the copyright page, and sent to a professor through e-mail by the Reserve Desk staff. Then the professor will make them available through Moodle as required course reading.

How do I check material out from the Reserve Desk

You must come to Reserve Desk with the call number, professor's name, or book title. You may find this information on the library catalog reserves page, where reserve items are arranged by course name or instructor's name. Find the call number you need under the course, write it down, and someone behind the desk will get the book for you. If you are unable to find the information, the staff at the desk will be happy to try to assist you. NOTE: A valid LSU ID is required in order to check out Reserve materials.

How long can I have the Material?

The purple, pink, yellow, green and blue slips inside each reserve book will tell you the exact date and time your material is to be returned. Currently there are 5 circulation options:

1. 2hrs/ BUILDING USE ONLY: This material circulates for 2 hours and cannot leave the building.
2. 2hrs/ Overnight: This material circulates for 2 hours and can be taken out of the library overnight if the item is checked out less than 2 hours before closing.
3. 1-Day Reserve: This material will circulate for one 24 hour period. The material will be due the following day at the same time it was checked out.
4. 3-Day Reserve: This material circulates for 72 hours. The material is due in 3 days at the same time it was checked out.
5. 7-day Reserve This material circulates for 168 hours. The material is due back in 7 days at the same time it was checked out.

The circulation period for the Reserve book is too short. How can I get more time with the book?

The instructors choose which circulation period that they want us to use for each title. You need to speak to your instructor if you disagree with the amount of time given for an item.

How much are the overdue fines for reserve books?

The Reserve Desk charges are $1.50/ per hour that each reserve material is late.

Am I allowed to renew materials that I have already checked out?

Reserve materials may not be renewed. If, however, the material is not checked out by another patron within 15 minutes of your returning it, you may check the material out again.

What happens if I cannot find my class on Reserve?

Everything that is currently available at the Reserve Desk for circulation will be on Reserve Desk online catalog: If the course is not on Reserve a few things can be happening.

1. The list has not been processed yet. The Reserve Desk deals on a first come, first serve basis. The beginning of the semester is very busy for the Reserve Desk. Materials will be delayed in getting on Reserve if an instructor does not bring his/her material in early.
2. The instruction may not have submitted his/her list to the Reserve office on time.
3. Check with the instructor to make sure the material has been requested.

How do I Contact the Reserve Desk?

Contact person: Frances Watson
Phone number: 225 578-1407
Email address: fwatson@lsu.edu