Borrowing Books from Other Louisiana Libraries

LSU Online Support

LOUIS is a consortium of public and private college and university libraries in the state of Louisiana. It enables students and faculty of Louisiana colleges and universities to borrow materials from member libraries.

Eligibility

Each library determines its level of participation. LSU Libraries issues LOUIS Reciprocal Borrower's Cards to LSU faculty, staff, and students for use at other LOUIS institutions. It honors cards from other institutions issued to faculty, staff, and students.

To request a LOUIS Reciprocal Borrowing card

  1. The LSU DE student applies for a LOUIS Reciprocal Borrower's Card using the online LOUIS Reciprocal Borrower's Card application form.
  2. The LSU Libraries' Access Services Department verifies that the student is registered for DE classes and prepares and mails the LOUIS Reciprocal Borrower's Card to the DE student.
  3. The DE student presents the LOUIS Reciprocal Borrower's Card at the circulation desk of the LOUIS library that they wish to use.
  4. Each LOUIS library determines the local procedure for using the LOUIS Reciprocal Borrower's Card, so each has a unique procedure for checking out materials. Some issue a temporary checkout card, valid for the semester, to the student. Some hold the LOUIS Reciprocal Borrower's Card while reserve materials are being used. Students may use a LOUIS Reciprocal Borrower's Card at any participating library but must abide by the policies and procedures of each library.
  5. The level of LOUIS library privileges is set by individual libraries, so privileges vary somewhat from library to library. Detailed information about LOUIS privileges can be found on the LOUIS Resource Sharing information page. Although interlibrary loan (ILL) privileges are not usually available to those using LOUIS Reciprocal Borrower's Card, they are available to DE students. If neither the site library nor the LSU Libraries owns needed material, the DE student can request it through ILL at the LOUIS library.

Accessing Services at LOUIS Libraries

Services to distance education students vary by library because each participating library has policies and procedures unique to its clientele. However, the following information should be helpful:

  • When requesting assistance, always identify yourself as an LSU distance education student.
  • When Interlibrary Loan services are needed from the library, ask for directions for submitting a request. You will be required to show your LOUIS Reciprocal Borrower's Card (DE student should be checked) and a picture ID.
  • Check out circulating collections of other Louisiana academic libraries by using a LOUIS Reciprocal Borrowing card.
  • Staff members at LOUIS libraries are extremely supportive of LSU distance education students, but this is a specialized service so some staff might not be familiar with the program. If necessary, ask if anyone else might have additional information.
  • Out-of-state students should request services at the nearest public library.