Catalog-An online tool that allows you to see what books are in the library, where they are located, if they are checked out, and more.
Course Reserves- An instructor may ask the library to keep a book at the Patron Services Desk (across from Einstein’s), with a much shorter checkout period than normal (a few days or a few hours). If everyone in the class needs the book, this prevents one person from taking the book home. When you ask for course reserves, it’s best to know your instructor’s name and course number.
Database- An online tool that you can access through the library website to find articles and other resources that you’ll need to complete your work.
Due date-The day that you should bring your book back to the library. To renew your book (ask for a later due date), log in to your library account.
Hold on a book- A request that you can place ion a book to be next in line to check it out. When you place a hold on a book, we keep it at the Patron Services Desk when it is returned, and email you to let you know it is ready.
Hold on your library account- When you have a book that is more than four weeks overdue, return a book that is damaged, or lose your book, a hold is placed on your account that prevents you from checking out any more books. This can also prevent you from registering for classes, or even getting your transcript or diploma. Of course, we will email you to remind you to return the book or pay for a replacement before these things happen.
ILLiad- The system used to request and access Interlibrary Loan articles (see below).
Interlibrary Loan (also called ILL)-A system that allows you to request free access to articles. These may be articles that you find using SLuth or library databases that do not have on-click access, or articles that you find on the open web (Google) and are not available through the library. Almost all requests can be filled, and it’s always free. Put in a request, and you’ll get an email at your SLU address in a few business days linking to the article. Download the PDF to keep it forever, but it will disappear from ILLiad in a few weeks.
Lewis Annex- An addition in the Northeast corner of the library- look for the ramp on the 2nd floor to enter the Annex. Here you can find quiet study spaces, Books A-D, oversized reference books, current periodicals and more. The floors of Lewis annex are numbered differently than the rest of the library.
Library Account- Log in to see what books you have checked out, when they are due, and renew books
Library Book- The library has many books- these are to use as sources for your research papers and other projects, or to read for fun.
Mobius- An agreement that allows SLU students to request books from many other libraries. If we don’t have a book, or the book you want is checked out, you can request to pick it up at your library using Mobius. It will take a few days, depending on what library sends the book, but it’s free and convenient.
Overdue book- A book that is kept past the due date.
Patron Services Desk-The big desk near Einstein’s Bagels. This is where you take books to check out, return, or ask a question about the library.
Reference Book- A book like an encyclopedia or dictionary, that you refer to quickly and use to find more information on your topic. We also have many reference resources online through the library website or as ebooks. These are a good alternative to open webs sources like Wikipedia that are not acceptable sources for your assignments.
Renew- Ask to keep a book longer than the due date. Unless someone else requests the book, you can usually renew it twice.
Research guide- A web page that links to suggested resources (databases, books, websites, etc) for your class, major, or other topics.
SLUth- The main search box on the library homepage; it searches almost all of the online and physical resources in the library.
Subject Librarian- A librarian that works with your major or class. Any librarian can help you, but your subject librarian may have more knowledge of the subject matter.
Textbook- The book that your instructor requires all students have for class. These can be purchased or rented at the bookstore in the Busch Student Center. The library does not have textbooks.