< back to Off-Campus Access
Library Services for Distance Education
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I access library resources remotely?
- Yes! But you'll first need to register your barcode number with the library. Call 208-885-6559.
2. How do I find books?
- Search for books held by the University of Idaho Library in the Library Catalog. The Library Catalog also searches for books held by the University of Idaho Law Library, the Instructional Materials and Technology Center (the College of Education's Library), the University of Idaho Women's Center Library, North Idaho College's Library (in Coeur d'Alene) and Lewis-Clark State College's Library (in Lewiston).
- Search for books held by libraries worldwide in the World Cat Catalog. Use this catalog if you do not find what you need in the Library Catalog or if you do not want to limit yourself to materials in the Library Catalog.
3. Can I have the books sent to me?
- Yes - If you take classes at one of the UI Centers, you can have books mailed to your home
- Yes - If you are taking online classes and you live outside of Moscow, you can have books mailed to your home.
- Yes - If you prefer, regardless of where you take classes or live, you may opt to pick-up books ordered from the Library Catalog at the Lewis-Clark State College Library or at the North Idaho College Library. (This is generally faster than having books mailed to your home.)
- No - If you are taking online classes and live in Moscow, you need to pick-up your books from the library.
- No - If you live outside of Moscow but are taking classes on the Moscow-campus, you need to pick-up your books from the library.
4. How do I request that books be sent to me?
- To request that a book from the Library Catalog be mailed to your home, first identify the book you want. Once you find the book in the catalog, use the "Request" tab at the top of the screen. Enter your library barcode number and your last name. Select "Hold." Enter your barcode number one more time, and submit your request. If you are registered as an off campus student, the book will be sent to your mailing address.
- To request that a book from the Library Catalog be sent to the Lewis-Clark State College Library or North Idaho College Library for pick-up, first identify the book you want. Once you find the book in the catalog, use the "Request" tab at the top of the screen. Enter your library barcode number and your last name. Select "Hold." Select preferred pick-up location from the "Pick Up At:" drop-down box.
- To request that a book from World Cat be mailed to your home, set up an account for Interlibrary Loan, log in to Interlibrary Loan, select "Book" request, and enter the information about the book. (If you already have an ILL account and are searching in World Cat, you may link directly into ILL from World Cat once you find a book you would like to request. Use the "Order through Interlibrary Loan" link.)
5. How do I return books that are sent to me?
- To return a book you picked up from the UI Library, the North Idaho College Library, or the Lewis-Clark State College Library, simply return it to the location from which you picked it up.
- To return a book you received in the mail, use the enclosed mailing label to return it to the UI Library. Please be aware you are responsible for paying the postage to send the book via First Class Mail (media rates will typically result in overdue fines because of the slow rate of travel).
6. How do I find articles?
- To search for articles (journal, magazine, and newspaper) on a topic, use Find Articles. Enter your barcode number and last name at the prompt.
- To search for a specific journal, magazine, or newspaper, use the Magazine and Journal Title List. Enter your barcode number and last name at the prompt.
7. How can I find the full-text of an article I want?
- Look for a link to "Full-Text" or "PDF." If it is available, click on it. The article should appear.
- If there is no link to full-text, use "Article Linker" or "360 Link to Full Text." If a screen appears that says "FULL-TEXT," click on it. The article should appear.
- If there is no link to full-text, and upon clicking "Article Linker" or "360 Link to Full Text," a screen appears that says "The article you are looking for was not found," use Option 2, "Order from Interlibrary Loan." You will receive an email once it arrives. You can then download it from your ILL account.
8. How long will it take to receive materials?
- A courier transports books daily (except on weekends) between the UI Library, the North Idaho College Library, and Lewis-Clark State College Library, so students generally receive books in 1-3 days from the date of request.
- Books that are mailed to students are generally sent the day after the request is made, or on Monday if the request is made on a Friday.
- Books that are requested through Interlibrary Loan are dependent on the mail system; however, most arrive within two weeks. Articles requested through ILL are generally delivered electronically to your ILL account within 2 to 7 days.
9. What will I have to pay?
- There is no charge to pick-up books from and return books to the main UI Library, North Idaho College Library, or Lewis-Clark State College Library.
- There is no charge to have books mailed to you; HOWEVER, you are responsible for the postage it requires to mail them back.
10. Who can I talk to if I have more questions?
- The Reference Desk librarians can provide research assistance. Call 208-885-6584 or email libref@uidaho.edu. The desk is staffed Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- The Circulation Desk can answer questions about your barcode registration, renewals, and overdue fees. Call 208-885-6559. The desk is staffed Monday through Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to midnight, Friday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to midnight.
- Contact the Distance Education librarian, Rami Attebury, directly at rattebur@uidaho.edu or 208-885-2503.
|
