Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Library open? Hours for both the Chicago and Orland park campuses are posted on our website. The Library closes only on days specified by the SXU administration.

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Do I need permission to use the Library? No. SXU faculty and students are free to use the Library, and you don't need to show a permit to enter the Library. Persons not affiliated with SXU have limited access rights.

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Can I use the computers? Desktop and wireless laptop computers are available for free to all SXU faculty and students. You must present your Cougar Card to borrow a laptop. For administrative and legal reasons, the playing of games or viewing pornography is not permitted.

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Where are the photocopiers? The Library maintains a copier on the on the main floor of the Library and on the lower level. The copiers use either the SXU Cougar Card or coins, with copies costing ten cents per page. The microfiche and microfilm machines use either the Cougar Card or coins, also at a cost of ten cents per page. Patrons may use personal scanners or digital cameras in the Library.

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Where is the card catalog? The Library uses an electronic card catalog. Type in a subject, name of a person, event, or other terms and click on Search. The catalog will tell you what items are in the Library, newest items listed first. You can also make more specialized searches if you like.

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How do I find a journal or magazine article? The Library subscribes to over 100 print journals and magazines and has access to full-text articles from over 22,000 electronic journals. To find the electronic articles, go to the Articles and Databases and click on the appropriate database. To find if the Library has a specific journal title, click on our alphabetical list of titles.

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Can I use the journal databases from home? You can access many of the databases from home but you first must be registered at the Library. When accessing the databases from off-campus you may be prompted for the 14-digit number on the bottom of your Cougar Card. If you put in this number and you are denied access you can call the Library at (773) 298-3352 for assistance. Not all databases allow off-site access.

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How do I find a book? The Library's item locations are posted on the web.

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How do I check books out? Bring the books to the main desk by the front door and the staff will check them out for you. You must have your current Cougar Card to check out books. Never let someone else use your ID because the owner of the ID, not the borrower, is responsible for any overdue fines. You can renew books online using the “My Account” button on the Library’s catalog or by calling (773) 298-3352.

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When are my books due? Students can borrow books for eight weeks, faculty for sixteen weeks. You may renew materials as many times as needed if no one else has requested them. Items may be renewed either at the Library’s circulation desk, by phone or through the online catalog.

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