Information about the Library for New Faculty

The Library staff welcomes you to Saint Xavier University!

This page provides an overview of the resources, services, and policies at the Saint Xavier University Library. The Library strives to provide faculty all the resources and services they will ever need for conducting research, and also to offer the best possible atmosphere that is conducive for studying, research and relaxation.

Chicago and Orland Park Campuses: The Library has facilities at both the Chicago and Orland Park campuses. Polices and procedures are exactly the same except for hours of operation. All Library materials at either the Chicago or Orland Park campus can be transferred to the other location in one business day.

Ordering Materials for the Library’s Collection: The Library allots $300 to each full-time faculty member for ordering Library materials. The Library will acquire the materials if they meet the purchasing guidelines and the budget permits. Faculty can order using the online purchase form. To ensure the best use of University funds, the Library has the following guidelines that faculty must follow:

Items must be requested by December 1, 2007. After December 1, the Library Director will assign remaining funds to the librarians.
Highly specialized monographs that will not assist students will not be purchased.
Items purchased must relate to a course taught at the University.
The Library Director will review requests costing more than $100.00 for a single volume or item.
Only one copy of an item will be purchased.
Material in languages other than English normally will not be purchased, unless it directly supports language courses taught at the University.
Textbooks usually are not purchased for the collection.
Paperback formats are preferred over hardbacks.
DVDs are preferred over VHS tapes.
The department or school liaison will coordinate requests from faculty that exceed their allotment and all requests from part-time faculty.

Requests for database or print journal subscriptions must be sent to the Library Director.

Additional Support for New Faculty: New faculty who need additional Library collection support for a program or focus of study can contact the Library Director.

Hours of Operation: The Library’s operating schedule at the Chicago campus is the same, year-round without interruption, even during holiday and summer breaks. The Library closes only when the University is officially closed for holidays.

Sunday: 4:00 p.m. - midnight
Monday-Thursday: 7:45 a.m. - midnight
Friday: 7:45 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: noon - 7:00 p.m.

The hours of operation at the Orland Park campus are:

Sunday: closed
Monday-Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Cougar Card: Faculty must have their SXU Cougar Card to check out books and other materials. You should never let someone else use their Cougar Card because the owner of the Card, not the borrower, is responsible for any overdue or lost book fines.

Databases: Faculty can access over 100 electronic databases in many subject areas containing more than 22,000 unique full-text journals. Access to most databases is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from any location. When accessing the databases from off-campus you will be prompted for the 14-digit SXU identification number on the bottom of the Cougar Card. If you put in this number and are denied access call the Library at (773) 298-3352 for assistance. You access the databases from the Articles and Databases page on the Library’s Web site.

Borrowing Books: The Library has a collection of over 120,000 books, and you can borrow an unlimited number of them for sixteen weeks. Faculty can renew the books by using the “My Account” button on the Library’s online catalog or by calling (773) 298-3352.

Borrowing Audiovisual Materials, DVD Players and Wireless Laptops: Faculty may borrow audiovisual materials for thirty days. DVD players and wireless laptops are only for use in the Library.

Borrowing From Other Libraries: Faculty can access the catalogs of 65 Illinois academic libraries on the Library’s Web site and directly order most items by using the “Request” button on the catalog. The items are delivered, free of charge, to the Library and the Library will send them to your office. The Library can also order materials, usually at no cost, from libraries around the world through its interlibrary loan service.

Document Delivery: Faculty can call x3352 and request a book or journal owned by the Library. The Library staff will check the materials out on your account and deliver them to your department or school office. In addition, faculty can call x3352 and request that the Library pick up materials. Normally, materials will be delivered or picked up Monday through Friday. The Library staff will include a receipt for all materials sent through document delivery. Document delivery does not include any photocopying of materials.

Classroom Instruction: The professional Library staff can provide in-class instruction for SXU faculty, tailored to the needs of the course and its students. You can request instruction through the online in-class instruction request form.

Reserves: The Library’s Reserve collection allows faculty members to make supplemental reading or viewing assignments available for students. Full details are available on the Reserves page of the Library's Web site.

Overdue and Lost Item Fines: The Library strives to provide all patrons equal access to all its resources, but it is a disservice to other patrons when items are overdue or lost. Faculty can always check the status of their account at the Library by using the “My Account” link on the Library’s homepage or in the catalog. Faculty are billed for lost materials.

Food and Drinks: Food and drinks are allowed in the Library.