Information about the Library for New Students

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 students 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.

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: Students 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: Students 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 can 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 eight weeks. Students can renew the books once by using the “My Account” button on the Library’s online catalog or by calling (773) 298-3352. You may request a receipt for returned materials. If you claim an item has been returned, you must have it or the receipt; otherwise, you will be charged for any fines that are due. The Library’s circulation system is the point of record for any disputes over time of borrowing, returns or charges.

Borrowing Audiovisual Materials, DVD Players and Wireless Laptops: You must have your Cougar Card to borrow these items. DVD players and laptops are only for use in the Library.

Borrowing From Other Libraries: Students 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, where they can be picked up. The Library can also order materials, usually at no cost, from libraries around the world through its interlibrary loan service.

Overdue and Lost Book Fines: The Library strives to provide all patrons equal access to all its resources, but it is a disservice to other patrons when books are overdue or lost. Students can always check the status of their account at the Library by using the “My Account” feature on the Library’s catalog. You are liable to fines for overdue, damaged and lost items whether or not a notice is received. For specifics on the overdue and lost items policies, see the Borrowing page on the Library's Web site. Overdue fines and fees for damaged or lost books are paid at the Business Office, and are non-refundable. The Library does not have an amnesty day for returning overdue and lost materials.

Food and Drinks: Students have very busy schedules, so food and drinks are allowed. We ask that you place your own trash in one of the garbage cans located around the Library.

Research Assistance: The librarians and staff are here to help students conduct research. There are no costs for providing assistance. We understand that for many students library research at the college level can be a daunting experience. If you are in the Library, feel free to ask any staff person for assistance. If you are not in the Library call (773) 298-3364 or use one of the online help forms on the Library’s Web site.