Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at the Library
How
Who
What
Where
How
How do I get a library card or barcode number?
- Your GSU student ID card serves as your library card. The barcode number printed on it is your Library ID or borrower ID number. If you do not have a student ID card, please contact the Circulation Desk by phone at 708-534-4112 or by email.
How do I print?
- Instructions for printing from campus computers and from any Internet connected device.
How do I find a course reserve number?
- Go to the Library homepage and click the “Course Reserves” box in the lower right corner of the links box. You can use the drop-down menus to search by instructor, department or course (or all three). The quickest method is to use the drop-down menu for your specific course. Select your course, hit search, and a list of materials on reserve for that course will be retrieved. Check the status of the item. If it is available or recently checked in, copy down the call number and bring it to the Circulation Desk to receive your item. If it is unavailable, please check back later.
How do I find books in the GSU Library?
- Use GSU Online Catalog to find books & other materials at GSU and the other I-Share Libraries.
How do I request a book through I-Share?
- 1. Do a search and identify the title you want to request.
2. To request it in the I-Share catalog, click the "Request This Item" link that appears below the Status information on the Location tab or click the "Request 1st Available" tab on the Record page.
3. If you have not already logged in, you'll be prompted to do so at this point.
4. Log in with your username and password.*
5. Select the location at which you would like to pick up the item and submit the request.
*If you do not already have a username, click on Create New Account to create one. You will enter your first and last name, the email of your choice, and the username and password of your choice. You will also enter your borrower ID (the barcode number on your GSU student ID), your last name and select Governors State University from the dropdown menu. Click on Submit.
In the future, all you'll need to do is sign on with this username and password. Please make a note of the username and password you have chosen. If you forget your password in the future, you will need to know the email address you have associated with this account.
How do I find books at other Illinois libraries?
How do I find journal article citations?
- Click here for an alphabetical list of databases. For a list of databases by subject go to the Subject Area Resource Page and choose the subject you are interested in.
How do I find full-text articles?
- Databases with some or all full-text articles will have the following icon
next to the name of the database. When you have completed the search, look for the words full-text html or full text pdf next to the citation.
Complete Reference means all available information: title, source, author, abstract, subject headings, etc. It does not necessarily mean 100% full-text.
How do I access the library's databases from home/off campus?
- GSU students can access the library's databases from the Journals/Databases A-Z page. Select the desired database and you will be prompted for you myGSU Portal Username and Password.
How do I access the library's databases if I am a distance education student?
How do I renew my books?
Please refer to this handout for step by step directions.
How do I cite references for my bibliography?
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Who
Who can use the GSU Library?
The GSU Library is open to the public. Children under the age of 16 need to be accompanied by an adult. The library's books, journals, newspapers, government documents, and databases are available to all on-site. The GSU library catalog can be searched from off-campus by everyone, but only currently reguistered students may access online journals and databases and utiltize library catalog services (Interlibrary Loan, accessing your account).
Who can check out books?
GSU Students and Faculty
GSU students can check out books with a valid GSU I.D. Faculty and staff must also have a GSU I.D.. Please click here for information on how to use your GSU ID.
GSU Alumni
GSU Alumni must have a current GSU Alumni ID. Please click here for information on how to use your GSU Alumni Information.
Students From I-Share Participating Universities and Colleges and SMRHEC Schools
Students from other universities that participate in the I-Share program (click here to check if your school participates) may use their valid university I.D. They must also be in their university library's circulation database.
Students who attend a college in the South Metropolitan Regional Higher Education Consortium (SMRHEC) may also check out books.
Who can request ILL's? (Interlibrary Loans)
Only currently enrolled GSU students, GSU faculty and staff may request library materials through Interlibrary Loan. Currently enrolled GSU students must have a valid GSU I.D. Please click here for the GSU Interlibrary Loan Policy.
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What
What are the library's hours?
What holidays is the library closed?
For a current GSU calendar, please click here.
What databases can I access off campus?
What newspapers does GSU Subscribe to?
Click on
Newspaper to see the complete list. If you have a question, call the Serials department at: 708-534-4116.
What is the difference between a journal and a magazine?
Here are two web sites that explain the differences between magazines and journals:
What technology is offered in the Library?
- More than 50 computer workstations, 2 with Automatic Document Feeder scanners
- 2 printing stations
- 2 copiers
- Typewriter
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Where
Connected to the City of Chicago and surrounding farm communities by commuter rail and major expressways, access to GSU is easy and direct. Amid 760 acres of prairie, GSU offers access to vital urban, teeming suburban, and vibrant country life.
Maps and Directions
The library can be found by entering through the Main Doors between the C and D wing. If you continue through the foyer and up the flight of stairs (or elevator to the second floor), the library is located to your left.
Where is Governors State University located?
By Train
Direct from Chicago's Millenium Park to University Park, Governors State is served by Metra's Electric rail line. Visitors disembark at the nearby University Park station. From there, it's less than a mile walk across our scenic campus to the main entrance. The university also provides shuttle bus service from the station to our front.
Visit Metra's website for rail schedules.
By Bus
Regional PACE busses serve the university on a regular basis, providing service to from surrounding communities and the University Park Metra station to the university's main entrance.
Visit the PACE website for full schedule details.
By Car
GSU can be reached conveniently from Interstate 57, Illinois Route 394, and US Route 30 and is only a 40 minute drive from Chicago and 35 minutes from Joliet, Kankakee, and Gary.
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