University Library Frequently Asked questions (FAQ'S)
How
Who
What
Where
How
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 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?
How do I access the library's databases if I am a distance education student?
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). Please click here for the GSU Circulation Policies.
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 univerisities 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.
Metropolitan Library System
Metropolitan Library SystemMetropolitan Library System (MLS) members must have a current public library card and a current drivers license or state id (information must match on both IDS). For a list of libraries in MLS, click here. If you have any questions about the above information, call 708-534-4112 before coming to the GSU Library.
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?
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (and weekend before)
Lincoln's Birthday
Easter Sunday
Memorial Day (and weekend before)
4th of July (Check current GSU calendar for exact dates)
Labor Day (and weekend before)
Thanksgiving Day (and following weekend)
Christmas Eve through New Year's Day
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
- Fax service (for students for a fee
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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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Updated 7/07/2009
