As a CSM Student, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Besides our physical books, we have a sizable collection of eBooks -- full-length books readable right now, online. On campus? The quickest way is to use Summon.
If CSM doesn't have a book, we can probably still get it for you from another library. Here's how it works.
When to use Interlibrary Loan (ILL):
ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME! Ordering books from other libraries is not an option for "last minute" research. Books are mailed to us from the lending library and that takes time.
BE VERY SELECTIVE - Please limit your requests for Interlibrary Loans and order only what you can truly use in your research. We want to keep the Interlibrary Loan service free to all students, but the reality is ILL is very expensive for the library, so please use it judiciously.
SPECIAL "ILL" RELATED POLICIES - Because loan periods may be short and overdue charges are so high, interlibrary loan cannot be used as a substitute for purchasing textbooks. Books we get for you through interlibrary loan (ILL) are subject to the policies of the lending institution. In other words, libraries that are kind enough to loan us their books get to call the shots! While most ILL books come with a 4-week loan period, in some cases the loan periods may be as short as a week and renewals are always at the discretion of the lending library. Please give "ILL books" your immediate attention when they arrive so you will be prepared to return them on time. Overdue charges and lost/damaged fees do apply.
Search for print books, audiobooks, videos, and music
| Find: | ||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Advanced Search | ||||
Use 
to search for books about your research topic or additional books by the author
Use 
to add books to your resource list - save citations and call numbers. Your resource list can be printed or copy/paste into a Word document.
The additional info section provides detailed book information - chapter headings, references, and indexes
Use a book's reference list to find other relevant sources and the book's index to find specific pages about your research topic.
The CSM library uses Call Numbers to organize books on the shelves.
Call Numbers are a book's shelf address. The combination of letters and numbers tells you where to find it in the library.
When you look up a book on the CSM library web site, you'll find the Call Number on the book info page. Write down this number and match it up with label on the book on the shelf.
While most library materials can be checked out some loan restrictions apply to library collections like REF (Reference) or P.C. ???? (Reserve). When in doubt see library staff for assistance.
If you need help finding a book, ask a librarian!
