skip to main content
graphic line
graphic line

How Do I...?

PDF files, requires Acrobat Reader

How do I use the library's online databases at home?
How do I find an article from a scholarly (peer-reviewed) journal?
How do I check out a book?
How do I check the due dates for my books, or find out if I have overdue fines?
How do I renew my books?
How do I check out a book from another library?
How do I find items my instructor placed in the library (Course Reserves)?
How do I make photocopies?
How do I print on the library's printer?
How do I get a copycard?
How do I add money to my copycard?
How do I find out if the library has a specific book?
How do I find out if the library has a specific article?
How do I cite my sources?
How do I get a book or article the library doesn't own?
How do I get help using the library?
How do I use my wireless computer in the library?
How do I get a group study room?
How do I find a typewriter on campus?

How do I use the library's online databases at home?

You must be a currently registered CSUSB student, currently employed CSUSB faculty or staff member, or CSUSB faculty emeritus. You will need your Coyote ID number. (If you take classes at Palm Desert Campus or the VVC-CSUSB class site, you can use your Remote Access Library Card.)

Go to the library's web site and click on the name of the resource you want. You will be asked to login with your Coyote ID number and last name.

Note: Faculty members, Staff members, Extended Learning students, Open University students, and ACLP students must bring their OneCards to the library's Circulation Desk to have their library accounts activated for database access. For complete information, see Getting Connected from Off Campus.

Back to Top


How do I find an article from a scholarly (peer-reviewed) journal?

To find an article on your research topic, choose a library database from the Find Articles and Journals page. Good choices for most topics are EBSCOhost (Academic Search Premier) and Wilson OmniFile.

On the main search screen for either database, look for a check box labeled "Peer Reviewed" or "Scholarly Journals." Mark this box to limit your search to only scholarly journals.

For a quick demonstration of how to use EBSCOhost, see the library tutorial Find Articles in a Database

See also the printable handout, Finding an Article About Your Topic (PDF, requires Adobe Reader).

Back to Top


How do I check out a book?

If you are a current CSUSB student, faculty, or staff member, your library card is your Coyote ID (campus ID card). Just bring your Coyote ID and the books you want to the Circulation Desk, first floor, to check out.

If you are a non-CSUSB borrower, you must bring the following documentation to the Circulation Desk to check out books:

Faculty and students from other CSU campuses

Current campus photo ID from your home campus. Students must bring a current class schedule for the quarter/semester they are attending, as proof of enrollment.

Faculty and students from IEALC member institutions

Current campus photo ID from your home campus and current IEALC card from home campus library. Students must bring a current class schedule for the quarter/semester they are attending, as proof of enrollment.

Member of the CSUSB Alumni Association or any CSU Alumni Association

Alumni Association membership card and a current form of picture ID (such as your driver's license, CA ID card, or passport).

Teachers in Riverside and San Bernardino counties

Current California Driver's License and current pay stub, or a letter from the principal on school letterhead confirming employment as a full time faculty member.

Community members

Current Pfau Library Associates card and picture ID (such as your driver's license, CA ID card, or passport). Find out how to join the Pfau Library Associates.

Back to Top


How do I check the due dates for my books, or find out if I have overdue fines?

Log-in to the My Account section of the Pfau Library Catalog.

Back to Top


How do I renew my books?

To renew in person, bring your items to the Circulation Desk on the first floor along with your library card.

To renew online, log-in to the My Account section of the Pfau Library Catalog. If you renew your items online, it is your responsibility to verify that they have been renewed. (To verify, log out of your account, then log back and in and view the new due dates on your items checked out.)

Things to know:

  • Students are allowed two renewals per item.
  • Items that have been placed on "Hold" or "Recall" for another library user cannot be renewed.
  • If you have holds on your record due to unpaid fees or fines, you will not be able to renew until the holds are removed.
  • If your library card will expire before the 28-day loan period is over, you will not be able to renew online (this may happen if you have not enrolled for the next quarter).

For complete information, please see Circulation Policies and Procedures.

Back to Top


How do I check out a book from another library?

If you need a book Pfau Library does not own, consider using our Interlibrary Loan service first. However, if you want to check out books from an area library, you have these options:

Other CSU's: You may borrow books from any other CSU library with your Coyote ID. You may also be required to provide proof of current enrollment, such as your current class schedule. Contact the other library before you go to find out exactly what documentation you will need to bring!

IEALC: Members of IEALC allow other members' students to borrow books. You will need an IEALC card, which you get from the Pfau Library Circulation Desk, as well as your Coyote ID. You may also be required to provide proof of current enrollment, such as your current class schedule. Contact the other library before you go to find out exactly what documentation you will need to bring!

Other libraries may allow outside users to purchase library cards for a fee. Contact the library that interests you to find out their policies. Don't automatically assume that a particular library has the book you want; check that library's online catalog before you make a special trip.

Back to Top


How do I find items my instructor placed in the library (Course Reserves)?

Reserves come in two formats: electronic, or paper only.

To view electronic Reserves items, log-in to the Electronic Reserves. Search by instructor or course name. You may print or save copies of Electronic Reserves documents.

To view a listing of Reserves that are in paper only, use the Reserves section of the Pfau Library Catalog. Search by instructor or course name. You must come to the Reserves Desk on the library first floor to check out paper Reserves items. You will need your Coyote OneCard.

Back to Top


How do I make photocopies?

A photocopying room is located on the 1st floor, near the Circulation Desk. Two additional copiers are available on the 3rd floor. Some photocopiers accept cash only, while others accept Coyote ID and copycards. Copies are 10 cents each with a card, or 15 cents cash.

Note: Old Coyote OneCards (student IDs issued prior to Summer 07) can no longer be used for printing/copying. You must either pick up your new card from the OneCard Office (in the basement PL-005) or purchase a cash value card from the Value Port dispenser at the Reference Desk. Your balance from the old card will transfer to the new one after you pick it up.

Two microfilm/microfiche copiers are also located on the first floor; copies are 25 cents each, exact change only. An additional microfilm/microfiche scanner allows emailing, saving, or printing of scanned files.

Back to Top


How do I print on the library's printer?

One set of printers (located at the Reference Desk) service all of the Research Terminals on the first floor. Your job will be identified by your terminal number.

You must have a Coyote ID or Pfau Library copycard to retrieve your jobs from the print server. Printing costs 11 cents per page.

Note: Old Coyote OneCards (student IDs issued prior to Summer 07) can no longer be used for printing/copying. You must either pick up your new card from the OneCard Office (in the basement PL-005) or purchase a cash value card from the Value Port dispenser at the Reference Desk. Your balance from the old card will transfer to the new one after you pick it up.

Back to Top


How do I get a copycard?

New Coyote OneCards (issued Fall 2007) can be used as copycards. You can add value to the card at the card vending machine next to the Reference Desk, accepts bills only. (Please note that money added to Coyote OneCards in the library can be used at the bookstore or for food purchases as well.)

Note: Old Coyote OneCards (student IDs issued prior to Summer 07) can no longer be used for printing/copying. You must either pick up your new card from the OneCard Office (in the basement PL-005) or purchase a cash value card from the Value Port dispenser at the Reference Desk. Your balance from the old card will transfer to the new one after you pick it up.

Library copycards can be purchased from the card vending machine next to the Reference Desk. The card costs 50 cents, and more money can be added to it as needed. To purchase a card, insert a $1 bill into the card vending machine. You will receive a card with 50 cents worth of copy credit on it.

Back to Top


How do I add money to my copycard?

To add value to your print copycard, go to the copycard vending machine next to the Reference Desk and press any key. Then select "Cash to account," and swipe your card. Feed the desired amount of money into the machine, then select end. You may request a receipt.

Back to Top


How do I find out if the library has a specific book?

Look up the title or the author of the book in the Pfau Library Catalog. For further instructions, see the OLLIE tutorials, Find a book by author and Find a book by title. You can also print this brief handout: Finding Books in the Pfau Library.

Back to Top


How do I find out if the library has a specific article?

Determine the title of the journal or magazine that contains the article, then look up that journal in the Pfau Library Catalog. You can also look up the journal in the Online Journals List. For full instructions, see this brief handout: Finding a Copy of an Article When You Have the Citation.

Back to Top


How do I cite my sources?

For instructions, see our APA Citation Guide or MLA Citation Guide. See also our guide to Style Manuals on the web.

Back to Top


How do I get a book or article the library doesn't own?

Use Pfau Library's "Interlibrary Loan" service. Current CSUSB students, faculty, and staff can login and use the online ILLiad Request Form. Articles can be delivered to you electronically. Books must be picked up at the Reference Desk, on the first floor. If you provide a valid email address, you will be notified when your requests arrive.
Please allow 5-10 working days for delivery of Interlibrary Loan items. There is usually no charge for this service.

If your web browser warns you about accepting this website's
security certificate, please install the CSU San Bernardino Root Certificate.

Back to Top


How do I get help using the library?

Just contact the Reference Desk. The Reference Desk provides help and instruction for anyone using library services and resources. Reference Desk service hours.

In person, just stop by the Reference Desk on the library's first floor. By phone, call 909 537 5091 (please note that in-person inquiries are handled before phone calls). By email, use our Ask a Librarian form.

If your think your question will require more than a brief consultation, you can schedule an appointment with a Reference Librarian. Contact Barbara Quarton, Head of Reference, x77553 or bquarton@csusb.edu.

Back to Top


How do I use my wireless computer in the library?

Wireless Internet access is available in the library and most campus buildings. You must have a CSUSB email account and configure your wireless card for the campus network. For details, see the library's Campus Wireless Network guide or Wireless FAQ's from CSUSB's Telecommunications Services.

Most of the library's study carrels also have electrical outlets for plugging in your laptop or other computer devices.

Back to Top


How do I get a group study room?

Group study rooms are located on the third, fourth, and fifth floors of the library, in the original wing of the building. No reservations are required. Most have chalkboards or whiteboards for writing (ask for chalk or dry-erase markers at the Reference Desk). Close the door to keep your discussions from bothering others who are studying.

Back to Top


How do I find a typewriter on campus?

A typewriter is availabe in the InfoDen and Music Listening Facility in room PL-5005 on the 5th floor of the library. It can only be used during the hours the InfoDen is open. There is no charge to use the typewriter, however users must supply their own paper.

Back to Top


graphic line
 Hours & Directions    Directory    Site Search    Campus
graphic line