Library FAQs

If you don't find your answer here, Ask a Librarian

Library Information

• What are the library's hours?
• Can community members use the library?
• Do you have lost and found?

Research Help

• Where is the best place to begin my research?
  
• What is the difference between a magazine and a peer-reviewed journal?
• Where can I get help citing my sources?
•  How can I find out if the library has the journal I need?
• What is in the University Archives? What do I do if I want to see something that is in it?
• What can I find in your Government Documents?

Borrowing Materials

• How can I renew items?
• Can I get books or articles SMSU does not own?
• Can I check out a laptop?
• Does the library have a/v equipment I can check out?

Technical Help

• How do I logon to library databases from off-campus?
• How do I logon onto the wireless net with my laptop?
• I know the library can't help me with D2L Brightspace, but who can?

Library Information
Lost and Found: If you have misplaced something and think someone may have turned it in at the library, stop at or call the Circulation Desk at (507) 537-7278. If your item does not turn up at the library, contact the SMSU lost and found in SC 225, (507) 537-7330

Research Help

Starting Out: We recommend using our Research Guides. Highlight the general topic you need to research, then click on Submit. You will find a list of resources our librarians identified as good resources for that topic.

Finding Journals: To find out if the Library has paper or electronic copies of journals/periodicals/magazines, type a title into the search box on this page.

University Archives: The Striegel Archives (named after retired SMSU librarian Mary Jane Striegel) houses materials considered significant enough to SMSU to merit a permanent place in the Library.

The largest collection in the Archives documents the history of SMSU administration, classes and student body, including committee minutes, program reviews, photographs, and playbills. These materials are available to researchers during regular Library hours by appointment. To schedule an appointment to use materials in the archives, contact Pam Gladis (537-6813, pam.gladis@smsu.edu) or the Research Help Desk (537-6176, library.reference@smsu.edu)

Borrowing Materials

Renewals: Renewable items can be renewed, if the item does not have a hold. Renewals may be made in person or online through your library account.

Laptops: Laptops check out for 4 hours and can be used in the library only. You can check out a laptop at the Circulation Desk.

Equipment: A list of audio/visual equipment available for check out is listed on the Circulation Services page.

Technical Help

D2L Brightspace: Many questions about using D2L Brightspace, logging into the wireless network, and residential network connections are best answered by IT. Please see their informational pages for students and for faculty and staff or stop at the TRC Help Desk on the Library's main floor.