Libraries Basics shares information and topics about the Binghamton University Libraries written by Alesha Khan ’28, Libraries’ communications student assistant.
Now that you know the answers for where you can find the resources you need and what kind of resources are available to you, you may be wondering: How do I check out and borrow these resources?
We all love to curl up with a good read in the Loft, or lock in on the Bartle third floor with all the research books you need to write a paper. However, oftentimes you’ll want these books after you’ve left the library and at various lengths of time throughout the semester.
Well, fear not! Most materials available at the three library locations (Bartle, Science and University Downtown Center) can be checked out whenever you want during the year. There are three ways to check out library materials:
Option 1: In-Person
If you’re already in the library and you’ve found the material you need, you can check it out at the Access Services Desks. All three library locations will have these. (If you’re wondering where these desks are located, they will be at the front of each location and usually the first thing you see when you enter the library.) All the Access Services Desks will be staffed by our amazing library staff, who will swiftly check out your material for you and remind you when they are due. Remember to bring your Binghamton University ID Card! The staff will need your ID to ensure you truly are who you say you are and to add the book to your account.
Option 2: Online Request
If you are nowhere near the library, you can access all materials online at binghamton.edu/libraries/. Remember to sign into your Binghamton account so the library staff knows who to reserve it for! The site will have materials from all three library locations and even materials that are stored in the Libraries’ off-site Collection Management Facility. Once you’ve found the material you need on the website, you can request it as long as it’s not already on a loan.
Then, the library staff will review your request, find the material on the shelves and pull it for you. Once they’re done, you will get an email to pick it up from the Access Services Desk at the library of your choosing.
Option 3: Self-Help
If you’re already in the library and you want to check your books out yourself , you can utilize the Self-Help Desks available at Bartle Library and Science Library. It works the same way as the In-Person way for the most part. At the end, where you’d take your material to the Access Services Desk to check it out, you’ll make a slight detour to the Self-Help Desk. Typically, these will be right beside the Access Services Desks.
Remember to bring your Binghamton University ID Card! You’ll need it to check out your material.
That marks the end of the Libraries Basics series. I hope you learned something from this series, whether it was about our library locations or what types of resources you can borrow! Stay tuned for more deep dives on our Library News blog and follow us on social media (Instagram or Facebook) for all the latest information.