Library Services for Distance Learners

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to use Distance Library Services?

Distance Library Services are available to a Cleveland State University student who is enrolled in CSU credit classes that meet somewhere other than the downtown campus -- at the West or East Centers, on another academic campus, at a school or business. See a list of all CSU locations.

How can I find out the latest news about library resources?

You can periodically visit the University Library’s web site and especially the Library's Weblog where the latest news is posted. When you subscribe to Distance Learning Services, we will be able to email information to you as additional services are implemented. Don’t miss out!

Is there a general introduction to using libraries available online?

Yes, "Hands-On Library Instruction" is a self-paced tutorial giving many hints for effectively planning your library research, finding articles and books on your topic, searching the web for information, and evaluating the information you find. It is interactive and can be started or stopped wherever you choose. If you feel you need to know more about using library resources, try "Hands-On."

What is OhioLINK and how can it help me get books?

OhioLINK is a cooperative body of mostly academic libraries in Ohio, formed to share learning resources throughout the state. If the item you need is not available in CSU’s SCHOLAR catalog, or has already been borrowed, you can forward your SCHOLAR search to OhioLINK and request the item there. You may pick up an OhioLINK requested item downtown at the CSU Library, request the item to be delivered to the East or West Center, or request delivery to a more conveniently located OhioLINK library including a branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL). An email notice will be sent when the item arrives, usually within a week.

Can I have library books that I need delivered to me at the East or West Center?

Yes, if you are a student at the East or West Center, you can request delivery of CSU and OhioLINK books to your center by locating needed items in our online catalog, SCHOLAR, requesting them online, and selecting the East or West Center as a pickup site, however not all items circulate. Please check "Status" to see if items are available to be borrowed. If your class meets at another site, you can still select East or West Center for pickup, if that is more convenient.

How do I renew CSU or OhioLINK books?

You can renew materials borrowed with your CSU ID online in SCHOLAR. Click on the "My Account" link in the navigation bar at the bottom of this page. Click on "Items checked out" and mark any you need to renew. Overdue items can usually be renewed by calling the Circulation Desk at 216.687.2478. The loan period for most CSU books is 4 weeks for undergraduates or 3 months for graduate students, with renewals possible. The OhioLINK loan period is 3 weeks, but one renewal can be made for an additional 3 weeks. Find out more about borrowing books.

Do I need to have a CSU ID card?

Your ID card serves as your Library Card at the CSU Libraries (University and Law) East and West Centers, and any of the OhioLINK libraries for OhioLINK loans. For authentication purposes, you will need your name and ID number when using online databases purchased for your use by CSU.

How can I find magazine or journal articles about a specific topic for a research paper?

Use the "Subject Portal" appropriate for your broad subject. Under the heading, "...Find Journal Articles" will be a link to the " Databases" for that subject. Open one of the "core research databases " and enter the most important keyword(s) for your topic. Many of the results listed will provide an article abstract and a link to a source for the full text. There will be a link with each result with wording such as "find a copy." Click there to see what type of access is provided. You can print articles on your computer from over 20,000 online periodicals to which CSU subscribes. You can also request free copies of specific articles from any other periodicals that CSU owns only in paper format using the Distance Learning Periodicals Request Form but only after you have registered!

How do I find a specific article that I need?

Use Journal Finder to search for the title of a journal to see what access CSU can provide to it. The results will list links to any sources of online full text and/or will report what part of the title (if any) the Library owns in paper format. If there is online text, you can print it, save it, and sometimes email it. If the journal is accessible at CSU only in paper format -- and if you are registered for distance education services -- you can fill out the Distance Learning Periodicals Request Form to receive a free copy of your article.

How can I get help choosing and searching indexes or doing other library research?

There are several possibilities. You can click on the Contact Us link in the navigation bar at the bottom of this page to find a phone number for reference service, a link to a live online information service, see a list of subject librarians to contact, or use an email form to submit a question. You may also wish to contact Kathy Dobda at k.dobda@csuohio.edu (preferred), or call 216.875-9738. You can also use the Ask a Reference Question Form specifically for those registered for Distance Library Services.

Is the CSU Library downtown included in the Distance Library Services ?

Yes, of course! The CSU University Library offers a full range of services for users. Go to About the Library for information about Library hours and parking information.

For more information about Distance Library Services for Cleveland State University contact Kathy Dobda at 216.875.9738 or k.dobda@csuohio.edu .

Library: Accessible ... Exceptional