Library

Welcome to the Cal Poly Humboldt Library. This page describes services available to community members and guests.

In-Library Use of Materials

Community membersand guests are welcome to visit the library building, use library materials while in the building, and take advantage of Guest Wireless access. The online catalog, OneSearch, provides information about library resources and is available at “Quick Search” stations on each floor.

Use of some protected collections, including Course Reserves, requires either a campus ID, a Community Borrower Card or a photo ID such as a driver's license. In-Library use of videos, DVDs, and CDs is reserved for current students, faculty, and staff.

Access to Library Computers, Licensed Databases, Wireless Network, Printing, and Internet

Library Computers

"Library Quick Search" stations provide all visitors access to the Library catalog, licensed databases, and free educational and government sites (domains .edu and .gov, respectively), but block access to most commercial internet servers (domain .com). Printing is not available at these stations.

"Visiting Scholar" stations are available on each floor for use with a “Visiting Scholar” pass. The Library limits "Visiting Scholar" passes to:

• Visiting researchers from College of the Redwoods, the University of California, the CSU, and other higher education institutions (with proof of current affiliation);
• Cal Poly Humboldt alumni; and
• Emeritus and non-emeritus retired faculty, staff, and administrators.

"Visiting Scholar" stations provide access to the Internet, licensed library databases, and printing options. The "Visiting Scholar" pass is valid for six months and provides two hours of continuous or non-continuous Internet, database, and printer access every 24 hours. Apply at the first-floor checkout.

When computer stations in the Library are in high demand, priority use of "Visiting Scholar" stations is given to current Cal Poly Humboldt.students, faculty, and staff.

Licensed Databases

The Library licenses scholarly databases that provide access to journals, ebooks, and other materials. These databases are available to library guests at "Library Quick Search" and "Visiting Scholar" stations. Remote access is restricted. The Library also maintains a listing of open access resources available to the public from on- or off-campus.

Wireless Network

The University offers free self-service Guest Wireless to campus visitors. In-person support is available at the Technology Help Desk on the south end of the first floor of the Library during Help Desk open hours.

Printing

Printing is available on "Quick Search" stations and on "Visiting Scholar"” stations for community members, guests, and alumni who have been issued a "Visiting Scholar" pass. Printing requires use of a C-Card, which can be purchased for $1.05 at the vending machine in the Library Lobby. Value can be added to cards through the Cashier's Office, located on the second floor of the Student Business Services building, located on the corner of Harpst and Rossow Streets.

Printing on the University's Wireless network is only available to current Cal Poly Humboldt students, faculty, and staff.

Internet

Unrestricted Internet access is available on Guest Wireless and on "Visiting Scholar" stations with a "Visiting Scholar" pass. Limited Internet access is available to all library guests at "Library Quick Search" stations.

Borrowing Library Materials

Community Members

Community members living within the geographical area of the Library may check out books and other circulating materials with a Community Borrower Card, which is obtained at the first-floor Checkout Desk. The Card does not grant access to Interlibrary Loan, CSU+ loans, equipment checkouts, or Reserves checkout. Community member must:

• Be at least 18 years old;
• Provide a valid California DMV identification; and
• Provide proof of a local address

High School Students

Local high school students may obtain a Community Borrower Card with high school sponsorship. The Library issues new Community Borrower Cards to high school students by prior arrangement with High School staff.

Other Minors

The Library does not loan materials to minors not affiliated with a local high school.

Mutual Use

In accordance with the CSU Systemwide Agreement on Borrowing, any CSU faculty (including emeritus), staff (including retired and emeritus) or current students may borrow from any other CSU Library. A current CSU ID card is required for mutual use checkout.

• CSU student library privileges are valid for the semester indicated only.
• CSU faculty and staff library privileges are valid for the academic year in which they are requested.

Fees and Service Restrictions

Fees for borrowing privileges are charged in the following amounts:

• A fee of $5.00 will be charged to cover the cost of ID card production each time a card is produced
• Library borrower subscriptions can be purchased
  • $40 for the first year, which includes a $5 charge for the ID card
  • $35 a year, thereafter as long as you still have your ID card
• CR Students, High School Students, and Mutual Use Borrowers are exempt from subscription costs

Loan Periods

Loan periods for books and other materials vary.