Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: How can I find a book at the UCSC libraries?
A: Search for the book in CRUZCAT, the UCSC Library Catalog. Patrons can search by author, title, or subject. The results screen will tell you the location, call number, and whether or not the book is checked out. If the location begins with "McH", use the use-call-numbers howto/use-call-numbersMcHenry finding guide to find the book's location. If the location begins with "S&E", use the Science & Engineering finding guide to find the location in the S&E Library.
 
Q: How do I find online articles?
A: If you want to find articles on a particular topic, take a look at the research guides created by UCSC Librarians. Many of the databases have links to online full text using the UC-eLinks icon . Not sure which database to search?  If you already have the full citation for the article (journal name, date, and page number) you only need to find the Web address or call number for the journal and its location in the library. Search for the title of the journal in CRUZCAT for this info. If the journal is available online, CRUZCAT will have a link to it.
 
Q: Where are the journals in the library?
A: McHenry Library shelves current journal issues alongside the older issues in the stacks. The Science & Engineering Library shelves current journals separately in the Current Periodicals Room, on the second (main) floor. Older volumes of journals at the Science & Engineering Library are bound and shelved in the S & E stacks (bookshelves) by call number. The call numbers for all journals can be found in CRUZCAT. Search for the journal by title.
 
Q: CRUZCAT says a book is "in process". What does that mean?
A: "In process" means the library has received the book but we're not finished cataloging and labeling it. To obtain access to these items, see the Circulation Desk staff to arrange for a “TIP" (title in process) Request. This service is available Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. only.
 
Q: How can I search the library databases for journal and newspaper articles from off campus?
A: Many electronic journals and databases are licensed by the University Library, and only UCSC students, faculty, and staff are allowed to access them from off-campus. Anyone can access the resources in the library buildings. There are three ways to connect to these resources:

1. Use on-campus computers. All campus buildings including the libraries, offices, classrooms, dorms, and ResNet have full access to licensed online resources.
2. Off-campus patrons using a commercial internet service provider (such as Comcast or CRUZIO) will use Off-Campus Access (OCA). This service will ask you to login with your library card number the first time you click on a link for a licensed resource. You'll remain authenticated until you quit your browser. For further information, see the Off-Campus FAQ or send us a question using the form above. To go directly to the OCA login page: http://oca.ucsc.edu
 

Q: I'm not a current UCSC student or faculty member, can I still borrow a book from the UCSC Library?
UC Alumni, concurrent enrollment students and members of other groups have limited borrowing privileges for UCSC materials. Check the chart on the borrowing privileges page to see if you are eligible for a library card. If you live within the five county borrowing area (Monterey, San Benito, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz) you may also become a Friend of the UCSC Library, which entitles you to a library card and borrowing privileges. Check the Friends of the Library site for more information. If you live outside the five county area and would like to obtain materials from our collection, your best bet is to request the materials through interlibrary loan from your campus or local library.
 
Q: I am faculty/staff member and when I try to use my library barcode it says it's expired. I have indefinite status -- what should I do?
If you attempt to renew your items online and your card is expired then you will see this message:
You cannot renew items because:
* Your registration has expired. Contact the library circulation desk with questions about your circulation record at 831-459-5185 or 831-459-5300, or by emailing circulation@library.ucsc.edu.

If you attempt to login through Off-Campus Access (OCA) then you will see this message:

CARD EXPIRED: Your library account has expired. EXPIRED LIBRARY ACCOUNT: If you have received this message in error, or you would like information on renewing your library account, please contact the University Library circulation desk. FOR ADDITIONAL HELP
If you have questions about your library account, contact the McHenry Library or the Science & Engineering Library Circulation Desk at 831-459-5185 or 831-459-5300.
In the case of faculty/staff members with indefinite appointments, library accounts expire once a year, at which time faculty/staff members may contact the Circulation Desk to update their contact information and renew their items. Their library account expiration dates will then be extended for an additional year. Please contact the McHenry Circulation Desk by calling 831-459-5185, or the Science & Engineering Library Circulation Desk by calling 831-459-5300.
If you are a lecturer with a non-consecutive teaching assignment, please visit the Library Card information page.
 
Q: Can I borrow videos and DVDs from the library?
A: Students and UCSC staff may watch videos and DVDs in the Media Center on the ground floor of McHenry Library. Faculty may check out videos for instructional purposes. See the Media Center site for more information.
 
Q: Where can I listen to sound recordings or watch movies?
A: Films, videotapes, laserdiscs, and DVDs of motion pictures--as well as sound recordings on LP, compact disc, or audiocassette--are located in the Media Center (formerly known as the Film & Music Center and the MERC), located on the ground (bottom) floor of McHenry Library Addition, room 0350.The Media Center contains multimedia CD-ROMs, the language listening stations and language tape duplicating services from the former Language Lab, and features viewing and listening stations.
 
Q: Does the library charge for printing?
A: Yes, printing from library computers costs $.10 per side ($.20 for one sheet with printing on both sides). Patrons may purchase a print card to pay for print jobs. Note: the print card vending machines do not accept change and the first print card requires a $1.00 bill (cost of card: 75 cents; it will dispense a card with 25 cents of printing value). See the printing resources FAQ for more details.