Xavier University: Library: 16 Steps to Information Fluency: Step 13: Finding Reserves

Reserves is a way professors can make available a limited number of materials for a large number of people. There are two different kinds of reserves: traditional and electronic.

Traditional reserves is used for books, multiple book chapters, dissertations, videos, DVDs, and music CDs. Traditional reserves are usually used in the library for a limited period of time (typically 3 hours). However, some traditional reserves may be taken out of the library for 3 hours or for 1, 3 or 7 days. Access traditional reserves in the library at the circulation desk. You need to check out the item before you can use it. Have your ALL Card handy. To satisfy this step complete the following tasks:

Go to the library's homepage at http://www.xu.edu/library.
Under the Course Materials tab, type your professor's name in the traditional reserves search box.
Search by professor name for some of the classes you are taking this semester.
Do any of your professors have items on traditional reserves?

Electronic reserves is used for journal articles, single book chapters, syllabi, PowerPoint presentations, audio clips, and other documents in a digital format. You can access electronic reserves at any time and from any location. Your professor will give you a class password if they are using electronic reserves. If your professor didn't provide you with the class password, call the help desk at 745-3881 and they will give it to you. To satisfy this step complete the following tasks:

Go to the library's homepage at http://www.xu.edu/library.
Under the Course Materials tab, click the Electronic Reserves professor or course link.
You will be taken to Electronic Reserves homepage.
Click Electronic Reserves & Reserve Pages.
Click the down arrow in the Please select instructor textbox and try to locate one of your porfessors.
Do any of your professors have items on electronic reserves?