Borrowing from Other Libraries

Are you looking for something we don’t have? We can get it for you! You can access all kinds of materials from other libraries through CSU+ and our resource sharing program. Watch a short video to learn how to borrow materials from other libraries.

Search all of the CSU libraries and other lending libraries using OneSearch and easily place requests directly by clicking Get it.

Screenshot on request option in One Search. Get a physical copy or Need a chapter.

Most materials will be received in just a few days. There are no late fees and you can borrow items for up to 60 days.

Current SSU students, faculty, staff, and emeritus faculty are all welcome to place requests. You can also visit any CSU library and check out materials as a visiting patron. All you need is your Seawolf ID!

Community Borrowers and SSU alumni should ask at their local public library about loan options for non-Sonoma State material.

How do I place requests?

Check OneSearch to find books, articles, media, and more. If what you're looking for is not available at SSU, you'll see options for requesting the item. If you're searching directly in a library database, you can locate an item by clicking on the Find It button. If we don’t have it, place the request by clicking Get it. 

A complete and accurate request can be processed without delay. Include any additional information in the “comment ” section (e.g., “this journal is supposed to be in the SSU collection but a library staff member verified that it’s missing”).

If you’re using a public computer, remember to quit the web browser before you leave so that another user cannot access your personal information.

What kinds of things can I request?

Books, media, and articles can be requested. Many books that aren't available from a CSU library may be available at the Sonoma County Library. The Rohnert Park branch is open Monday through Saturday, and materials from any other branch library can be requested to be picked up at the branch of your choice. 

Whole issues or volumes of journals, software, rare or fragile materials, genealogy materials, reference books (like encyclopedias and dictionaries), and some dissertations are not usually available through OneSearch.

Can I request things that we own but that aren’t available right now?

Sometimes the book you need is owned by the library but checked out to another patron. You can place requests for anything that is not currently available in the SSU library. If you choose to place a local request instead of a CSU+ on the item, it will be held for you when it is returned and you’ll receive a notification that it’s available. 

How long does it take?

The length of time it takes to get an item from another library can range from 1-10 days. Most articles and book chapters will be received within 24 hours; books may take anywhere from two to ten days. Rare materials can take longer to receive.

Is there a limit to the amount of things I can request?

Current faculty, staff, and students can request up to 200 items in an academic year. Emeritus faculty can request up to 75 items within an academic year.

Can I check the status of my request?

You can check on the status of your requests in your library account.

Where do I pick up my items?

Articles and book chapters will be available electronically through your account. You’ll receive an email when the article is available for download. Check your spam folder if you have not received an email from the library in the time specified when the item was requested.

Books and media will be held for pickup at the Information/Check-Out Desk or placed in our Library smart lockers for 7 days. A pickup notification will be sent to your SSU email address. Check your spam folder as emails from the library may be inadvertently marked as spam. 

How long can I keep the things I request?

Articles received electronically are yours to keep. However, they won’t be stored permanently in your account, so be sure to download the article to your own storage device. You will have 90 days to download the article or book chapter from your library account.

  • CSU libraries books and media will be checked out to you for 16 weeks. 
  • Other lending libraries’ books and media will have varied borrowing periods, as the borrowing period is determined by the lending library.

Some libraries restrict materials to use within the library only. If there is such a restriction on an item you request, it will be noted on the item when you pick it up.

How much does it cost? What are the overdue fines?

Though we provide request services at no charge to you, the cost to us usually ranges from $20 to $50. Please request only those materials necessary for your research, retrieve items promptly after being notified they are here, and return them on or before their due dates.

There are no overdue fines for CSU items, although replacement fees will be charged for items that are lost or damaged. Replacement fees for books and media received through non-CSU libraries are determined by the lending library. 

Please let us know if you lose or damage another library's item. Libraries are often willing to accept a replacement copy of the book or a fine equivalent to the value of the book. Before obtaining a replacement copy, contact Interlibrary Loan (ILL) to verify the library will accept a replacement copy.

Can I cancel my request?

If a request can't be satisfied through CSU or our other lending libraries, you'll receive an email notification with an option to place the requested item through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) instead. Interlibrary Loan provides access to articles, books, media, and more from libraries around the world when those items aren’t available through CSU libraries. 

If a request can’t be satisfied by ILL you’ll receive an email notification and the request will be removed from your record. You can view your canceled ILL requests in your Interlibrary Loan account.

I need to find something today! Where can I go?

You might be able to find items you need immediately through other Sonoma County libraries.

Feel free to contact us with any additional questions.
Phone: 707-664-2866
Email: document.delivery@sonoma.edu

Interlibrary Loan Department
Sonoma State University Library
1801 East Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609

Our OCLC code: CSO