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Managing your Library Reserves

Library Reserves for Students

Have a textbook assigned for your course? Seeking free access to the material? You're in the right place—check out Library Reserves!

Library Reserves provides access to course materials (books, videos, etc.) assigned by your CSUSM instructors. You can access these materials through Cougar Courses (canvas) or via the University Library website. 

Access Library Reserves using the instructions provided below.

Physical Reserves

Physical Reserves (textbooks, microscopes, bone boxes, etc.) can be checked out from the 3rd floor Circulation Desk. Most reserve materials have loan periods of 2 hours due to high demand. Materials will have the loan period placed on the cover of the item. Two physical reserves materials can be checked out at a time per course. 

See Library hours.

 

Electronic Reserves

Electronic Reserves (ebooks, book chapters, articles) can be in your course's Library Reserves list, which can be accessed through the Library Reserves website or Cougar Courses (Canvas). 

 

Media Reserves

Media Reserves (streamed media and DVDs) can be checked out at the 3rd Floor Circulation Desk or viewed online through your Library Reserves list or Cougar Courses (Canvas).

All reserve items have late fines due to these being high demand items. 

Hourly loans (2 hours and 3 hours) are charged $1 per hour after its due date/time. Longer loan periods (1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 3 weeks) are charged $1 per day after its due date. Items more than 1 week overdue will go to a 'lost' status, resulting in the replacement cost, non-refundable $10 billing fee and are subject to an excessive use fee of $25 being added to your library account.

Reserve materials are checked out on a first come, first served basis. You are unable to place a hold or request these materials due to their high-demand nature.

You can check your Library Reserves list to see if the material you want is available or when it is due back. 

Reserve materials are non-renewable. You must return reserve materials to the 3rd floor Circulation Desk and wait 15 minutes before checking the same material out again.

How to Access Library Reserves through Canvas

Follow these simple steps to access Library Reserves for your course:

  • Log in to Canvas

  • Select Your Course

    • From your Canvas Dashboard, click on the course title where you need to access library resources.

  • Navigate to the Library Reserves

    • In your course's left-hand navigation menu, find and click on the Library Reserves link. If you don't see it, contact your instructor to ensure it has been enabled for the course.

  • Browse or Search for Materials

    • Once on the Library Reserves page, you'll be able to browse or search for the reserved materials for your class. This may include textbooks, articles, videos, or other course-related resources.

  • Access and Download Materials

    • Click on any item you wish to view or download. Some materials may require a library login if you are off-campus, so make sure to have your library credentials handy.

🔍Need help with eBooks? Check out this eBook LibGuide for information on user licenses, and how to access ebooks, download chapters, and more.

How to Access Library Reserves through the Library website:

Follow these simple steps to access Library Reserves for your course:

  • Visit the Library Reserves webpage

    • Go to the University Library homepage and navigate to the Library Reserves webpage.

  • Search by Course or Instructor

    • Once on the Library Reserves webpage, search by course or instructor name.

  • Browse Available Materials

    • On the Library Reserves page, you can browse or search for the reserved materials for your class. This includes textbooks, articles, videos, and other course-related resources.

  • Access and Download Materials

    • Click on any item you wish to view or download. Some materials may require a library login if you are off-campus, so make sure to have your library credentials handy.

🔍Need help with eBooks? Check out this eBook LibGuide for information on user licenses, and how to access ebooks, download chapters, and more.