General information * Copy machines/cards * Flash drives/CDs * Borrowing privileges * Reserve materials/lockers * IRIS (Integrated Rutgers Information System) * My Account
Rutgers libraries are described briefly in the following pages. Alexander Library, the social sciences and humanities library, is the one you will use most often. A brief walk-around guide to it should be available at the Alexander Library information desk. While materials are easily obtained from Rutgers' various libraries via interlibrary loan, in-depth research may require that visit libraries besides Alexander in person. Each has its unique role and atmosphere: the Library of Science and Medicine (LSM), Kilmer, which specializes in business information, and Douglass for women's studies and much more. There are also libraries devoted to single subjects, such as the Art Library or the Jazz Institute, or to specific formats, such as Media Services. You may reach each library's home page through the main Rutgers Libraries home page, http://www.libraries.rutgers.edu.
The major Rutgers University libraries have copying centers where copy cards may be purchased in order to make copies of materials not available electronically. Be careful not to leave them in the machine when you finish!
Gateway 32 MB flash drives are available in the Imaging Services offices on the lower level of Alexander Library and on the 3rd floor of LSM, for $15. They are usable in all RUL PCs, in RUCS labs, and most commercially purchased PCs. Blank CDs are also available for $2. For more information, see Take your data with you, easy!
In order to borrow materials, you will need to have proof that you are enrolled and have paid your term bill (i.e., your student ID or term bill payment receipt). As a graduate student, you may keep materials for an entire semester. In return for this privilege, however, there are stiff penalties if you do not respond promptly when another user recalls an item checked out to you.
Reserve materials are found in the Graduate Reading Room on the third level of Alexander Library - ask the circulation assistant at the desk by the door. You may also inquire here about renting a locking study carrel.
IRIS, the online catalog, can be searched from any computer with internet access. Once you have an account at Rutgers, you can execute online requests for material held at other Rutgers locations, or interlibrary loan orders for items not held by Rutgers.
You can manage your account -- renewals, holds, recalls, interlibrary loan requests, electronic article delivery requests -- by clicking on "My account" on the RUL homepage. Many students do not realize that you can request electronic delivery of articles that RUL has in print, which is helpful if you can't make it to campus. Keep in mind, however, that electronic delivery of articles may take few days or a week!