COS Library Services to Distance Learning Students

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access the library’s resources and services remotely?
Yes. You may request help on research assignments; access ebooks, magazine and newspaper articles; and request materials from other libraries.  By using the library's online catalog you can search for books and other materials, and also check your library records, renew materials, and place holds on items that are currently unavailable. http://www.siskiyous.edu/library

Do I need a library card? How can I get one?
You will need a library card to check out materials and to use ebooks and online subscription databases.  If you are unable to come to campus, you can apply online http://www.siskiyous.edu/library/libraryform.htm and your card will be mailed to you.

How can I get help finding information?
Library staff members are available to assist you by phone or email. Phone:  938-5331    Email:  library@siskiyous.edu  We can send information to students by email, mail, or fax. The library is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. –7:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., and on selected Sundays, 1:00 p.m.—4:00 p.m. http://www.siskiyous.edu/library/hours.htm

How can I find books on my research topic?
On the library webpage, click on Library Catalog.  To find a book on your topic, enter your keywords and click either the “Search Everything” or “Subject” button. You can also search for books by title or by author.

Can I have books and materials sent to me?
If you have a current COS library card you may request COS Library books or other materials by telephone, fax, or e-mail, or by using the online catalog's User Services/Request feature.  If available, specific books, magazines or other items may be mailed to you, or delivered to the Yreka campus.  Plan ahead for transit time.  Borrowed materials may be returned to the Yreka campus office or nearest branch of the Siskiyou County Public Library. 

How long can I keep the books?
Most books can be checked out for two weeks and can be renewed two consecutive times unless another user has requested them.

How can I renew books?
You may call the library or use the Library Catalog’s “User Services” feature and click on “Renew Materials.” If renewing online, you must renew books at least one day prior to the due date. Overdue items may not be renewed by phone or email.

Does the library have any electronic books (ebooks)?
The library provides more than 15,000 ebooks on a wide variety of topics. If you wish to use ebooks when you are off-campus, please phone the library in order to set up a NetLibrary account. You can read these online on any computer with Internet access.

How can I find magazine articles?
The library has print subscriptions to about 100 magazines and journals. These can be checked out.  We also provide online access to full-text articles from thousands of magazines.  To access these:

• Go to the library’s webpage and click on “Periodicals and Reference Databases”.
• Click on the database you need.
• Note:  If you are off-campus you will need to click the “Off-Campus Access” link next to the name of the database.  For all starred (EBSCO) databases, on the next screen enter the 14 numbers of your library barcode, with no spaces between numbers.

How can I find newspaper articles?
The library has subscriptions to local and northern California newspapers, and has microfilm backfiles of many older local newspapers.  We also provide online access to full-text articles from major newspapers. To access these:

• Go to the library’s webpage and click on “Periodicals and Reference Databases”
• Click on either National Newspapers 5 or Newspaper Source.  If you are off-campus, use the “Off-Campus Access” link.

I had problems accessing the online databases.  What’s wrong?
If you were asked for a username and password, you probably forgot to click on “Off-campus access.”  Please try again.  If the database requires your library barcode number, be sure to type in all 14 numbers with no spaces between the numbers.  Still having problems?  Please phone or email the library. We’ll be glad to help you.

Can I request books or articles from other libraries?
Yes. If the materials you need are not available from our library, you can use the Interlibrary Loan Service to request items from other libraries. To do so, please phone or email the COS Library.  It may take up to three weeks to receive materials.