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Borrowing Materials

Find out how to borrow from the library including services like interlibrary loans, the library lockers, course reserves, and borrowing terms

Borrowing, Returning, & Renewing Books

To borrow library materials from the general collection, present a valid CSUDH ID card or an equivalent ID card to the Book Check-Out Desk located near the main entrance of the library (see map).

Return library materials to the Book Check-Out Desk, the Course Reserve Desk, or one of three book drops located outside the library. Materials on reserve must be returned to the Course Reserves Desk. 

Student checking out a library book at the Book Check-Out Desk at the CSUDH Library.

Renewals

CSUDH students, faculty, and staff enjoy loan periods of either 16 weeks or 52 weeks. Renewals will not be granted. Users wishing to renew materials must bring the book back to the library to be processed. If no requests from other users are on the item after they are returned in the system, you can check out the item again.

Affiliated users with loan periods of 4 weeks may renew books up to 3 times by logging into their library accounts or by visiting the Book Check-Out Desk. Reserve materials may not be renewed.

Overdue Charges

Borrowers are responsible for returning or renewing items by their due date and may accrue fines for overdue or lost books

Limits, Loan Periods & Renewals

CSUDH Community

  Limit Required Identification Loan Period Renewals
Undergraduate & Graduate Students 30 CSUDH ID Card 16 weeks -
Thesis Students 30 CSUDH ID Card 16 weeks -
Extended Education Students 30 Extended Education ID Card
Government Issued Photo ID
16 weeks -
Faculty / Staff Members 100 CSUDH ID Card 52 weeks -
Alumni 5 Active Alumni Association Card
Government Issued Photo ID
28 days 3
Emeriti Faculty / Staff 100 CSUDH Emeriti ID Card
Government Issued Photo ID
6 months 1
Other CSUDH Affiliates 5 CSUDH Library Card 28 days 3

 

Colleges & Schools With Reciprocal Agreements

  Limit Required Identification Loan Period Renewals
El Camino & Compton College Students 10 Valid Student ID Card
CSUDH Library Card
28 days 3
Pathways To Success Program Students 10 Valid Student ID Card
CSUDH Library Card
Current Photo ID
28 days 3
AP High School Students 5 Valid Student ID Card
CSUDH Library Card
Current Photo ID
28 days 3
CAMS Students 5 Valid Student ID Card
CSUDH Library Card
Current Photo ID
28 days 3

CSU+ & Reciprocal Borrowing

You can obtain materials from any other library in the CSU system by using the CSU+ program, or at individual campuses by presenting your valid CSUDH identification card along with proof of current status. Loan periods for materials borrowed via CSU+ are for 60 days. Renewals are not allowed for materials borrowed via CSU+.

You can also use your CSUDH ID card to borrow books in-person from El Camino College and Compton College. 

Library Associate Cards

To become a Library Associate, fill out an online application and pay a $35 annual fee in person at the University Library. We accept checks or money orders, and payment must be made out to the CSUDH Foundation.

  • Currently enrolled students of El Camino Community College and Compton College: To become an active member, students must complete an application form and present it along with their college ID card and proof of current college enrollment to the Book Check-Out Desk.
  • Students enrolled in the Pathways to Success Program: The application process is handled by the CSUDH Student Transfer Center.
  • Current students enrolled with the California Academy of Math and Science (CAMS):  First time applicants must complete an CAMS Library User Application form and present a current CAMS identification at the Book Pick-Up and Check-out Desk. 
  • Advanced Placement High School Students from districts affiliated with CSUDH: All paperwork regarding the application process must be submitted in advance by the high school on behalf of the students.

Searches, Recalls, & Holds

You can place a search request on materials that are not found on the shelves but are listed as available in OneSearch. Once the requested materials are located, you will be notified by email that your items are ready for pick-up. The library does not place recall requests or holds on items that have been checked out by other users.