Intro to the Library: FAQs

How do I find out if Shorter owns a particular book?

Search the online catalog which is available on or off-campus to see what the library has.

How do I find journal and magazine articles?

Search the catalog or GALILEO for articles.  We have thousands of full-text magazines and academic journals.

How do I cite sources for a paper?

Make sure that you know which citation style your professor assigned. The Online Writing Lab from Purdue University is a great place to find information on citing sources.

What library resources are available off-campus?

The catalog, GALILEO, and all other databases are available off-campus.  Most of our resources can be accessed with your student email and password.  If you are having trouble logging in to anything, please contact a librarian.

How long is the checkout period for books?

Books are checked out for a month. You will get a reminder email three days before the items are due.

How can I check my library account?

Click here to log into your library account.  Your login information is your university email address and password.

Does the library charge fines?

We do NOT charge overdue fees.  If you lose or damage a book, you will have to pay for it, but we do not charge any fines if an item is returned late.

If I keep an item past its due date, will I receive an overdue notice?

Yes. The library sends several notices by email once items are overdue.

What if I need a book past the due date?

You may renew books online, by phone, or in-person for an additional month.  You can sign in to renew books on the catalog homepage.  If you want to renew your items by phone, call 706-233-7296 and have your ID number ready.

What happens if I do not pay my fines?

Students that have overdue library materials at the end of the semester will have their grades held. By the end of the final semester of senior year, students must return all library materials and pay any fines or their grades will be held, and students will not be allowed to graduate.

What happens if I lose a book?

You will be charged the replacement cost of the book and an additional processing fee.

Can reference books be checked out?

No. Due to their replacement cost and demand for access, reference books must be used in the library.

Can DVDs or CDs be checked out?

Yes, for a week at a time. Some DVDs on in-house reserve may not be checked out. Listening and viewing facilities are also provided by the library.

Can magazines or journals be checked out?

No. Due to their high volume of use, periodicals must be used in the library.

What are reserve materials? Can they be checked out?

Reserves are items which professors place on hold at the library so they will be available for an entire class. These items are kept at the circulation desk and, depending on the professor’s specifications, may be checked out for in-library use only, for overnight use, or for one or two days. There is no grace period for overdue reserve materials, and some of them may accrue fines.

What if someone has something checked out that I need – can I find out who it is so that I may ask that it be returned?

No, that information is confidential. However, you may place a hold on an item that is checked out. Items with holds cannot be renewed. You will be notified when the item is returned.

What if I need a book or an article from a magazine Shorter doesn’t own?

You may request an interlibrary loan, which means Shorter will try to borrow the item from another library. You should allow 7-10 business days to receive an interlibrary loan.

To request an interlibrary loan, fill out the ILL Form in Scholar.

Does the library provide Internet access?

Yes. There are more than fifty computers available for Internet and GALILEO searching in the Rome campus library and IT Lab within the library.

Do Shorter University students/faculty/staff/ have privileges at other libraries?

Yes. In addition to the resources of the Shorter Library, you have usage privileges at several other colleges in Georgia including Berry College and Georgia Highlands.  Click here for the full list of colleges.

When checking out materials at any of the following libraries, you must provide your Shorter University ID card. As necessary, explain that your Shorter University ID serves as your library card for Livingston Library. You are responsible for any fines; you cannot transfer fines to your Shorter University account. You must also abide by the regulations of the lending library.