Frequently Asked Questions

Borrowing

1. Who can borrow items from the library?
   Cayuga students, alumni, faculty/staff, Cayuga or Oswego County residents and SUNY students. There is also a “Reciprocal” category for students from colleges in New York State that are not part of the SUNY system. If this situation applies, ask a library staff member about borrowing privileges.
2. How does a student or other patron obtain a library card?
   We require proof that you fit into one of the above categories. Cayuga students need to show their student ID or class schedule. For all other categories, a photo ID is required.
3. Does the library have audio books to loan?
   Yes.
4. How long can patrons keep items borrowed from the library?
   Books and music CDs - 3 weeks
   Periodicals, DVDs, VHS tapes - 2 days
   Audio books - 7 days
   Loan periods for reserve items are determined by faculty.
5. What if I forget to bring my library card? Can I still borrow items?
   Yes, with your photo ID may still borrow library materials.
6. What if I lose my library card?
   There is a $3 replacement fee.
7. What happens if I lose an item that I borrowed from the library?
   If the lost item is still in print, you must either replace it or pay the list price plus a processing fee. If the lost item is out of print, you must pay a replacement fee plus a processing fee. Replacement charges and processing fees vary for periodicals, books and media items.
8. Does the library have the required textbooks for current courses?
   No. The only exception is when a faculty member places an item on reserve for a class.
9. Can I request or suggest a book for the library to add to its collection?
   Yes.

Media and Computer Services

1. Does the library have equipment to play VHS tapes, DVDs or CDs?
   Yes. At the Auburn campus, there are several group and individual study rooms where you can play VHS tapes and DVDs. The library’s Instructional Technology Center has portable CD players available.
2. In Fulton, there are two individual rooms in the Learning Commons where you can play VHS tapes or DVDs. All of the public access computers in the Learning Commons have CD players.
3. Do I need to sign in to use the computers in the library?
   Not at the Auburn campus. At the Fulton campus, students do not have to sign in to use the computers, but non-students are asked to sign in at the ASC services desk.
4. Is there wireless access in the library?
   Not at this time.

Equipment

1. Does the library have a photocopier for public use?
   Yes; the charge is 10 cents per page.
2. Does the library have a typewriter for public use?
   Yes; there is no charge for use.
3. Does the library have a Fax machine for public use?
   No. At the Auburn campus, the bookstore has a fax machine for student use. The fee is 50 cents for the first page and 25 cents for each additional page. There is no public fax machine at the Fulton campus.
4. Are there any other printing and/or equipment usage charges?
   There are no fees for printing from microfilm, word processors or the Internet.

Reference and Research Help

1. When students need help with research, where do they go? Can students get help from off campus?
   At the Auburn campus, start by going to the information desk. You can also go to the circulation desk and ask for help. At the Fulton campus, visit the library services desk.
2. From off-campus, call 315.255.1743 x 2296 or 2299 to reach the library on the Auburn campus. Call 315.592.4143 x 3019 for the library at the Fulton campus.
3. How do I find books about my research topic?
   Students can use CAYLIB, the library’s online catalog, to find books and periodicals at both campuses. You can access CAYLIB from on- or off-campus. Staff members are happy to show you how to use CAYLIB and how to access your personal library records.
4. How do I find articles about my topic?
   The library subscribes to over 450 periodicals (magazines, journals, and newspapers) in the physical collection. These titles are listed in CAYLIB. We also subscribe to electronic databases where students can access articles online using the Electronic Resources [LINK] link from the library’s home page. If you need access from home, fill out a simple form to request student access and a staff member can arrange for you to do so.
5. How can I find out if the library owns a periodical title I’m looking for?
   You can look up periodical titles on a list of periodicals that are available in hard copy, and on a list of periodicals that can be accessed from the library’s online databases.
6. Can someone show me where things are in the library?
   Yes. In Auburn, ask at the information or circulation desk. In Fulton, ask at the library services desk.

Inter-Campus Borrowing

1. What if I’m taking classes in Fulton and want a book or a periodical article that’s in Auburn? (Or the other way around?)
   Either way, complete an Inter-Campus Borrowing request form. In Auburn, ask at the circulation desk. In Fulton, ask at the library services desk.
2. How long will it take for books to arrive from the other campus?
   Requests (from either campus) can take up to 5 days to be filled.
3. Can I borrow an item from Auburn and return it to Fulton?
   Yes, you may return a library item to either campus, regardless of which campus you borrowed it from.