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FAQs
How do I search for Books in the catalog?
The library's home page has a search portal for the online catalog. Type an author name, title, or keyword into the text box and click the search button. On your first search try to select one or just a few general keywords, and then examine the result list. If you get too many results, then try adding keywords to refine your search. Another option for searching is to click on the Browse link right below the search portal. From there try searching by author, title, or subject and you'll see an alphabetized list of all authors, titles, or subjects near your entry.
How much of the call number do I need to find the book?
You should write down all of the number! It might save you a trip back to the computer.
I know the call number of the book I want, but how do I find it in the library?
The first part of the call number, the leading letters, tell you where to start in the library. For books in the general collection, if the call number starts with an A or B, the book is located downstairs. If the call number starts with a C through LB, it is upstairs on the south side of the building (closest to Bradfield Dorm). If the call number begins with an LB through Z, it is upstairs on the north side of the building (closest to Hall-Roland Hall). Look at the banners hanging from the ceiling to help point you in the right direction, and then check the end of the rows of shelves to see if the call number falls in that range. After you find the section matching the initial letters, look at the following numbers and letters in the call number and try to scan the shelves to see where it would fall.
For books in the reference collection, the call number will begin with the prefix REF and will be found on the first floor next to the reference desk. For books in the restoration collection, the call number will begin with the prefix REST and will be found in a closed room on the first floor in the rear of the library. Ask a librarian if you need to use a book in the restoration collection. For books in the Juvenile or Juvenile Easy collections, the call number will begin with either of the prefixes JUV or JE and will be found in the Southworth Room on the second floor. For oversize books, the call number will begin with the prefix OVERSIZE and will be found on carrolls on the second floor.
The book I want is checked out. What can I do?
You can put a hold on the book so when it's returned, we'll notify you and save it for you. Submit a hold from the online catalog after you've pulled up the item. You could also ask a librarian to put the hold for you. If the book you need is overdue, we can recall the book for you and notify you when it's returned.
The book I want is supposed to be here, but it’s not on the shelf. What can I do?
First double check to make sure that you are in the right collection. For instance, if you want a call number that starts with an M, make sure that you aren't looking in the Ms in the reference section. Next, you should ask a librarian for help. It could be that the book is temporarily housed elsewhere, waiting to be reshelved, or being repaired. If it still can't be found, we can take your name and call you when it is found.
The library doesn’t have the book I want. Is there any way I can get it?
We often borrow books or articles from other libraries to help you get all the resources you need. You can fill out a form online (the link to InterLibrary Loan Request Form is on the library's home page), or go by the library and fill out a form. You'll need to know the title and author, and whatever other information you can provide to help us find the right item quickly. It usually takes a minimum of a couple of business days to locate an article, and at least a week to receive a book through the mail, so submit your form well before your project is due! There is a processing charge of one dollar per article request and three dollars per book request. There is also a limit of five requests per day and 25 per year.
How long might I wait for InterLibrary Loan requests?
It just depends on how fast we can find it at another library and how fast they can get it here. For articles that can be emailed, that might take only a few hours. They probably won't take more than a couple business days. Books would definitely take longer since they'd have to be sent through the mail. Books usually take two or three days to get here, but sometimes it may be longer than a week.
Can I recommend a book the library should purchase?
There's a link on the library's home page for recommending a book for the library. Try to fill out as much information as you can, and it would also help if you could include a reason why you are recommending it, such as why this would be a good resource for the library, where you heard of it, etc.
Where are Videos, DVDs, CDs, and Tapes?
All audiovisual materials, including Videos, DVDs, FLIX DVDs, CDs, Tapes, Records, Slides, and CD-ROMS, are in the AV Annex. The Annex is located in the first floor of the Draughon Education Center, next to the Loden-Daniel Library. Many audiovisual materials can only be used in the Annex unless they are being used in a class presentation. The FLIX Collection of DVDs is the one exception: They can be checked out of the Annex by all students, faculty, and staff. Check the library information page for the hours of the AV Annex, as they may be different from the Library's.
Where do I return books?
You can return books by taking them into Loden-Daniel Library and dropping them into the book return slot built into the left side of the main circulation desk. Make sure not to leave them on top of the circulation desk, where they could be accidentally misplaced or reshelved. There is also a night return book drop outside the library built into the wall to the left of the main entrance. For any audiovisual items, please return them to the AV Annex circulation desk during AV hours.
How much is the fine for overdues?
$.10 a day for books, $.25 an hour for reserves, $.25 a day for CDs and tapes, $1.00 a day for FLIX DVDs (applies to faculty and staff as well as students) and $.10 an hour for all other AV items.
Can I renew my books without bringing them to the library?
You can log on to your library account and renew them there without bringing them to the library. Go to My Library Account from the library's home page and enter your nine digit identification number and last name. However, you can't renew them once they become overdue and you can only renew them one time before you have to bring them back to the library. We can only renew items over the phone for current Honors College students.
How can I check my library account online?
From the main library page, there is a link on the right-side column for My Library Account. This link will take you to a login page where you can access your account by typing your Freed-Hardeman username and password. To access your account, you have to be a current student, faculty, or staff at FHU.
How do I cite the items I find in the library?
The library has a guide that outlines how to cite items like journals, books, and online databases. It is available in the library in the breezeway. There are also a number of citation helps available online by following the link on the library's homepage.
Can I use a laptop in the library and get wireless internet service?
Yes, the library, like most buildings on campus has wireless internet access. There are also a number of study carrolls on the first floor that have nearby power outlets and internet outlets if you don't have a wireless card.
| What Can I Check Out Of The Library? |
What can I check out and how long can I keep them?
It's depends on who you are (undergraduate, graduate, staff, etc) and what you're checking out (books, videos, etc). Please see the list on the Library's "Hours and Information" webpage for details
Can I check videos and DVDs out of the library?
The FLIX Collection of DVDs (popular and classic movies) can be checked out of the library for three day periods by all faculty, staff, and students. It is free to check out FLIX Collection DVDs, but the overdue fee is $1.00 per day and is applicable to faculty and staff as well as students. Other than FLIX DVDs, the standard collection of AV videos and DVDs can only be viewed in the AV Annex. The only exception is for audiovisual material used in a class presentation. In that case, you need to have your teacher sign a form (available in the AV Annex) and the material can only be checked out during the class period. For any other videos and DVDs, you can use one of several study rooms in the AV Annex. Each room can seat about eight, and has a cable TV, VCR, DVD player, and computer. You may want to reserve it beforehand in case demand is high.
I am in the Honors College. Do I have any special borrowing privileges?
Students currently in the Honors College can check out reference books and periodicals for 24 hours, and get a four week checkout of books. Be sure to bring your Honors College ID with you along with your library card. You can also renew books once over the phone.
I've never gone to Freed-Hardeman University, but I live in the area. Can I check out books?
You can if you apply for a Community Card. With a community card you can have up to three items checked out at any time, and you can begin borrowing as soon as you open the account! The card costs $10, payable by cash or check, and is good for three years. You must be at least a junior in high school to get a community card. Come by the library to fill out a form.
I'm an alumnus of Freed-Hardeman University. Do I still have the ability to check out books?
You can if you apply for a Community Card. With a community card you can have up to three items checked out at any time, and you can begin borrowing as soon as you open the account! The card costs $10, payable by cash or check, and is good for three years.
I'm not a student at Freed-Hardeman University, but I go to a different college nearby. Can I check out books?
Yes! FHU has an agreement with ten nearby colleges and universities that allows students to borrow from each other's libraries. Come to FHU's Loden-Daniel Library and ask to apply for a "WeTALC Card" (West Tennessee Academic Library Consortium). The card is free, but is only valid while you are enrolled in the participating college. With a WeTALC card you can have up to three items checked out at any time, and you can begin borrowing as soon as you open the account. Be sure to bring your student ID with you when you open your account. Participating colleges: Jackson State Community College, Lambuth, Union, Lane, Bethel, Dyersberg State Community College, University of Memphis, Christian Brothers University, UT at Martin, UT at Memphis.
Is there a FAX machine in the library?
There is a FAX machine available for public use in the library. It is in the Technical Services area of the library, and you can ask a librarian for help when you need to use it. There is also a digital sender in the library, which works similarly to a FAX machine, but sends items to an email address instead of another FAX machine. The digital sender is free to use, but the fax machine costs to send and receive documents. To receive a fax is $0.25 per page. To send a fax to a local or toll free number: $0.50 per page; to a long distance number: $1.50 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page; and for international numbers: $5.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page.
Can I have someone send a FAX to me through the library so I can pick it up later?
Yes, the number for the Loden-Daniel Library's FAX machine is 731-989-6065. You may want to ask the sender to put your name and phone number on the cover page of the FAX so we can contact you when we receive it. The cost for receiving a FAX is $.25 a page, which you can pay or charge to your student account.
Is there a copier in the library?
There are two copiers in the Loden-Daniel Library, and one in the AV Annex. For all copiers you can use your student card to deduct the cost of copies from your preset $50-a-semester balance. Black and white copies are $.10 a page. One copier in the Loden-Daniel Library can make color copies for $.50 a page. If you are making numerous copies of just a few pages, you may want to use the risograph machine in the Loden-Daniel Library. It costs one dollar per master but only a penny for each copy, and can print at a rate of about two copies per second. (For example, to make fifty copies of one page would cost five dollars on the copier, but only $1.50 on the risograph.) To use the risograph machine you must provide your own paper. For the risograph you can only pay cash or charge to your student account, but for the copiers you can pay cash, charge to your student account, or deduct from your preset $50-a-semester copy balance.
Is there a scanner in the library?
There is no scanner for public use in the library, but you are welcome to use the digital sender. It can scan pictures or documents and send a pdf version to an email address. Ask a librarian to show you how it works!
If I find a journal citation that doesn't have full text, how can I locate the article?
First see if the library has the journal in any other place. It might be bound, in another database, or on microfilm. Go to the journal search section and search for the journal to see if it is available elsewhere. If not, you can fill out an Article Interlibrary Loan form and we can see if we can get the article from another library!
How do I access reserves online?
Not everything your teacher leaves on reserve can be viewed online. But we do usually try to put shorter items like articles or chapters online so you can print them off. To get to those, go to the library home page and click on the Class Reserves link on the right. Find your teacher from the list of instructors, and then click on your class to view all the items available. Click on the item you want.
When does the Scholastic Bookfair come to the library?
At the end of each fall and spring semester, generally around exam week. Check the library's website around late April and again in early December for the exact dates. The Scholastic Bookfair sells new children's and young adult's books and resources at half price. It takes place in Loden-Daniel Library and is open to the public.
Does the library ever sell any old or extra books?
We do occasionally sell duplicate and older books at a book sale during Lectureships in February.
Can I donate some of my books to the library?
We welcome your donations! Whether academic, professional, religious, juvenile, or current fiction, the library is always looking to expand its collection. Just bring your donation by and give it to a librarian, or if your donation is too big to handle, call the library and we can usually arrange to pick it up ourselves. Your donations are tax-deductible.
Where can I park when I visit?
Parking can be scarce around campus, but visitors are allowed to park in any open spot on campus except for those few specifically designated for staff personnel. The closest sizeable parking lot is located off Cason Ave, directly behind the Library. You can also try a small parking lot next to the AV Annex that is very close to Loden-Daniel. The entrance to this lot is off Main Street, in between the Old Main Administration Building and Wallace-Gano Dining Hall. There are designated visitor spots here, and though frequently full during the day, this lot tends to be available in the evening. There are also handicapped spots here and the lot provides easy access to the library's handicapped entrance.
Is there an entrance that is wheelchair accessible?
The main entrance to the library requires descending a small flight of stairs; however on the right side of the library there is a handicapped-accessible entrance. The sidewalk leading to this entrance comes from the parking spot by Old Main.
Is there a dress code for the library?
The dress code for the library is the same as for the school, as stated in the undergraduate and graduate handbooks.