General Frequently Asked Questions - Rod Library

Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents:

Where is Rod Library?: Rod Library is located in the east central part of campus. It is building number 25 on the UNI campus parking map. The dashed lines on the map represent pedestrian walkways. The door of the library is across from the west door of Maucker Union; the main level of the library is called the second floor. For more specific directions, call the reference desk at (319) 273-2838.

Where do I find the restrooms?: Restrooms are located in the northeast corner and near the west stairwell on each floor of the building.

Where do I find wheelchair accessible restrooms?: Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located near the west stairwell on all four floors of the library.

Where do I ask a question?: Questions about library resources or services may be asked at the Reference Desk on the second floor of the library. There are several other ways to ask us questions. See the Ask Us! page on our website.

Where do I find the reserve desk?: The Reserve Desk is at the MultiService Center near the main stairwell on the first floor of the library.

How can I reserve a study room?: Study rooms are located on the first, third, and fourth floors. These rooms are intended for groups of up to six students who wish to study together. Keys are checked out at the Circulation Desk on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be reserved in advance. Patrons are limited to one checkout of a study room per day for any individual or group.

How can distance learning students use the library?: The library has a special website for distance learning students to learn about and to request services. It is at http://www.library.uni.edu/distance/.

How do I check out a book?: Materials to be checked out should be taken to the Circulation Desk near the main entrance of the building. You must present your UNI ID card at the desk. Those not affiliated with UNI may purchase a visitor’s card in order to check out books.

The book I need isn’t on the shelf. What should I do?: Go to the Reference Desk or the Circulation Desk to ask that someone help you to check for the book. If it still can’t be located, ask the Circulation staff to do a more extensive search.

What if the book I want is already checked out?: Go to the Circulation Desk and ask if the book can be recalled or held for you when it is returned.

Where can I return library materials?: Rod Library materials can be returned to the Circulation Desk during open hours. There is also a book drop outside, to the left of the library entrance. Most materials may be returned in the drop 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are a few exceptions to this. Videotapes, DVDs, CDs, and LPs should be returned to the Circulation Desk on the main floor. Interlibrary loans should be returned to the Interlibrary Loan Desk, also on the main floor.

Will the library staff pull and hold books for me?: Library staff do not normally pull and hold books upon request. We will, however, assist patrons with disabilities by retrieving books and holding them at the desk. There may be a wait before the books are available in this case. Please see the “Library Users with Disabilities – Services” policy (pdf file) for details.

How do I find journal articles?: Journal articles can be found by searching Panther Prowler. If articles are online, users can link from search results via the yellow Find it! button. Users can also locate electronic journals (but not articles) via the Journals page.

How do I find books and other materials?: Books and other materials (CDs, DVDs, course reserves) can be found by searching the library's online catalog, UNISTAR.

How do I locate library books or other materials that I find listed in UNISTAR?: The location code in UNISTAR tells you where to look in the library for the individual item by its call number. Approximately half of the book and periodical collections are shelved in the open stacks on the first, third, and fourth levels of the library. See the Shelving Locations guide for more information.

How do I access electronic resources from off-campus?: The majority of electronic resources listed in Panther Prowler are licensed for the use of the UNI community (UNI faculty, staff, and currently-enrolled students, as well as on-site use in the Library). To access these from off-campus please become familiar with the off-campus access instructions.

Where can I find a scanner?: A scanner is available for public use in the Art & Music Collection on the third floor of the library and in the Library Student Computer Center on the first floor.

Where can I write a paper or print a word processed document?: The Library Student Computer Center contains general purpose computers with word processing and other software. It is located on the first floor of the library to the south of the MultiService Center.

Where in the library can I print out magazine or journal articles?: On each floor there are signs indicating the location of the nearest public printer. The public workstations may be used to print online articles on the designated printers.

Where in the library can I read my email?: Web-based email services should work on the public computers on each floor of the library.

Can I use my wireless computer in the library?: Yes, once a wireless computer has been registered with UNI’s Information Technology Services (ITS) it can be used in the library. For more details, see our page on wireless and hardwired networking.

Where in the library can I access the Internet with my computer using a hardwired connection?: Approximately 180 hardwired network jacks are available in the public areas of the Library and in the Group Study Rooms. For more details, including a map of the hardwired network jacks, see our page on wireless and hardwired networking.

How can I apply for a student job at the library?: Apply at the Student Employment Coordinator’s office in Room 216, or see the Information for Prospective Student Employees on their website.