Frequently Asked Questions for Course Reserves
Materials
Q. When I submitted my materials, I had several individual articles. Why have they been combined into a "reading packet?"
A. To make the course reserves listings simpler and more user friendly for the students, all individual materials are combined into packets, usually called "Reading Packets". Up to 5 identical copies of the reading packet are allowed on reserve. Please submit the same number of copies of each article, so each reading packet is complete (i.e. one copy of each article = 1 packet, 2 copies of each article = 2 packets, etc.).
Q. Do I need to submit my materials in binders?
A. No, the library provides binders and folders for reserve materials.
Q. I've requested library books to be placed on reserve. How long will it take?
A. All reserve materials are processed within a week. However, if a library item is missing or checked out, it will take longer to process. If an item is missing, the Reserves Coordinator will search 3 times for it. If it is not located, the item will be marked as missing and you will be notified. If the item is checked out, it will be recalled and will be due in 1 week. As soon as the item is returned, it will be processed for reserves, and you will be notified by email.
Q. I'm teaching a course spring term and again in the fall. Can I keep the materials on reserve over summer term?
A. Items do not remain on reserve during a term in which the course is not being taught. At the end of spring term, the materials will be sent back to you. You will need to re-submit the materials with a new request form at the beginning of fall term.
Q. Some of my items are missing or have been damaged. Does the library replace missing or damaged copies?
A. No. If pages are missing from notes or tests, it is up to the students to alert the professor to replace the missing material. Encourage your students to follow the honor code (i.e. don't remove reserve materials for personal use) when using reserve items.
Processing
Q. How long does it take for items to be placed on reserve?
A. Allow one week for items to be processed. Items are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. It is best to submit your reserve request one week before the date it is needed, so the items are available for your students by that date.
Q. What will happen to the reserve items at the end of the term?
A. Reserve items are removed at the end of the term, generally three days after the last day of the term. Library materials are returned to the stacks, and personal copies are sent back to you through campus mail or campus freight. You may also come to Circulation and pickup your materials at anytime before they are sent to you.
Q. What are the call numbers for my reserve materials?
A. All library materials will have a Library of Congress call number. Personal copies will be given a call number beginning with the letters VR (Valley Reserves). It is helpful if students know the call number for the reserve item before they come to Circulation, so please alert your students to these numbers.
Q. How do I know when my item has been placed on Reserve?
A. After your material has been placed on reserve, you will receive an e-mail. This e-mail will contain all call numbers for your reserved items. Students can access a list of reserve items on OASIS.
Request Form
Do I need to submit a request form for each item I want to place on reserve, if they are all for the same course?
A. No, you only need to submit request forms for each separate course.
Q. How can I reserve a video to show in the classroom?
A. Visit our on-line request form. The video(s) will be available at Circulation on the requested date.
Contact Us
(541) 737-2361
