How do I renew items?
- Log in to OneSearch and choose your titles to be renewed by following these steps:
- Go to OneSearch.
- Choose "My Library Account."
- Choose "Ball State Username/Password" or "Resident/Affiliate Login" depending on your status, and log in as prompted.
- Choose "Loans."
- A complete list of your checkouts and their due dates will be displayed, with the option to renew some or all items.
- Please check the new due dates carefully; renewals may be prevented or shortened if an item has been requested by another user.
- Most materials may be renewed a total of two times, either online, in person (at the Library Information Desk) or over the phone (by calling Library Information Desk at 765-285-5143).
- An exception: Faculty, staff, and graduate students may renew General Collection items only once online/by phone.
- Circulating digital equipment may not be renewed.
- In order to renew items checked out through Interlibrary Loan, log in to ILLiad, and then select "View -> Renew Items."
Who may borrow books from the Libraries?
- Anyone with a valid Ball State ID may check out library materials. Valid Ball State ID holders include students, faculty and staff.
- Indiana residents eighteen years of age or older can receive a Resident/Affiliate Library Card. (See Borrowing Information.)
- Ball State alumni may use an Alumni Card to check out some library materials.
- For information about loan periods, consult the University Libraries' borrowing privileges.
Where can I get a list of items I currently have checked out?
- Log in to OneSearch and go to your library account by following these steps:
- Go to OneSearch.
- Choose "My Library Account."
- Choose "Ball State Username/Password" or "Resident/Affiliate Login" depending on your status, and log in as prompted.
- Choose "Loans."
- A complete list of your current checkouts and their due dates will be displayed.
How can I place a hold on an item for pickup at the Libraries? What can I do if the book I want is checked out?
- View the full OneSearch item record for the title you want by clicking on the item title.
- Under "Get It," click on the "Sign in" link and log in with your BSU credentials.
- Now under "Get It," click "Request" and complete the form.
- Items checked out to any borrower are subject to recall after two weeks. Placing a request will reserve an item for your use once it has been returned by the current borrower. You will be notified once the item you requested is available.
- If no “Request” link appears in the item view, the item might not be eligible for being requested. For example, items on reserve may not be recalled, and certain item types, such as DVDs, are also ineligible.
How do I find a specific book on the shelf by call number?
- The information on the OneSearch search results page includes the call number and location/collection the book is in.
- Consult Book Locations and Floorplans to determine where the book's collection is located in the library.
- You may also use the charts in the elevators in Bracken Library to figure out which floor your General Collection book is located on.
- Use the call number (ex. HC103 .D39 2011) from the item record to locate the specific book on the shelf.
How do I get a library card?
- Ball State students, faculty, and staff use their Ball State ID cards to check out material from the University Libraries.
- Indiana Residents over eighteen years of age may obtain a Resident/Affiliate Card. (See Borrowing Information.)
Can I check out periodicals (magazines and journals)?
- Both bound and current periodicals circulate to Ball State students, faculty and staff.
- Holds and recalls cannot be placed on periodicals.
- Please see the University Libraries' University Libraries' borrowing privileges for more information.
How many books can I check out?
- There is no limit on the number of books that can be checked out from the University Libraries.