Services

For patrons seeking individual quiet study space, the MSJ Library offers quiet areas in the main Reading Room. Our Lobby area has a mix of individual and group study space. However, for group study space that can accommodate discussion and collaboration, the Library encourages patrons to use the Group Study Room.

Currently, the Reading Room and Lobby can accommodate approximately 30 people.

Please note the following requirements for studying in the Library's designated quiet areas:

• The Reading Room is intended for quiet study. No phone calls or Zoom calls are permitted in the Reading Room.
• Currently, only the Reading Room and Library Lobby are open for study. The second and third floor study areas are still closed to patrons at this time.

During the Spring 2021 semester, the MSJ Library is providing limited in-person and many virtual services to support students and faculty. Due to COVID-19, we have also made several changes to the way the Library provides its services.  The following FAQ provides information on the modified services the Library is offering. Please review the following information, and if you have any questions or concerns, contact the Library for assistance.

Q:  Is the Mount Library building open? Can I study in the Library?

A:  For MSJ Students & Employees:
As of June 1, 2021, study appointments are no longer needed. Students and Mount employees are welcome to use the MSJ Library at any time during the Library’s hours of operation. When you come to the library, take note of the following guidelines:

• Prior to coming to campus, students and employees must have already completed the “COVID-19 Screening and Guidelines Acknowledgement for the 2021-2022 Academic Year” or the daily “COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire” on myMount. Students and employees may only come to the MSJ Library if they are able to answer the screening questions with a “no” answer.
• If students and employees are fully vaccinated, they are not required to wear a mask and are not required to socially distance, although they have the option of wearing a mask and socially distancing if one chooses.
• If students and employees are NOT fully vaccinated, you are required to wear a mask and you must continue to maintain social distancing at all times while you are inside the library.
• Please note the following definition of “fully vaccinated”: A person is fully vaccinated 2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series or 2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose of the FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines. Currently, these include vaccines manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

For guests to campus:

As of June 1, 2021, guest patrons are now permitted to use the MSJ Library during hours of operation but must first complete the  “Visitor COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire” prior to arriving on the MSJ campus. When guests come to the MSJ Library, they must take note of the following guidelines:

• Prior to arriving on the MSJ campus, guests must complete the  “Visitor COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire.” Guests may only visit the MSJ Library if they have been able to answer the screening questions with a “no” answer.
• If guests are fully vaccinated, guests are not required to wear a mask and are not required to socially distance, although guests have the option of wearing a mask and socially distancing if one chooses.
• If guests are NOT fully vaccinated, they are required to wear a mask and must continue to maintain social distancing at all times while you are inside the MSJ Library.
• Please note the following definition of “fully vaccinated”: A person is fully vaccinated 2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series or 2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose of the FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines. Currently, these include vaccines manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

Q: Can I print/copy/scan in the Library while I am studying?

The printer/copier/scanner is available for student use in the Library Lobby. We ask that you sanitize your hands before and after use. Hand sanitizer and wipes are available.

Q: Can I use one of the Library’s computers while I am studying?

The computers in the Library Lobby and Reading Room are available. We ask that you sanitize your hands before and after use. Hand sanitizer and wipes are available.

Q: What are the Mount Library’s current business hours?

A: The Library’s modified hours of operation are posted on the "Library Hours" page. Hours of operation are subject to change during holidays, semester breaks, and other times, so please check the schedule frequently.

Q: Can I check out print books and DVDs from the MSJ Library?

A: Yes. Use the "Place Hold" feature in our online FOCUS Library Catalog. Once the MSJ Library receives your request, the item(s) you requested will be placed on hold for you at the circulation desk in the Library Lobby. You will receive a pickup alert to your MSJ email account. When you arrive at the desk, please present your Mount ID card and the items you have on hold will be checked out to you. Note: items will be kept on the hold shelf for 10 days, after which time they will be removed if not picked up. 

Q: Is the MSJ Library providing Course Reserves?

The MSJ Library Course Reserves services has been fully restored. Use the Course Reserves search in the FOCUS Library Catalog to determine what textbooks and other materials are available. Materials on Course Reserves can be checked out for a limited time specified by the instructor: some are 3 hours, some are 1 day, some are 3 days, and some are available for 7 days. Course Reserves are available to check out at the Circulation Desk; please ask at the Desk for assistance.

In addition to the print Course Reserves, some textbooks are also available as ebooks. Search the FOCUS Library Catalog for the TITLE of your textbook to see if an ebook copy is available.

If you need assistance with Course Reserves, email (library@msj.edu), use the library chat service, or call (513-244-4216).

The MSJ Library also provides a Textbook Affordability Guide that contains information about possible ways to save money on textbooks. If you have questions about any of the information in the Textbook Guide, please contact the Library for assistance.

Q: What MSJ Library resources can I remotely access while I am away from campus?

A: The MSJ Library provides a large collection of online resources, including:

• journal articles
• ebooks
• videos
• databases
• subject guides

These and other information resources are accessible through a collection of over 100 databases listed on the Library’s website. You can access all these databases from off-campus using the library number printed on the front of your Mount ID card. 

Helpful Links:

Q: What if I don’t have my Mount ID card or don’t know my library number?

A: If you don’t know your LIB ID barcode number, you can look it up securely in myMount. Note: you will first need to log in to myMount to view the page.

Helpful links:

Q: Can I get research help remotely (off-campus) from librarians?

A: Yes, you can request help by visiting the "Research Help" section of the Library's website. Help options available include the new chat reference service, email (library@msj.edu), or telephone (513-244-4216). Here are some examples of ways that MSJ Librarians can assist you:

• research help
• guidance when you are starting a research assignment
• help with search strategies
• research consultations 
• help with finding and using online resources

Please don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Our team of MSJ Librarians will take turns monitoring chat, email, and phone during the library’s hours of operation, which are posted on the library homepage. We will try to respond to requests within 24 hours.  You may also consult the librarian created subject guides that serve as starting points for research assignments.

Helpful links:

Q: Can I borrow books from OhioLINK?

OhioLINK borrowing services are available. Read more information about OhioLINK. When your OhioLINK items arrive to the MSJ Library, they will be processed then placed on the hold shelf at the circulation desk in the Library Lobby. You can pick up your items at the desk any time the Library is open; please remember to present your Mount ID when checking out your OhioLINK items. When you are finished, return your items to either the outside return drop or the inside return drop located just to the right of the Library entrance.

Q: Can I make Interlibrary Loan (ILL) requests?

ILL services is available. Learn more about ILL services. When your ILL item arrives, it will be placed on the hold shelf at the circulation desk in the Library Lobby. You can pick up your item any time the Library is open; please remember to present your Mount ID when checking out your ILL item. When you are finished, you may return your item to either the outside return drop or the inside return drop located just to the right of the Library entrance.