Services

For patrons seeking individual quiet study space, the MSJ Library offers on a first-come-first-serve basis quiet areas in the main Reading Room, the Second Floor Study Area, and the Third Floor Study Area.

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 reserve the Group Study Room.

Please note the following requirements for studying in the Library's designated quiet study areas:  No phone calls or Zoom calls are permitted in areas designated for quiet study. This includes the main Reading Room, the Second Floor Study Area, and the Third Floor Study Area.

Due to COVID, during the Fall 2021 semester, the MSJ Library has made some changes to the way it 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?

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:

A:  For MSJ Students & Employees, and Guest Patrons:

• 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.
• The University is now requiring masks in all indoor locations on campus.
• Masks are required regardless of vaccination status.
• Masks must be properly worn over the face and nose.
• Masks must be worn, even if you are seated alone at a table. All study areas in the library are common areas, and thus masks are required even if you are alone.
• If you have forgotten your masks, a mask is available upon request at the Library  Circulation Desk.

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 from librarians?

A: Yes, you can request help by visiting the "Research Help" section of the Library's website. Help options available include chat reference service, email (library@msj.edu), telephone (513-244-4216), and Zoom research appointments. 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. 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.