Spring Semester
Mondays-Thursdays: 8am-10pm
Fridays: 8am-5pm
Saturdays: 10am-5pm
Sundays: CLOSED
(See also full Library Hours Calendar.)
Circulation & Research:
(513) 244-4216
Email: library@msj.edu
Location:
Archbishop Alter Library
Mount St. Joseph University
5701 Delhi Road
Cincinnati, OH 45233
Website URL: https://library.msj.edu
Social Media: 
The Mount Library space inside the Alter Library Building will be closed for renovation starting Monday, March 13, 2023. Please note: only the part of the Library Building that houses the Mount Library (floors 1-3) will be closed, as well as the hallway outside the Library between the Admissions Conference Room and the stairs leading down to Aquinas Hall. Other parts of the building (ISS Helpdesk and offices; PA classrooms, offices, and labs on the ground level; and nursing lab on the first floor) will remain open.
The renovation project is expected to be completed in time for the start of the Fall 2023 (S124) semester on Monday, August 28. For the duration of the project, the MSJ Library services will be OPEN and temporarily operating out of the old ROAR Store location (Harrington bottom floor). The Mount Library will still be able to provide most of its core services. Please review the following information, and if you have any questions or concerns, contact the Library for assistance.
Library Renovation Project Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How long will the Mount Library Building be closed for the Library Renovation Project?
A: Starting Monday, March 13, The Archbishop Alter Library Building (the main MSJ Library Building, floors 1-3) will be closed to all students, faculty, and staff for the duration of the renovation project. The renovations will take approximately 5 months to complete, and the Library Building is expected to reopen in time for the fall semester in August.
Q: Can I still access Library services and resources while the Library Building is closed?
A: Yes, absolutely! While the Library Building is closed, MSJ Library services and resources will remain available during the entire renovation project. MSJ Library services will temporarily relocate to the old Roar Store location in the lower level of Harrington Center. The temporary MSJ Library services space will provide many of the same services that students are normally able to access in the Library Building. This temporary MSJ Library space will be named “Harrington Temporary Library” (HTL).
Q: Will Harrington Temporary Library have space for quiet and group study?
A: Quiet study space will be available directly inside the Harrington Temporary Library (HTL), while group study space will be available in the lobby area outside of the store, as well as in the Harrington Food Court.
Q: Can I print/copy/scan in Harrington Temporary Library?
A: Yes, Harrington Temporary Library (HTL) will be equipped with a multi-functional device (MFD) printer with copying and scanning functionalities.
Q: Can I use one of the Library’s computers while I am studying?
A: Harrington Temporary Library (HTL) will have several laptops available to check out with a valid Mount student ID card. Laptops are for use only in the HTL areas.
Q: Will Harrington Temporary Library’s business hours remain the same as MSJ Library’s normal semester hours during the renovation project?
A: Yes, please see the MSJ Library hours of operation 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: Will I still be able to get research help from an MSJ librarian?
A: Yes, all research help services will continue to be available to our patrons. You can request help by visiting the “Research Help” section of the Library’s website. Help options available include chat, email (library@msj.edu), telephone (513-244-4216), and scheduling a research appointment with an MSJ librarian in-person or via Zoom. Walk-in research assistance will also be available in Harrington Temporary Library (HTL).
An MSJ Librarian can:
Please don’t hesitate to ask for assistance via chat, email, or 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: What MSJ Library resources can I access while the Library Building is closed?
A: The MSJ Library’s entire collection of digital resources remains accessible both on and off campus during the renovation project. The Library provides a large collection of online resources, including:
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 database from off-campus using the Library (LIB) number printed on the front of your Mount ID card.
Helpful Links:
You can also search by keyword for ebooks using the FOCUS MSJ Library catalog
Q: Can I check out print books and DVDS from MSJ Library during the renovation project?
A: Due to space limitations, the physical circulation collection will not be moving with MSJ Library to Harrington Temporary Library (HTL). It will be inaccessible for the duration of the renovation project. However, students will still be able to check out print course reserves from HTL. Students can also request items through OhioLINK, SearchOhio, and interlibrary loan; and access all of MSJ Library’s online resources.
Q: Will course reserves still be available in Harrington Temporary Library during the renovation project? (In other words, can I still check out copies of textbooks from the circulation desk?)
A: Yes, the entire print course reserves collection will be moving to Harrington Temporary Library (HTL), and will be available for check out. 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 service desk in Harrington Temporary Library; please ask at the desk for assistance.
In addition to the print course reserves, some textbooks are also available as ebooks. Search the FOCUS MSJ 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: Can I still place items on course reserve for my courses?
A: If you are an MSJ faculty member, you can still place items on reserve for your courses by either coming in person to fill out a course reserves form, or by filling out the online reserves request form.
Q: Can I still request library instruction for my courses?
A: If you are an MSJ faculty member, you can arrange instruction for your courses by filling out the online library instruction request form.
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. You can also obtain a new Mount ID card from Campus Police.
Helpful links:
Q: Can I still borrow books from OhioLINK?
A: OhioLINK borrowing services will still be available during the renovation project (read more information about OhioLINK). When your OhioLINK items arrive at Harrington Temporary Library (HTL), they will be processed and then placed on the hold shelf at the service desk. You can pick up your items at the service desk any time HTL is open; please remember to present your Mount ID when checking out your OhioLINK items. When you are finished with your OhioLINK item(s), return your items in-person or use the blue-and-yellow book return drop outside the HTL entrance.
Q: Can I still make Interlibrary Loan (ILL) requests?
A: ILL services will still be available during the renovation (learn more about the ILL services we provide). When your ILL item arrives, it will be processed and placed on the hold shelf at the service desk in Harrington Temporary Library (HTL). You can pick up your item any time the HTL is open; please remember to present your Mount ID when checking out your ILL item. When you are finished, you may return your item in-person or use the blue-and-yellow book return drop outside the HTL entrance.
Helpful Links:
Q: Will WPS Starbucks Cafe be open during the renovation project?
A: WPS Starbucks Cafe will be open in a temporary location in the Theatre Lobby, just inside the east theatre entrance. Hours of operation will be posted at the temporary location. Please direct all cafe-related inquiries to manager Sharon Wiest (Sharon.Wiest@msj.edu; 513-244-4633). WPS Starbucks Cafe will return to the MSJ Library Building when the renovation project is completed.