Walter Stiern Library

Walter Stiern Library Policies for Distance Services

The Walter W. Stiern Library adheres to the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) guideline that distance users should be provided equivalent research support and service as those who attend or teach school on-site.

Overview

The Walter W. Stiern Library has the goal of providing equivalent library support to distance learners and faculty. To this end, electronic journal databases, reference sources, reserve items, and 24/7 (Ask A Librarian) reference support are available via the Internet. In-person research and instruction assistance are available to off-site students and faculty through the Distance Services Librarian and through subject specialist librarians at the main campus. Distance students and instructors are provided electronic and print document delivery of in-house Stiern Library materials and Interlibrary Loan items. Services such as online book renewal and specialized research assistance may be obtained through the Library website.

Eligibility

Those eligible for distance Library services include:

• CSUB students who live outside of the 933 zip code
• CSUB faculty or CSUB Extended University Faculty teaching distance courses who are not concurrently teaching courses at the main campus
• CSUB staff employed at satellite locations

Distance Services Library Coordinator

The Stiern Library has a Distance Services Coordinator. This person has the job of:

• Bringing awareness of library services to distance faculty teaching at CSUB satellite sites and through Extended University.
• Coordinating with Library and University departments to facilitate access by distance users of Library resources and services.
• Providing instruction to distance users on general Library use and working with CSUB librarians to provide subject specific instruction and reference assistance.

Reference

The Stiern Library has a small reference collection at the CSUBAV site.
Faculty may request that individual reference books or small collections of reference materials be made available for limited periods of time at the CSUBAV site. This request could be made of the Distance Services Coordinator or the relevant Subject Specialist Librarian. The Subject Specialist Librarian would be consulted and determine if, and for how long, items could be made available.

Distance users will be provided with in-person, email, and telephone reference assistance from the Distance Services Coordinator. Distance users may also obtain reference assistance from CSUB Subject Specialist Librarians, the Stiern Library Reference Desk, the Ask A Librarian reference link, and the Distance Services Assistant.

Instruction

Distance users will be given library instruction by the Distance Services Coordinator at satellite locations with assistance from the appropriate Subject Specialist Librarian when necessary. This may be individual or group instruction. Instructors may request that a research session be given in their distance classroom. Usually research sessions for distance classrooms will be done by the Distance Services Coordinator.

Instructors teaching via Instructional Television may request that research sessions be coordinated so that a Subject Specialist Librarian works with the main campus classroom and the Distance Services Coordinator works with the distance classroom. Technologies, such as video streaming, that may be made available via the Internet will be explored and, when practical, employed to provide multiple access points for distance users.

Database Support for Distance Students

Distance users are, whenever feasible, provided the same access to Internet-based subscription databases and reference resources as traditional students.

Distance users will usually make their own requests and perform their own database searches. To do this effectively, distance users may request research help and instruction from the Distance Services Librarian, the appropriate Subject Specialist Librarian, the Ask A Librarian reference link, or the Stiern Library Reference Desk.

Distance users may request that print articles from the Stiern Library be scanned and made electronically available through their distance services accounts. These requests will be made through their distance services accounts. Help with this is available via the Distance Services Frequently Asked Questions page, the Distance Services Librarian, Kristine Holloway, or the Distance Services Library Assistant, Jamie Jacks.

Circulation

Circulating materials are purchased by the Stiern Library to support the entire University and so also support the CSUB distance curriculum.

Distance users may use their CSUB Runner Card ID number to request books and articles through their distance services accounts from the Stiern Library and through Interlibrary Loan. Distance users have the same circulation privileges as traditional CSUB students with the caveat of allowing additional time for shipping when returning books. Antelope Valley users will pick up or return their books in Room 405 at the CSUB-AV site. Other distance users may have books delivered to their homes with a pre-paid mailing pouch that can be dropped off at the post office when materials are returned. Books may be renewed online if there are no pre-existing holds. Overdue books may also be renewed online. However, fines will be assessed for the time between the book’s due date and the date the book was renewed.

There is no charge for receiving materials from the Stiern Library. However, if items are overdue or lost, the normal library fees will be assessed.

Turnaround Time

Materials will be delivered as quickly as is realistically feasible. At this time, the goal exists of making books available from the Stiern Library within three business days and articles available within two business days.

Methods to improve efficiency and reduce turnaround time will continue to be explored as staff and funding allow.

Course Reserves

CSUB and CSUBAV faculty may request that reserve items be placed online for their distance students. Faculty should fill out the online Reserves Request Form to arrange this.

• Electronic Reserves Request Form (in PDF, in Word)
• Hard Copy Reserves Request Form (in PDF, in Word)

CSUB and CSUBAV faculty may request that their own books, Stiern Library books, or electronic equipment be stored at the CSUBAV site in Room 405 for distance students to use.

Interlibrary Loan

Distance users may request books or articles from other libraries through their Distance Services Accounts. Interlibrary Loan book due dates will be determined by the lending library. There is usually no charge for this service. Patrons will be asked about willingness to pay fees before an item that would result in a fine is ordered.

Distance users may request articles from other libraries through their Distance Services Accounts. These articles will, when copyright restrictions permit, be made available electronically in their Distance Services accounts. If the Library is unable to display an article electronically, it will be sent by mail to the patron’s address.

General Assistance

Distance users should use the same services as those used by traditional students. Many services such as book renewal or course reserves are available online. Any department of the library can be reached by calling the toll free number: 1-800-788-2782 (CSUB) and asking for that department. Distance users with questions:

• Regarding fines or book renewals of Stiern Library items users should contact the Circulation Desk 
• Regarding fines, delivery, or book renewals of Interlibrary Loan items users should contact the Interlibrary Loan desk.
• Regarding accessing course reserves or research databases from off campus, users should contact the Student Technology Help Desk, the Library Systems Administrator, the Distance Services Librarian, or the Stiern Library Reference Desk.
• Regarding using Stiern Library services from a distance, students and faculty may contact the Distance Services Coordinator or the Distance Services Assistant.