Using the Library - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I find books?
• How do I find articles?
• How do I find a thesis?
• Where can I find cribs?
• What are "reserves?"
• Does the library have textbooks?
• I'm trying to access a database, but it says I need a library card number?
• Is there wireless printing in the library?
• Books: How many can I check out / how long can I keep them / what are the late fees?
• How do I renew the book I have checked out?
• The library doesn't have the book I need?
• How can I learn to use the library?
• Circulation and Reference... what's the difference?

Have a question you think should be addressed here? Let us know.

How do I find books?

The easiest way to get started in finding books is to click on the "Search for Books" link at the very top of the library's home page. From there, you can search by title, author, subject, or keyword. Searches are automatically limited to Kettering University, however, if you are not finding what you need, you can expand your search to include resources at both Baker College and Mott Community College.

How do I find articles?

Articles can be found by first identifying the general topic you're looking for, and locating its subject guide on the Starting Your Research page. The subject guide will tell you which databases to start with, and you can access those by clicking their respective links.

• What is this “Search for Article” link, and where is it taking me? This link automatically searches our catalog, and the results will tell you if we have that specific journal, volume, and issue. If the search has no results, your next step is to request the article through Interlibrary Loan.
• I’ve found an article I want, but the website says I need to pay for it? Please attempt to utilize the Interlibrary Loan service before paying for an article - ILL can almost always find the article for you.

If you have any trouble finding books or articles, don't be shy, ask us! (And if you are shy, use the Meebo Chat widget.)

How do I find a thesis?

Theses are located in the Digital Thesis Archive. To access the Digital Thesis Archive, go to the library's home page, and click on "Digital Thesis Archive" in the menu on the right. Please note - due to copyright restrictions, you must be on campus to access the Digital Thesis Archive, and you may not print out a thesis. For information on how to obtain a paper copy of a thesis, please contact the Thesis Services Department.

More recent theses are completely digital, however, older theses will most likely be on microfilm.

Where do I find cribs?

All cribs and paper reserve items are scanned and uploaded to Blackboard. When you log into Blackboard, click the link for eReserves located on the landing page. Items are listed both by course and by professor. If you can't find the item you're looking for, please ask a library staff member to assist you.

There are few cases in which a professor has requested items not be scanned, and those items are located behind the circulation desk. Ask a circulation staff member, and they will produce the item for you.

What are "reserves?"

Reserves are library materials made available by professors for specific classes. Books on reserve can be checked out for a short period of time and are located at the Circulation Desk. Non-book materials (notes, old tests, etc.) are available on Blackboard by clicking the eReserves link on the landing page.

Does the library have textbooks?

Sometimes your professors will place a textbook on reserve in the library, but outside of that, we typically do not purchase student textbooks for the library collection.

I'm trying to access a database, but it says I need a library card number? 

Your library card number is the 14-digit number at the bottom of your Kettering ID, and typically starts with 2100... It is important to include all of the numbers, rather than the number you commonly use as your student ID. If you have not been issued a Kettering ID card, please call the Circulation Desk at (810) 762-7814. If you're still having trouble accessing the databases, please see our Remote Access Help page, or ask us.

Is there wireless printing in the library?

The library does have wireless printing available. Please see this link to learn how to set it up on your computer.

Books: how many can I check out / how long can I keep them / what are the late fees?

Students, faculty, and staff are allowed to check out up to 15 items at a time. Courtesy card patrons are allowed only 3 items. Students are allowed to check out books for 30 days, however thesis students are allowed to check out books for 90 days. Other materials (CDs, DVDs, etc) have shortened loan periods that can be anywhere between one day to one week. The library does not charge overdue fines, however, if you are very late turning in an item, the system may consider it lost. In this case, you will be charged for the value of the book, plus processing fees, to replace the item. Holds can and will be placed on your account if you fail to turn in the item or pay for its replacement. For more information about library lending policies, please see this page.

How do I renew the book I have checked out? 

The easiest way to renew your books is for you to go to the library catalog and click on the "My Account" tab. You will receive a prompt to input your library card number. If you're not sure what your library card number is, see the FAQ question on library card numbers. After you've input your card number, you will see an account overview that includes the items you have out. If you click on the "Items Out" link, you will be taken to the page where you can renew your books.

If you are not comfortable with this process, please feel free to call the circulation desk to have a library staff member renew your items for you. The number is (810) 762-7814.

The library doesn't have the book I need?

If you've looked up your book in the catalog, and you've found it at either Mott or Baker, you can request to have it sent to the Kettering Library. If you're willing to drive to pick it up, your Kettering ID will work at Mott and all Baker campuses. If the book you need is not at Kettering, Baker, or Mott, then you can fill out a Book Request form and we will try to get the item sent here through Interlibrary Loan. For more information about Interlibrary Loan, please click here.

How can I learn to use the library?

If you have any questions on how to use the library, the reference staff are here to help! You can contact them via phone, email, chat, or in person. If you wish to learn on your own, however, you can visit the Using the Library page to get started.

Circulation and reference... what's the difference?

If you have a question about when your book is due, how to renew a book, or anything pertaining to the lending and returning of materials, contact circulation at (810) 762-7814.

If you have a question about how to write a paper, do research, or find resources for informational purposes, contact reference at (810) 762-9598.

Have a question you think should be addressed here? Let us know!