Borrowing
LSU Retirees and Public PatronsIf you are not a current LSU student or employee (e.g., an LSU retiree), click the link below to log in. Note that the url is on the domain sirsi.net, as the Libraries catalog is hosted on the vendor's website. Public Patron Login
Main Library
Second Floor:
Checkout Desk
Undergraduate students
Faculty
Staff
E-textbooks
The e-textbook initiative provides students with quick access to course materials available for free through LSU Libraries. It also provides instructors with an easy-to-use search tool to identify e-books that the Libraries either already owns or can purchase for use in courses.
Course Reserves
The checkout desk on the second floor houses material instructors require their students to read during a regular semester. This can include such materials as library books, tapes, and the professor's personal books on Reserve for their students.
Undergraduate students
You must come to the checkout desk with the call number, professor's name, or book title. You may find this information on the library catalog reserves page, where reserve items are arranged by course name or instructor's name. Find the call number you need under the course, write it down, and someone behind the desk will get the book for you. If you are unable to find the information, the staff at the desk will be happy to try to assist you. NOTE: A valid LSU ID is required in order to check out Reserve materials.
The purple, pink, yellow, green and blue slips inside each reserve book will tell you the exact date and time your material is to be returned. Currently there are 5 circulation options:
- 2hrs/ BUILDING USE ONLY: This material circulates for 2 hours and cannot leave the building.
- 2hrs/ Overnight: This material circulates for 2 hours and can be taken out of the library overnight if the item is checked out less than 2 hours before closing.
- 1-Day Reserve: This material will circulate for one 24 hour period. The material will be due the following day at the same time it was checked out.
- 3-Day Reserve: This material circulates for 72 hours. The material is due in 3 days at the same time it was checked out.
- 7-day Reserve This material circulates for 168 hours. The material is due back in 7 days at the same time it was checked out.
The instructors choose which circulation period that they want us to use for each title. You need to speak to your instructor if you disagree with the amount of time given for an item.
- Access Services staff processes reserve book lists on a first come, first served basis. The beginning of the semester is a busy time for the staff, so there may be a delay if an instructor does not submit their reserve book lists before the semester begins.
- The instruction may not have submitted his/her list to the Access Services staff on time.
- Check with the instructor to make sure the material has been requested.
Undergraduate students
- Return or renew materials checked out to you on or before their due date. Log in to your Library Account to keep track.
- Protect all materials from damage and theft. You are responsible for each item until it is checked in by library staff.
- Keep materials in good condition. Do not write in books, fold pages, or put sticky notes in them (they leave a residue).
Library materials are used by thousands of people every year. Everyone deserves to have materials in good condition. Please do your part!
- LSU faculty, staff, and students must present a current LSU ID card in order to charge materials.
- ID cards are not transferable.
- Each individual is responsible for all library materials charged to his/her card.
- Lost ID cards should be reported immediately to the ID Office in the LSU Union and to the checkout desk in LSU Library.
- Faculty and graduate students in good standing may obtain a LOUIS Reciprocal Borrowers Card from the checkout desk or online which will allow them to get library privileges at other LOUIS institutions. A list of participating LOUIS libraries may be obtained from the LOUIS homepage.
You must be an LSU STUDENT on the Main LSU Campus with a student ID to be eligible for Gear 2 Geaux. VetMED and LSU Law students are not eligible to participate in the program. Unfortunately, Faculty and Staff are not eligible as these services are provided through the Student Tech Fee.
The LSU Student Technology Fee funds the purchase of mobile computing devices available for checkout at the second-floor checkout desk. A student ID is required to check out these items. Any items not returned will be charged to your fee bill.
During times of high demand, laptop checkout dates and times may be restricted. Contact the checkout desk at libcirc@lsu.edu for more information
Public patrons must submit a filled out physical Public Patron Agreement
Some individuals not affiliated with LSU may receive limited borrowing privileges. These individuals include:
- Louisiana residents (age 18 or older) with valid photo ID
- Out-of-state residents who teach in Louisiana K-12 schools (must be requested by principal or superintendent)
- Persons affiliated with academic institutions belonging to the LOUIS consortium who have a LOUIS Reciprocal Borrowing Card, including out-of-state residents
- Out-of-state residents working for Louisiana state agencies
- OCLC Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Program participants
- Graduate students from institutions located in other states or countries (must be requested by thesis advisor, department head, or a librarian at their home institution)
- The LSU Libraries will revoke public patron borrowing privileges in the event of misuse or if we receive information that the patron is no longer welcome on campus.
Individuals may request public borrowing privileges during the following times:
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday-Friday11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday
12:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Sunday
Call 225-578-5652 to confirm Library hours, as holidays may affect staff ability to process public patron borrowing requests.
Letters requesting special borrowing privileges should be submitted to the Head of Circulation Services or to the Dean of Libraries and must be accompanied by proof of eligibility.
Public Patrons may borrow up to 10 books for a period of 28 days. Audio-Visual items circulate for 7 days. All Special Borrowers are subject to all rules and regulations including all library fees.
Due to licensing restrictions, remote access to electronic products is not available to Public Patrons. Also, Interlibrary Loan services are only available to Visiting Scholars.
Every library patron has a right to privacy while using properly charged library materials. Names of borrowers will not be disclosed (Louisiana Revised Statutes, Section 44:13).
Please be aware that this statute prohibits us from discussing patron accounts with third parties, except in the case of parents of minor children. For privacy and security reasons, we also do not discuss patrons' accounts over the telephone. Patrons who have questions about their accounts should e-mail them to libcirc@lsu.edu and a library staff member will send a response to the patron's myLSU account. In compliance with Policy Statement 16.15, "Use of Electronic Mail," we will send e-mail communications only to the "lsu.edu" e-mail address if it exists. We will only use other types of e-mail addresses for correspondence in the case of public patron card users or former LSU employees and students whose myLSU accounts are no longer active.
For faculty and staff, the Access Services Department provides a delivery service of LSU Library and Interlibrary Loan materials. This includes only library materials in hardcopy format that are not checked out or missing. Reserve and Government Document materials will not be included. For information on how to receive scans of articles and book chapters from the main library's print collection, please see our Electronic Delivery policies.
This service is available to faculty and staff who are registered with the Libraries, in good standing, and have an LSU departmental address. You will need an Illiad account to make the request. Once logged in, you will need to select "Deliver to Departmental Mailbox" for your Delivery Method. Books will be delivered to the departmental mailbox of the requestors within 1-2 business days. A second attempt will be made if the delivery is not successful the first time, but if the department office is inaccessible again, patrons will receive an e-mail stating the problem and asking them to come pick up their materials. The materials will be placed on hold, and kept at the checkout desk for 7 days. If they are not picked up in this time frame, they will be returned to the collection. Users are responsible for getting materials back to the library as there is not a pickup service offered.
Materials will be checked out to the patron's library account prior to being delivered. The user is responsible for the items requested through this service. Any LSU Library books not returned or renewed within 40 days of the due date will be considered “lost” and the usual penalties will apply. A limit of eight physical material format items can be requested per day.
- Regular overdue charges are 50 cents per day per item.
- For information about overdue charges on electronics, see http://grok.lsu.edu/Article.aspx?articleid=3494.
- Overdue charges on journals and other short term loans are $1.00 per day per item.
- Charges for Reserve and unbound periodical items are $1.50/hr. Reserve items are considered lost if they are not returned within 24 hours after their due date.
- The maximum fine is $20.00 per item.
- In addition to fines, service charges and lost book fees are assessed after the maximum fine is reached, or after 40 days, whichever comes first.
- Fines for faculty and staff that have been transferred to the Bursar's Office must be paid there. Notify the Access Services Department as soon as your bills are paid in order to have your library privileges reinstated.
Current library charges may be paid at the checkout desk using cash, check, or Tiger Card. Checks must be made out to "LSU Libraries". They may also be paid online with a credit card by logging in to a user’s library account. All library charges forwarded to the Bursar's Office must be paid at that office prior to registration. Older bills (already at the Bursar's Office) may be paid with a credit card through myLSU.
Patrons who are not satisfied with the resolution of their inquiries about library charges may file a formal appeal, as long as they have not paid the fines under despute. The time limit for filing an appeal is two years after the due date of the item(s). If you wish to file a formal appeal, please fill out the online form below. Forms may also be obtained at the checkout desk if you wish to file a paper appeal or if the online form is not working.
Appeals made on the behalf of others will not be accepted. Please note that the following circumstances are also not grounds for filing an appeal to cancel a fine:
- Lack of knowledge of library policy
- Lack of understanding of library policy
- Inability to pay fines and charges
- Failure to receive a courtesy renewal notice or an overdue notice
- Cases in which you loaned materials charged to you to a classmate, family member, faculty member, etc., who failed to return them
Patrons who wish to request an exception to library borrowing policies, such as a special due date for an item or to have their borrowing privileges reinstated, may file an appeal using the same form.
Submit an AppealUse the LSU Library Catalog to find an item on reserve.
"Course Reserves" include material that instructors require their students to read during a regular semester. This can consist of library books, tapes, or the professor's personal books that are placed on reserve for their students.
The checkout desk houses material instructors require their students to read during a regular semester. This can include such materials as library books, tapes, and the professor's personal books on Reserve for their students.
To borrow an item on reserve, please come to the checkout desk with the call number, professor’s name, course name or number, or book title. An LSU ID is required.
Loan periods for materials will be provided by instructors. A slip will be provided at the time of checkout that will show the exact date and time that the item is due. Please clean your hands thoroughly before and after use.
Fines are $1.50/ per hour. If the book is not returned within 48 hours after the due date, Lost Book Fines will be assessed.
Undergraduate students
If a book from the main collection is not renewed or returned within 40 days after its due date, it will be considered lost, and the borrower will be billed accordingly. Reserve items are considered lost if they are not returned within 24 hours after their due date.
If any item is lost, the patron should notify the library immediately in writing or using the Lost Materials Form; overdue fines continue to be assessed until notification is received and/or until the maximum fine is reached. If a book is reported lost before its due date, no overdue fines will be assessed, and the service charge will be reduced to $25.
All library patrons, including faculty, are responsible for lost book charges. Charges for lost materials are assessed to replace the items lost. They do not constitute purchase of lost materials, which remain the property of the State of Louisiana. LSU Libraries does not accept patron-purchased replacement copies of lost materials instead of payment of the replacement fee.
Lost book charges consist of the following:
- Replacement cost for new item
- A nonrefundable service charge of $30.00
- Accrued overdue fines
Materials returned within 180 days will be credited for the cost of the book only. All other charges are non refundable.
Lost charge for a laptop is $1680. Upon return, there will be at least a $50.00 non-refundable fee which may increase depending on length of time between billing and return of laptop.
Lost charge for a digital video camcorder are $630.00. Upon return, there will be at least a $50.00 non-refundable fee which may increase depending on length of time between billing and return of the camcorder. Repeated or extremely late returns of electronic items may result in the loss of electronics checkout privileges.
No adjustment in the charges may be made for items returned more than 180 days after billing.
If an item belonging to the library is stolen from a patron, the patron should report the theft immediately to the proper authorities and notify the library as soon as possible. If the patron can provide a copy of the police report or official documentation from the police department with the file number, then overdue fines (if any) and service charges will be waived and the patron will be charged only for the replacement cost of the item. If a police report is unobtainable, then the patron will be charged a service charge of $25.00 in addition to the replacement cost. The patron is responsible for the replacement cost of the item in all circumstances.
If a stolen item is returned to the library within 180 days in good condition, then the library will issue a refund to the patron.
Undergraduate students
Faculty
Staff
Non-Stack Areas Including a Wide Range of Call Numbers
Documents Classification
LC Classification
Dewey Classification for LSU Library Books
Books with a Dewey Decimal number (e.g. 491.79) are in Compact Shelving, the Young People's Collection or LSU theses & dissertations.
LOUIS is a consortium of public and private college and university libraries in the state of Louisiana. It enables students and faculty of Louisiana colleges and universities to borrow materials from member libraries.
Eligibility: Each library determines its level of participation. LSU Libraries issues LOUIS Reciprocal Borrower's Cards to LSU faculty, staff, and students for use at other LOUIS institutions. It honors cards from other institutions issued to faculty, staff, and students.
To request a LOUIS Reciprocal Borrowing card
- The LSU affiliates may request a LOUIS Reciprocal Borrower's Card using the onlineLOUIS Reciprocal Borrower's Card application form.
- TThe LSU Libraries' Access Services Department verifies that the person has current privileges. If so, prepares and mails the LOUIS Reciprocal Borrower's Card.
- Present the LOUIS Reciprocal Borrower's Card at the circulation desk of the LOUIS library that they wish to use.
- Each LOUIS library determines the local procedure for using the LOUIS Reciprocal Borrower's Card, so each has a unique procedure for checking out materials. Some issue a temporary checkout card, valid for the semester. Some hold the LOUIS Reciprocal Borrower's Card while reserve materials are being used Card users must abide by the policies and procedures of each participating library.
- The level of LOUIS library privileges is set by individual libraries, so privileges vary from library to library. Detailed information about LOUIS privileges can be found on the LOUIS Resource Sharing information page.
- If neither the site library nor the LSU Libraries owns needed material, LSU faculty, staff, and students can request it through Interlibrary loan (ILL).
Services for LSU Online holders of LOUIS Reciprocal Borrower’s Cards vary by library because each participating library has unique For the best service, please keep in mind:
- When requesting assistance, always identify yourself as an LSU Online student and a LOUIS Reciprocal Borrower.
- Check out materials using your LOUIS Reciprocal Borrowing card.
- When Interlibrary Loan services are needed from the library, ask for directions for submitting a request. You will be required to show your LOUIS Reciprocal Borrower's Card and a picture ID. If your local LOUIS Library does not permit interlibrary loan, place your interlibrary loan request online through LSU Libraries.
Undergraduate students
Faculty
Appeal fines or request exception to a borrowing policy.
Patrons who are not satisfied with the resolution of their inquiries about library charges may file a formal appeal, as long as they have not paid the fines under despute. The time limit for filing an appeal is two years after the due date of the item(s). If you wish to file a formal appeal, please fill out the online form below. Forms may also be obtained at the Access Services Desk if you wish to file a paper appeal or if the online form is not working.
Appeals made on the behalf of others will not be accepted. Please note that the following circumstances are also not grounds for filing an appeal to cancel a fine:
- Lack of knowledge of library policy
- Lack of understanding of library policy
- Inability to pay fines and charges
- Failure to receive a courtesy renewal notice or an overdue notice
- Cases in which you loaned materials charged to you to a classmate, family member, faculty member, etc., who failed to return them.
Patrons who wish to request an exception to library borrowing policies, such as a special due date for an item or to have their borrowing privileges reinstated, may file an appeal using the same form.
Undergraduate students
Faculty
Staff
Students currently enrolled at the LSU main campus can borrow Gear2Geaux items such as laptops, mice, microphones, webcams, and more.
Undergraduate students
Faculty
Staff
Main Library
Second Floor:
Borrowing
Standard lost book charges
Books that are not returned after the overdue charges reach the maximum fine of $20.00 will be processed as lost. Regular lost charges include:
⦁ Maximum overdue fines - $20.00
⦁ Service charge - $30.00
⦁ Default cost of book replacement - $70.00
Reporting a book lost
If the maximum fine has not been reached and if you know the material is lost forever, you may report the book lost. Charges for books reported lost are:
⦁ Overdue fines up to the day the book is reported lost - $0 – 19.99
⦁ Service charge - $25.00
⦁ Actual replacement cost of book if still in print or,
If book is out of print, the default cost is $70.00
If book has been stolen, the service charge will be waived if a police report is submitted. The replacement cost of the book MAY be refunded if the material that has been reported lost is returned to the library.
The LSU Libraries have reciprocal borrowing agreements with most academic libraries in Louisiana and many major research libraries in the United States. LOUIS Reciprocal Borrowing cardholders may borrow items from participating libraries in Louisiana. The card is valid for the current semester for students and a year for faculty. The OCLC Reciprocal Borrowing card allows LSU faculty who are visiting participating academic libraries throughout the United States to obtain borrowing privileges.
Upon receipt of this card the cardholder agrees to:
- Follow the borrowing policies and procedures of the lending library;
- Meet due dates (including Recalls) as set by the lending library;
- Be responsible for any fines and fees incurred to the lending library through failure to meet due dates and/or to return any borrowed materials
Undergraduate students
You must be an LSU STUDENT on the Main LSU Campus with a student ID to be eligible for Gear 2 Geaux. VetMED and LSU Law students are not eligible to participate in the program. Unfortunately, Faculty and Staff are not eligible as these services are provided through the Student Tech Fee.
The LSU Student Technology Fee funds the purchase of mobile computing devices available for checkout at the second-floor checkout desk. A student ID is required to check out these items. Any items not returned will be charged to your fee bill.
Dell and MacBook laptop computers are available for loan at the checkout desk.
- Current LSU Students
- A current, validated LSU Student ID is required for check-out.
- Circulation is limited to students with current check-out privileges.
- Students who routinely return electronic items late or who have checked out items and never returned them may lose their electronic checkout privileges.
The LSU Student Technology Fee funds the purchase of mobile computing devices available for check-out at the LSU Library Access Services Desk. Any items not returned will be charged to their fee bill. They must be an LSU STUDENT with a student ID to be eligible for Gear 2 Geaux. They can request in person to be put on a waiting list for a laptop. Access Services will contact them via email or text message if one becomes available. Laptops are reimaged after they are returned so that none of their personal information can be accessed by the next person who borrows it.
During times of high demand, laptop checkout dates and times may be restricted. Contact the checkout desk at libcirc@lsu.edu for more information.
- Laptops that circulate for 28 days can be renewed online one time before they have to be brought back to the checkout desk. Laptops with a special semester due date cannot be renewed online and must be returned to the checkout desk.
- In order for a laptop to be checked back out to the same student, the laptop must be returned on time and there must be other laptops available for other students to use..
- NO laptop or camera can be renewed if other patrons are waiting.
- Library electronics should NOT be left unattended at any time.
- Users are responsible for ALL materials checked out on their ID card.
- Immediately report any problems, loss, or damage of items to the Access Services Desk (225) 578-2058.
- Electronics are to be returned ON TIME and INTACT (with all associated pieces, cords, bags, etc.) to the LSU Library Access Services Desk.
- All laptops and camcorders must be returned 15 minutes before the Access Services Department closes.
**Students who have special health needs or who will be off campus to do research for longer than two months can use the appeals process to request a semester loan period."
**Processing fee upon replacement
Undergraduate students
Computer mice are available at the checkout desk.
- Current LSU Students
- A current, validated LSU Student ID is required for check-out.
- Circulation is limited to students with current check-out privileges.
- Students who routinely return electronic items late or who have checked out items and never returned them may lose their electronic checkout privileges.
- Technically, electronic devices may not be renewed; they must be brought back to the Access Services Desk and discharged from the student’s account. If enough items are available, the item may be checked back out to the student.
- Library electronics should NOT be left unattended at any time.
- You are responsible for ALL materials checked out on your ID card.
- Immediately report any problems, loss, or damage of items to the Access Services Desk (225) 578-2058.
- Electronics are to be returned ON TIME and INTACT (with all associated pieces, cords, bags, etc.) to the LSU Library Access Services Desk.
*Processing Fee
Undergraduate students
Available at the checkout desk.
*Processing Fee
Undergraduate students
Available at the checkout desk.
*Processing Fee
Undergraduate students
Available at the checkout desk.
*Processing Fee
Undergraduate students
Available at the checkout desk.
*Processing Fee
Undergraduate students
Available at the checkout desk.
*Processing Fee
Undergraduate students
Available at the checkout desk.
*Processing Fee
Undergraduate students
Available at the checkout desk.
*Processing Fee
Undergraduate students
Available at the checkout desk.
*Processing Fee
Undergraduate students
Available at the checkout desk.
*Processing Fee
Undergraduate students
Available at the checkout desk.
*Processing Fee
Undergraduate students
Available at the checkout desk.
*Processing Fee
Undergraduate students
Available at the checkout desk.
*Processing Fee
Undergraduate students
Available at the checkout desk.
*Processing Fee
Undergraduate students
Available at the checkout desk.
*Processing Fee
Undergraduate students
This Omnicharge 40C+ portable 38,400mAh battery includes 3 high-powered USB-C, 2 fast-charging USB-A, and AC/DC ports. Available at the checkout desk.
- Current LSU Students
- A current, validated LSU Student ID is required for check-out.
- Circulation is limited to students with current check-out privileges.
- Students who routinely return electronic items late or who have checked out items and never returned them may lose their electronic checkout privileges.
- Technically, electronic devices may not be renewed; they must be brought back to the Access Services Desk and discharged from the student’s account. If enough items are available, the item may be checked back out to the student.
- Library electronics should NOT be left unattended at any time.
- You are responsible for ALL materials checked out on your ID card.
- Immediately report any problems, loss, or damage of items to the Access Services Desk (225) 578-2058.
- Electronics are to be returned ON TIME and INTACT (with all associated pieces, cords, bags, etc.) to the LSU Library Access Services Desk.
*Processing Fee
** Building use only
Materials
Serials
Patrons
Students
Students