Help

• Ask a librarian
• Computers & technology
• Guides & FAQs

Borrowing

• Fines and loan periods
• Borrow, renew or hold
• My library account
• Interlibrary loan
• From other libraries
• A/V equipment
• Study rooms

By Audience

• All patrons
• Faculty
• Off-campus students
• Remote patrons
• Patrons with disabilities

Library Services for All Patrons

How do I get to the library?

Directions & Maps

• From highway 43, take the Silver Spring Drive exit.
• Drive north on Port Washington Road for about a mile.
• Turn right at the Cardinal Stritch University sign.
• Make the first right.
• Make the first left into parking lot #6 and park.

When you are in parking lot #6, north is the education building, east is Roger Bacon hall, and south is the library.

I'm not a Cardinal Stritch University student, may I use the library?

Cardinal Stritch University Library is open to the public with a few restrictions. Those not affiliated with the University may not check out library items and do not have access to our online databases. Anyone is welcome to use the print resources in the library or make photocopies. Reference librarians will help non-Stritch users, but priority goes to Stritch students, faculty and staff.

What is SWITCH?

SWITCH is an acronym for the Southeastern Wisconsin Information Technology Exchange, a consortium of eight college and research libraries in the Milwaukee area of which the Stritch Library is a member. More detailed information can be found on the SWITCH web site. What it means for library users is that you get resources from the other seven libraries quickly and easily.

What is TOPCAT?

TOPCAT is the shared online library catalog of the SWITCH consortium. It is an acronym for The Online Public Catalog.

What are the library hours?

Library hours

When is a reference librarian available to help me?

During the regular school year there is a reference librarian available M-TH from 9:00 am to 9:30pm, Friday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, and Sunday from noon to 9:30pm. Hours vary during intersessions, but if you ask there may be someone available to help you during the day or you can make an appointment.

Do I need my student ID card to check out books?

Yes!

May I check out a periodical (journal, newspaper, magazine) from the library?

Periodicals (journals, newspapers, magazines) do not circulate. Photocopiers are available on both floors of the library.

TOPCAT says that the periodical I want is 'at the bindery'.

Most of the periodicals in our collection are eventually bound together in hard cover volumes. Journals with the status 'at the bindery' are generally out for about a month, but the time varies depending on how busy the binder is.

TOPCAT says the item I am looking for is available, but I don't see it on the shelf.

We work hard to keep our books in order, but every now and then one gets misplaced or stolen. Please notify the circulation desk that you cannot find the book. They will fill out a form, conduct an extensive search for the item, and get back to you if they find it.

I borrowed a book from one of the other SWITCH libraries. How do I return it?

You can drop any SWITCH book at any SWITCH library regardless of where you checked it out. Because all of the SWITCH libraries are on the same checkout system, the item will get checked in at the library where you drop it off. A delivery service goes to all of the libraries Monday through Friday, so the item will find its way home quickly.

May I renew my books over the phone?

Yes. Call the circulation desk at (414) 410-4263. You can also renew books online.

Does the library have word processing and other applications available?

There are several computers and printers in the library and other computer labs throughout campus. They have Microsoft Office in addition to other applications. The library also has laptops available for check out.

Is it possible to reserve a group study room?

Sorry, the group study rooms are first-come, first-serve.

Is it possible to access the online catalog outside of the library?

You may access the library's online catalog, TOPCAT, from anywhere in the world via the Internet.

Is there a quiet place to study in the library?

The area around the reference desk can get a little noisy. Your best bet is probably in the northwest corner of the first floor or anywhere on the second floor. If you have a group project to work on, we encourage you to check out one of our study rooms so you don't disturb others.

May I eat and drink in the library?

We allow covered beverages in the library. Food, however, is forbidden. The reason is very pragmatic. Food in the library attracts bugs. After the bugs have finished dining on your stale Cheeto crumbs, they will still be hungry and will make a meal of the books. Would you want to crack open a book and find it full of dead bugs?

What does it mean if TOPCAT says an item is in the "Browsing Area"?

Items in the browsing area are new books. The browsing area comprises the two display shelves in the first reading room which is directly opposite the circulation desk.

How big is the library collection?

We have about 109,000 books and over 700 periodical subscriptions. That is just our library. TOPCAT has almost 900,000 items (this includes non-book items) cataloged.

What is that piece of art on the east wall near the reference desk?

The panels on the wall near the reference desk depict scenes from the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare. The work is done in rare and precious woods. Under the guidance of Sr. Thomasita Fessler, students in the Stritch Art Department designed and executed the panels. The work was commissioned in memory of Maye Miller of Kewaskum, Wisconsin by her family. Maye Miller was the sister-in-law of Sr. Aquin Miller. Sr. Aquin was president of Cardinal Stritch College from 1955 to 1974.