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 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 9:30 pm
• Friday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
• Saturday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
• Sunday from noon to 9:30 pm

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. Check the library hours page for details.

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 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.

How do I get a library card?

Your student ID serves as your library card

What is my barcode and PIN?

When using the library, your barcode acts as your 'username', and your PIN acts as your 'password'.

When asked to supply the barcode, enter the 14 digit number found at the bottom of your student ID.

******NOTE****** You create your own PIN. How to set your PIN

Students who haven't received their ID card may look up their barcode number in My Stritch.

How to lookup your barcode in My Stritch.

Collection

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. See the Borrow, renew, and hold section for more information.

How big is the library collection?

Cardinal Stritch University Library has about 109,000 books and over 700 periodical subscriptions. TOPCAT has almost 900,000 items (this includes non-book items) cataloged.

Checking out materials

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.

Library catalog

What is TOPCAT?

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

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.

Finding materials

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.

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.

Reserving rooms, renewing & returning materials

Is it possible to reserve a group study room?

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

May I renew my books over the phone?

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

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.

TOPCAT

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.

Databases

Why can't I connect to the databases from work?

Some companies have firewalls which may inhibit access to the library's online databases.

Why isn't the full text of the article I want available online?

Some publishers have an embargo on titles requiring 6 to 12 months to lapse before the full text becomes available online. Additionally, many older articles have not been added to the databases. Other titles we simply do not subscribe to or may never come online.

I'm having difficulty downloading full text.

You may have some problems with downloading certain materials, such as PDF files. Some PDF files are large, making download times lengthy, especially if you have a dial-up connection. Many of the article databases also have an HTML version of the files which you might consider using.

Directions

• 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,the library is building 'L'.