Services for Off-Campus Patrons
About Available Resources
- What online resources are available?
- The library catalog, ILLiad Interlibrary loan, and all online databases are accessible from any computer on the Internet 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
- When is a reference librarian available to help me?
- A reference librarian is available to help you via phone, email, or live chat when the reference desk is open. See reference hours
Accessing Resources
- What do I need to use the services of the Library?
- Access to the library catalog is open to the public. To request books and articles from SWITCH libraries or to access the online databases, you will need the barcode number on your valid University ID. If your ID has expired or if you have outstanding fines, you may not be able to access the databases or request materials.
- 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 PINStudents who haven't received their ID card may look up their barcode number in My Stritch.
How to lookup your barcode in My Stritch.
Using Resources
- How do I check out items without coming to the library?
- Cardinal Stritch University students have access to material owned by CSU and the seven other members of the SWITCH consortium. All SWITCH material is listed in the library catalog called TOPCAT. You may request materials from the library catalog to be held at any SWITCH library or mailed to your home address. You are responsible for the return postage on the material and any overdue fines.
- How do I access the online databases?
- You will need the 14 digit barcode on your valid University ID and your self-created PIN.
- Where do I find magazine/journal articles?
- You can find magazine and journal articles in the library's online databases. If another SWITCH library has access to the article, it may be requested via TOPCAT. If not, the article may be obtained using ILLiad Interlibrary loan.
- What's the difference between full text and PDF image?
- HTML Full Text: An HTML version of the article. It may or may not have the charts, graphs or pictures of the original article. The page numbers of the article are not included.
- PDF: A scanned version of the original print article. It will have the charts, graphs, or pictures as they appear in the print article. You will need Adobe's free Acrobat Reader in order to view PDFs.
- How long does it take to receive materials?
- Materials from a SWITCH library will arrive in about 24 hours.
- ILLiad Interlibrary Loan can take about a week between the time we receive your request and the time you receive the material. Start your research early!
- How do I know when my materials are due?
- Materials from SWITCH will come with a receipt or have a stamp indicating the due date.
- ILLiad Interlibrary Loan materials will have the due date pasted on the cover.
- You can check due dates and requests online by viewing your patron record.