About the Library: Policies

• Where is the library and what are the library hours?
• Who can use the library?
• How do I return materials to the library?
• How do I check out books or games?
• How long can I keep books or games?
• What library materials are available to HU students?
• Who can help me with finding information in the library?
• Can I use library databases from off campus?
• Can I request materials that are not owned by the HU Library?

• Where is the library and what are the library hours?
  The HU Library is a physical library located in the Learning Commons on the second floor of the Academic Center and a "virtual" library consisting of high-quality online information sources which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Print books in the Learning Commons are available on a self-serve basis using our self-check kiosk station, and ebooks are available through our library catalog. Thousands of other information sources are available through our library website.  The University Librarian's role is to help students and faculty find, evaluate, and use information. To meet with the librarian, please contact library@harrisburgu.edu.
   
• Who can use the library?
  Current students, faculty, and staff of the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology may use HU Library services. Others who wish to access Harrisburg University library materials should contact the library.
• How do I return materials to the library?
  To return books or other items, you may schedule an appointment, return materials to the McCormick Riverfront Library, or contact us for a free shipping label to return by mail.  For students in University housing, you can also request your RA to return your book to the mailroom.

• How do I check out books or games?
  At the self-checkout machine, simply hold your card near the card reader, place the books on the square in the desk, then click "Done"! Click here to read the instructions and view images of the checkout process.

• How long can I keep books or games?
  • Books: six weeks
  • Games: one week
  • Lost books and games: If you lose a book or game, your student account will be charged by the Business Office, and may affect your ability to receive your diploma, order official transcripts, etc.
  • Note for Grad Students: If you are a grad student who attends executive sessions on the weekends, you can email library@harrisburgu.edu to change the automated due date to the date of your next executive session. 

• ​What library materials and services are available to HU students?
  HU Library offers:
  • ​full-text online databases of articles from newspapers, magazines, and journals (available on campus and off campus with valid HU ID card);
  • thousands of print and electronic books;
  • interlibrary loan of books from other libraries;
  • electronic document delivery of articles owned by other libraries;
  • a small number of popular magazines in print; and
  • the service of professional librarians specializing in information science and technology.
     
• Who can help me with finding information in the library?
  The HU librarians are happy to help students find information, learn how to effectively use library resources such as databases, and begin research and writing projects. Contact library@harrisburgu.edu for assistance or see the box at right.
   
• Can I use library databases from off campus?
  Yes, but you will need to be authenticated as an HU student, faculty, or staff member.  Our library resources use your MyHU login.

For more information and help logging into resources, view the Logging in to Library Resources guide.

• ​Can I request materials that are not owned by the HU Library?
  Yes, through our interlibrary loan and document delivery services.  Fill out the Tipasa Request form and library staff will find out who owns the book or article and request a copy for you. 

Interlibrary loan helps current Harrisburg University students, faculty, and staff get copies of items that are unavailable in our own library.  Just tell us what you need; we will find out which other library owns it and request a copy, free of charge to you. 

You can request these types of materials:

Placing Requests for Interlibrary Loan Materials

In order to place an interlibrary loan, you can sign into your Tipasa account. This link should either sign you in automatically or take you to a Harrisburg University sign in page. Once you are signed in, it will automatically direct you to the form that will need to be filled out, your contact information will be auto populated into this form. The only contact information that you have to fill out is the Patron ID field which will be your email address.

This process can also be completed in the EBSCO databases and the PRIMO catalog. A link labeled "Request through Interlibrary Loan" will automatically populate when an item that is not owned by Harrisburg University is found. Completing this process through the EBSCO databases and the catalog will also allow the form to automatically fill in the information about the item that you are requesting.

Please allow 7 to 14 business days to receive your information request. You will be notified when your item is ready for pick-up.  If your document comes in electronic format, we will e-mail it to you at the address specified in the form.

If you have any questions about interlibrary loan, please email the librarians at library@harrisburgu.edu.

Special notes about BOOK REQUESTS:

• E-books cannot be borrowed from other libraries
• Required course materials cannot be borrowed from other libraries
• Due dates are set by the owning library (not the HU library)
• Renewals are not guaranteed
• Books must be picked up and returned to the HU Library; items cannot be shipped
• *During the Covid-19 Pandemic, book loans are hard to get and slow to be delivered. Please request a specific chapter or two instead of an entire book to ensure quick delivery of your materials.*

Special notes about requests received through Article Exchange:

• These items should be downloaded and saved once opened the first time
• They are only available for either 30 days or 5 views, whichever comes first
• Once these items have expired they will no longer be available for you to access
• If you have any issues accessing any item please contact the library after your first try