Frequently Asked Questions about:
Getting what I need from the library

Interlibrary loans, borrowing, borrowing laptops , renewing, returning items, copies of book chapters, copies of print journal articles, endnote, referencing help, past exam papers

interlibrary loans
How do I request an Interlibrary Loan?
First of all check Primo Search to see if we hold the item. If not, click on 'ILL Request', login and complete the form
If the CSU Library doesn't hold an item, how do I find out where it is held?
You don't need to do that - library staff will locate the item for you. But if you are interested you can conduct a search in Libraries Australia.
How much does an Interlibrary Loan cost?
I've tried to submit an Interlibrary Loan form, why isn't it working?
A common problem is that the 'required by' date hasn't been chosen from the calendar. If you have selected the date and there is still a problem, contact the ILL team at Bathurst or Wagga Wagga.
I have received an article by ILL, why can't I access it?
When you click on the title link the article should open in a new window. 'Ad blocking' or 'Popup blocking' may stop the window from opening. You can overcome this problem by temporarily turning off pop-up blockers.

If you are still experiencing problems, contact the Library by replying to the notification email, and arrange alternative delivery (e.g. email attachment, post).
I have received an article by ILL, why is it a blank document?
The appearance of a "blank" PDF document is usually because of a problem within Adobe Acrobat. It may be solved by one of the following:
  • Reloading the document
  • Re-install Adobe Acrobat Reader and making sure you have the latest version
  • Save the document to your computer then try and view it. [Right click in document window and "Save Target As"]

If you are still experiencing problems, contact the Library by replying to your notification email to arrange alternative delivery (eg. email attachment, post).

I am an academic, where can I find more information about Interlibrary loans?
Access the Interlibrary loans page.
How long does it take to get my Interlibrary loan? Can I get it quicker?
The Library will send out an item (or a negative reply) within 4 working days. You can request a faster turnaround time but this will incur an extra charge. You can see these charges and timeframes on the Interlibrary loans page.
Why do I receive a message telling me that I don't have any documents when I try and access my ILL?
This message indicates that there was an error in your email address or PIN. Things to check:

  • that you have correctly entered the email address to which the email notification was sent
  • that the PIN has been entered correctly [NOTE: the PIN is case sensitive]
  • that the PIN is accurate, copy and paste from the notification email, making sure no extra spaces are included.

If you are still experiencing problems, contact the Library by replying to your notification email for further assistance or to arrange delivery in another manner.

What do I do if I have used all my accesses?
If you have used all 10 of your accesses to a document but still require further access you must contact the Library immediately. The best way to do this is by replying to the notification email you were sent with your document. The Library can usually retrieve the document and re-send it if you notify us within 24 hours of your access being stopped.

To avoid this situation occurring, it is recommended that, when you are first viewing the document, you either print or save a copy of the file.
What do I do if I have not viewed my document within 14 days?
If you have not viewed your document in time, you must contact the Library immediately. The library can usually retrieve the document and re-send it if notification is received within 24 hours of your access being stopped. Replying to your notification email is the most effective way of reaching the Library.

To avoid this situation occurring, it is recommended that, if you are expecting a document from the Library, you read your email regularly and access the document as soon as you receive the email.

If you are expecting a document and no notification email is received within a reasonable time (allow at least a week) contact the Library to check on your request.

borrowing
Do I need a CSU ID card to borrow?
Yes, all students and staff need a current CSU ID card to borrow from the Library and also to use the photocopiers at the library.

If you don't have a CSU ID card, you can apply for one using the CSU Student Identification Card form.
How do I get books sent to me?
  • Check our Information for... pages to see if you're eligible for this service.
  • Visit Primo Search and sign in using your My.CSU log in details.
  • Locate the book you want to borrow, by using the search box.
  • Click on the Availability link under the title to see which CSU campus the book is held on.
  • If you have signed in, you will see a link to request the book - you may have to click on the plus sign next to the campus name to expand it first.
  • You will need to select Home address from the "Delivery location" drop-down menu to make sure the book is delivered to you.
  • If the book is currently on loan, you can specify how long you want your request to last by filling in the Not wanted after field; if the book is on the shelf, leave this field as default.
  • Click on the Go button to confirm your request.
How many items can I borrow at one time?
For information on how may items you can borrow please see: Information for... and select your category.
How long can I borrow books for?
For information on how may items you can borrow please see: Information for... and select your category.
I live outside of Australia, can I borrow books?
If you are a CSU Distance Education students, please see:

Information for... Distance Education Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students or
Information for... Distance Education Higher Degree (Ph.D., Masters, Honours) Students

If you study at an offshore affiliate of CSU, please see: Information for Offshore Students
Can I borrow items while I am undertaking workplace learning?
Yes. Please see Information for... Students undertaking Workplace Learning
Is there anyway of obtaining an item or journal article if it is not held by CSU?
Yes, you can place an Interlibrary Loan request. Please note that charges may apply. See our Interlibrary Loans page for more information.

Further information: Interlibrary Loans FAQ

Can I put a book on hold so that I can borrow it when it is returned?
Yes, you can place a request via Primo Search, remembering to select your Delivery location. Distance Education students requiring items to be sent to your home address please select Home address.
Can I get a book sent to me that is available at another campus?
Yes. You can place a hold on any item and it will be sent to your requested pick-up location.
How long does it take to for the item that is available to be sent to get to my desired pick up location?
Books requested for pickup at another campus library can take up to 5 working days to be delivered. When an item has arrived at your desired campus you will be sent an email to let you know it is ready to be collected. Books requested by Distance Education or off campus staff for Home delivery, that are available on the shelf, are normally dispatched within 2 working days.
Are there any fees to place hold requests?
No, however distance students are responsible for paying the return postage of items being sent back to CSU.
As a CSU student, can I borrow from another University’s library?
Yes, The University Library Australia and New Zealand (ULANZ) National Borrowing Scheme is available to CSU students. This is a national borrowing scheme for staff and students of Australian Universities. Please refer to the ULANZ website for more information.
borrowing laptops
Can I borrow laptops from the Library?
Yes the library has laptops that can be borrowed for 4 hours. The laptops can be taken out of the library.
Can I borrow a laptop overnight?
Yes, overnight loans are permitted. Laptops can be borrowed half an hour prior to the library closing, but must be returned when the doors open on the next opening day. That is, if a computer is borrowed at 6.30 on a Tuesday night, it MUST be back by 9.00 am Wednesday morning.
Are there fines for the late return of laptops?
Yes, fines accumulate at $5.00 per hour after the loan period has expired.
renewing
Can I renew the items I have on loan?
Yes. To renew your loans:

  • Visit Primo Search.
  • Click My Library Record at the top of the page.
  • Enter your CSU username and password.
  • Click Loans from the list of Activities.
  • You will see a list of all your current loans. Click the Renew link next to the loan you want to renew, or click Renew All at the top of the page to renew all your current loans.

For further information please see: Renew a Loan

Note:
You will not be able to renew loans if:

  • items are more than two weeks overdue
  • you have outstanding Library fines or charges of $100.00
  • another student has placed a request on that item

You will be able to renew items, but only within two weeks of them becoming overdue. After two weeks you will be suspended from borrowing and a Bill For Replacement notice will be sent. You will need to return the item or pay for the item if lost. For more information about loan periods and the maximum number of allowed renewals, please visit the Borrowing and Requesting page.

returning items
How can I tell when my items are due?
When you borrow items in the library or receive them in the post, you will be issued a date due slip with return dates on it.

If you have misplaced your due date slip, you can log into My Library Record in Primo Search to check when your items are due.
Where can I return my items?
You can return items in person to the CSU libraries at Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange and Wagga Wagga. You can return items to any of the above campus libraries regardless of where you borrowed them from. This does not apply to the affiliated libraries or CSU libraries located outside of Australia.

You can also post them back to Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Orange and Wagga Wagga.

copies of book chapters
Can I request a photocopy of a book?
Copyright legislation allows us to copy only 10% or one chapter of a book - whichever is the greater. Students can place a copy request in the following way:

  • Visit Primo Search.
  • Click Log In at the top of the page.
  • Enter your CSU username and password
  • Locate the book you want copied from, by using the search box.
  • Once you've found the book, click on Availability under the title.
  • If you have signed in, you will see a link to request a photocopy - you may have to click on the plus sign next to the campus name to expand it first.
  • You will be asked to select a Pickup/delivery location using the drop down list of locations (Distance Education students will have a Home delivery option), however it doesn't matter which you chose as the material will be scanned and emailed to you.
  • Enter the author, title, and page numbers of the book chapter required.
  • Click on the Go button to accept the copyright conditions and submit the request.
How will I get my photocopies?
Your copies will be scanned and sent to you via email.
copies of print journal articles
Can I request a copy of a journal article not available online?
Yes. Students can place a request for a copy of a journal article in the following way:
  • Visit Primo Search.
  • Click Log In at the top of the page.
  • Enter your CSU username and password
  • Locate the journal you want copied from, by using the search box.
  • Once you've found the journal, click on Availability under the title.
  • If you have signed in, you will see a link to request a photocopy - you may have to click on the plus sign next to the campus name to expand it first.
  • If possible, select the volume entry that corresponds to the article that you need. However, some of the journals have been consolidated, so select the top volume and enter the citation details as completely as you can.
  • Enter the author, title, volume, issue, year and page numbers of the article required.
  • You will be asked to select a Pickup/delivery location using the drop down list of locations (Distance Education students will have a Home delivery option), however it doesn't matter which you chose as the material will be scanned and emailed to you.
  • Click on the Go button to accept the copyright conditions and submit the request.
I am studying on campus. Can I request a copy of an article or book chapter from a journal or book held at my home campus library?
Internal students are unable to request copies from books or journals that are on the shelf at their home campus library.
How will I get my copies?
Your copies will be scanned and sent to you via email.
endnote
What is EndNote?
EndNote is a program which enables you to organise bibliographic references and produce reference lists in a range of standard and custom styles.

For more information see the Library's EndNote LibGuide.

Where can I get EndNote?
You can download EndNote from the DIT core software page, or borrow the CSU installation CD-ROM from the Library through the catalogue.
How do I use EndNote?
There are a number of basic and advanced EndNote help guides available from the Library. See: EndNote LibGuide
Can I export references from Library databases into my EndNote Library?
Yes, by using the export function in the databases.

For further information, see: Exporting References from Library Databases

Can I import references from Primo Search into my Endnote library?
Yes, by using the Primo Search option to send references to "Export to RIS". For further information, see: Exporting References from Primo.

NB: The Export to RIS option does not work perfectly and resulting EndNote records may need to be edited, e.g. repeated authors, place of publication included in publisher field, generic rather than book "Reference type".

I've got a problem with Endnote library. Is there anyone who can help me?
For assistance with Endnote, undergraduate students can use the Ask A Question service.

Support for academic staff and postgraduate students is also available from Faculty Liaison Librarians who can be contacted directly, or via the Book-A-Librarian form to arrange training.
referencing help
What referencing system does CSU use?
Most schools at CSU use the APA referencing style. Check your Subject Outline and always consult with your lecturer if you have any questions about the referencing requirements in a subject.
Where can I find the APA referencing guide?
Student Services produces a guide to assist with using the APA referencing style. It can be found on the Student Study Site.
My school doesn't use APA referencing style where can I find information on the other styles that are used?
Information on Chicago, Harvard and MLA styles can be found on the Student Study Site.
How can I get help with Referencing?
You can book an appointment with a Learning Skills Advisor. Contact details for staff at your campus may be found on the Student Study Site.
Is there any software that can help me with referencing?
CSU has a Site Licence for the Windows and Mac versions of EndNote. EndNote is a program which enables you to organise bibliographic references and produce reference lists in a range of standard and custom styles.

For more information see the Library's EndNote pages.

past exam papers
Where can I find past exam papers?
You can search for past exam papers at: Exam Search.
Does the library hold copies of past exam papers?
No. They are only available online from the Exam Search page.
Are all past exam papers available online?
No. Not all lecturers will make past exam papers available to students.
recalling items
What does it mean when my loan is recalled?
Loan periods will be reduced when an item is reserved by more than one person.

If an item you have borrowed has been requested by another user, you will receive a Recall Notice. Regardless of the original due date, recalled items must be returned by the due date of the recall notice.

Fines of $5 per day apply to recalled items not returned by the new due date in addition to standard overdue charges. Check My Library Record in Primo Search regularly for changes to due dates.

*Notices may fail to reach you due to factors beyond the control of CSU Library

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