Services for Undergraduate Students

Finding books

How do I find a book?

Do a search, and copy down the call number (the string of letters and numbers that appear by "Location"). You can then come to the Research and Reference Help Desk, or view the floor plans for further help. If you do not see a call number, the book might be online, and a link to it will be available.

For help searching for books, see the library tutorials.

Do you have this book we are using for class?

The BU Bookstore provides a list of all required and recommended textbooks that are available for purchase at the University Bookstore.

If your professor has said a book was going to be available in the Libraries, it is probably on Course Reserves.

If the book is not available through Course Reserves, you can search the library catalog to see if we own it as part of the regular collection.

Where are your fiction books?

We do not have a separate fiction section, but group all fiction books in with the criticism and biographies about the author and their works.

How do I check a book out?

Bring the book and your student ID to one the desks - the Readers Services Desks by the main doors of the Bartle and UDC Libraries, the Information Services Desk in the Science Library, and the desk at the Newcomb Reading Room.

The Bartle and Science Libraries also have self-checkout machines located near the front doors.

How long can I borrow books for?

If you are an undergraduate student, a book will be due six weeks from the day you check it out. You can renew books, too. But if the book is overdue, you do earn fines.

How many books can I borrow from the Library?

100 books at once.

For more information...

See Circulation Services for more information on circulation, renewals, and recalls.