Introduction

This guide includes basic information for graduate students to get started on their research in the Rohrbach Library.  Please see a reference librarian for more in-depth assistance.

Table of Contents

• Getting a library card
• Off-campus access
• Finding and requesting books
• Finding and requesting articles
• Finding audiovisual materials
• Using Refworks – your personal bibliography manager
• Using Blackboard
• Logging on to the Kutztown Network
• Getting research help
• Study and computing space

Getting a Library Card

Your KU ID card also serves as your library card. To get an ID card you have to go to the One Card Office McFarland Student Union, Room 288. The hours are 8am – 4pm.

If you do not have time to get a KU ID card but need off-campus access to library resources, the library will issue you a Gold Library Card and activate it for off-campus access. This process only takes about 5 minutes. Just stop by the main circulation desk. You must present a valid photo ID (such as a PA Driver’s license).

Off-Campus Access

The library offers many important resources and services for KU graduate students, many of which can be accessed from off-campus. For complete information on accessing library resources and services from home, visit our Distance Learning Library Services web page.

Finding and Requesting Books

Library Collections

The Library contains over 500,000 items. These items are divided into the following collections: The Main Collection, Quartos, Reference, Government Documents, Curriculum Materials, Library Science, A/V Materials, Maps, and Archives. You can search all collections using the library’s Online Catalog.

Advice:

• When not looking for a specific title do a keyword search, click on a relevant title,  scroll down to the subject headings and click on the most relevant one for a list of related books on your topic.
• Write down the library location and the call number.  Every book has a unique call number which is its address on the shelf.
• If you are unsure of the location, refer to the library's floor plan maps or ask for assistance at the Reference Desk (First Floor).
• Check out books at the Circulation Desk (First Floor) with a valid KU ID.

Interlibrary loan – Books Contact: Joanne Bucks, bucks@kutztown.edu, 610-683-4158

If you are searching for a book that we do not own you can request it from another library. Two patron-initiated services include UBorrow and EZ Borrow (you will need your library card to use these services.) Use the “Borrowing Books From Other Libraries Link” to access them. In addition, library staff can order books using these and other services. You can submit an interlibrary loan request directly to a library staff member using the library's online form.

Finding and Requesting Journal, Magazine and Newspaper Articles

Article Databases

The Library subscribes to over 80 electronic databases providing students access to thousands of magazine, newspaper, and journal articles, many in full-text format. Remember, you must have an activated KU ID card to access these from off-campus. Articles and/or abstracts can be printed or emailed. See specific databases for more information or ask a Reference Librarian for help. For a complete list of databases (in an alphabetical or subject list) go to Finding Articles and E-Journals.

Advice: 

• Many full-text articles (from journals, magazines and newspapers) can be found in these multidisciplinary databases. Link to commonly used full-text databases.
• Consult subject-specific databases for more in-depth research.
• If you have a citation for a specific article and cannot find it, fill out the library's Article Request Form and we will make every effort to locate the article for you.

Document Delivery – Articles, Contact: Joanne Bucks, bucks@kutztown.edu, 610-683-4158

If the Library does not own a specific journal title or have full-text electronic access to a journal, you may request that the Periodicals Department staff retrieve a specific article for you. For more complete information visit the Periodicals services page.

Finding Audiovisual Materials

Audiovisual Center, Ground Floor, 610-683-4260

The Rohrbach Library Audiovisual Center media collection is comprised of videotapes, DVDs, audio tapes, compact disc recordings, slide sets, and microcomputer software. The Center has the distinction of being designated a satellite library of the National Gallery of Art. The National Gallery of Art collection of videotapes, slides and laser videodiscs is available for use by the University Community, as well as the general public. Overnight equipment loans include laptops, digital cameras and camcorders, DVD players, and more. Stop by and register for this service. Production services include overhead transparencies, color printing, and DVD production. The Center also maintains a Macintosh microcomputer laboratory, instructional material production tools and a lamination and poster service. For complete information go to the link below for search strategies: http://www.kutztown.edu/library/avcenter/media_collection.htm

Using Refworks – Your Personal Bibliography Manager

RefWorks is an online bibliographic management program that allows faculty, students, and staff at KU to create a personal database of e-references. References can be automatically imported from a search performed in online databases or references can be entered manually. References can be formatted in a variety of output styles, including APA, MLA, Turabian, and Chicago as well as the styles preferred by a number of journals. KU faculty, staff and students have unlimited access to this software. A comprehensive help guide is available from the library.  For additional help contact Bob Flatley, flatley@kutztown.edu, 610-683-4168.

Using Blackboard

Blackboard is a web based course management tool which allows students to submit papers, retrieve course materials and interact with the professor and other students on-line. Every Kutztown University student is eligible for a Blackboard account but you must activate it. For complete instructions on how to set-up and activate your account use the Student Quick Start Guide for Blackboard 7.0 (pdf)

Logging on to the Kutztown Network

Setting up a KU login has many benefits including access to email and the myriad of software programs available to you through the campus network. For complete instructions on how to login visit the Student Quick Start Guide for Logging In.

Getting Research Help

Reference Assistance – Reference Desk, Main Floor, 610-683-4165

Professional Reference Librarians are available to assist you 7-days a week. If you are having problems finding resources contact a reference librarian. They will be able to guide you to the most appropriate resource. 

Reference Desk Hours (summer and break hours may differ):

Monday-Thursday 8:00am-10:00pm

Friday 8:00am-4:00pm

Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm

Sunday 2:00pm-10:00pm

Individualized Research Assistance -- Contact: Bob Flatley, flatley@kutztown.edu, 610-683-4168 or Krista Prock, prock@kutztown.edu, 610-683-4173

If you need more in-depth assistance, subject librarians are available to provide individual research help by appointment. Please contact the appropriate subject librarian to schedule an appointment.

Have a quick question? Email it to Reference, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

Study and Computing Space

Group Study Rooms

The library has 6 private group study rooms that will accommodate up to 8 students.

Computer Workstations

The library has over 100 computer workstations for students including PCs, Macs, and laptops. A PC computer lab is located on the 2nd Floor (RL200) and a Mac lab is located in the AV Center on the ground floor. Students may checkout laptops in the AV Center and check out laptops for in-library use at the Circulation Desk, Periodicals Desk, or AV Center Desk.