Reserves FAQ

What are reserves?
How do I check out materials on reserve?
How many reserve materials may I check out at one time?
May I take reserve materials out of the library?
May I renew reserve materials that I have checked out?
What are the late fees for reserve materials not returned on time?
Do I have to return reserve materials to the circulation desks?
May I place a hold on materials that are already checked out by another patron?
How do I find materials placed on reserve by my instructor?

What are reserves?

Reserves are library or instructor's materials set aside in the Thomas Jefferson and Ward E. Barnes Libraries to supplement student's coursework and classroom research. Loan periods for these materials range from two hours to one week.

Return to top of page

How do I check out materials on reserve?

Reserve materials are available only to UM-St. Louis faculty, staff, and students. You will need a valid University of Missouri - St. louis ID card to check out reserve materials.

Return to top of page

How many reserve materials may I check out at one time?

You may have two reserves checked out at one time.

Return to top of page

May I take reserve materials out of the library?

Yes, most items on reserve can leave the library except for materials listed as "two hours-Library Use Only".

Return to top of page

May I renew reserve materials that I have checked out?

No, there are no renewals of any reserve item. If multiple copies of the item are available, you may be able to check out a different copy.

Return to top of page

What are the late fees for reserve materials not returned on time?

Fines for overdue reserve materials are:

- 2 hour Lib. Use Only & 2 hour (regular checkout) = $1.00 per hour.
- 1 day, 3 days, or 1 week = $2.00 per day.

Fines begin immediately after the due time.

Fines begin immediately after the time due.

Return to top of page

Do I have to return reserve materials to the circulation desks?

Yes. Items returned to the book-drop outside the Libraries are not discharged immediately and may accrue a fine. Reserve materials need to be returned directly to the circulation desks for immediate check in. Reserve materials from one branch library WILL NOT be accepted at other branch library.

Return to top of page

May I place a hold on materials that are already checked out by another patron?

No, “HOLDS” cannot be placed on reserve materials.

Return to top of page

How do I find materials placed on reserve by my instructor?

1. Start at the Libraries’ home page: http://www.umsl.edu/libraries

(If you are at a Library computer workstation: click on the HOME button on the browser toolbar, if visible OR click on the START button, then click on “Library Homepage”)

2. Click on Reserves - under Library Serviceson the left-hand menu

3. Click on STUDENTS

--For VIDEO instructional courses: click on Video Instructional Program and type the full department name and course number (do not abbreviate) example: communication 1070

--For Reserves by Professor: click on Professor's Name and type the Professor’s LAST NAME only

4. Note the current availability. If the item is available, it will say "NOT CHECKED OUT."

5. Take the RESERVE CALL NUMBER and your University of Missouri - St. louis I.D. to the Circulation/Reserves Desk