Preus Library has three floors that are accessible to the public. You enter the library on the second floor, or Main Floor. This second floor is really the hub of the library, housing many of the library's resources and services.
The Upper Floor houses the Archives Reading Room, the Rare Book Room, and small group and individual study space.
The Lower Floor houses the Curriculum Library, Faculty Carrels, CAE, TRIO, and the Digital Media Center, in addition to small group and individual study spaces.
Most of our books and periodicals are shelved on the upper and lower levels using the Library of Congress call number system.
Your professor may have requested that books be placed on reserve for your Paideia section. These books will be especially relevant to your section's topic, and come specifically recommended by your instructor.
Because these books have the potential to be relevant to many of your classmates, these books can be checked out for only two (2) hours and can't leave the library. Stop by the Reserve Desk on the main floor of the library and tell the student worker your professor's name and the title of the book you're looking for.
In your section's Guide, your librarian will make a note of which books are on reserve, and which books are found in the main stacks. Look for the words Reserve Desk in front of a call number--that's how you'll know to head to the Reserve Desk instead of the upper or lower floor of the library to find that book.
During the Paideia I research paper period, any library books checked out to students in Paideia I are subject to recall by other Paideia I students after just three days instead of the regular recall period which is two weeks.
To recall a book for your Paideia research, go to the Circulation Desk and fill out a recall card for each book. All Paideia I students are expected to respond in a timely manner to recall requests so others can use the same sources. You should make effective use of materials checked out in anticipation that others may request them.
Fines will begin when you do not return your book as requested.
The library’s regular recall policy still applies to all other situations. Books checked out by students not in Paideia I are not subject to recall, even by Paideia I students, until two weeks after checkout.
Many of the items in the collection at Preus Library are selected with Paideia I research in mind.
If you feel that you need something that is not available in Preus Library, please consult your instructor. One of the librarians might also be able to help you find other resources that will fill your needs. In cases where there are no suitable local alternatives, you are able to submit an interlibrary loan request through the library web site.
