How to Use
Follow the instructions in the box below, starting with the "In Odum" tab to find books at Valdosta State University. Then, go to the next tab, "In the USG" to learn how to look for books outside of VSU.
Search For Books
How to Search
1. Click on the Books and Journals Tab on the Library Homepage
2. Click the "Advanced Search" link located under the search bar
3. Type your keywords into the search boxes
4. Click Search
Finding my Book
The detailed record will tell you what floor the book will be found on and the call number of the book.
Reading a Call Number
In the example above, the book's call number is DF234 .F74 2011. The record also tells you it is located on the first floor and that there is one copy available.
A call number is like the physical address of a book. Books are arranged alphabetically by the first numbers of the call number, then numerically by the following digits. This is followed by a letter, decimal, and publication date.
Some notes:
- Sometimes a book will say it is in Course Reserve. In this case, it will be located at the first-floor circulation desk. You can ask the librarian at the desk for the book. You can only use the book in the library (it is not allowed to leave) and it can only be checked out for a few hours at a time. Consider making scans of the pages you need if you plan on working elsewhere.
- Books located at Reference (REF) can not leave the library or be checked out, but you are more than welcome t to view the item and scan what you need!
Putting a Book on Hold
You can request a book be held for you at the first-floor circulation desk by selecting the Request button on the book information page in the catalog.
(If there is not a Request button, make sure you log in to the catalog using the red log-in button.)
Complete the request form listing Valdosta State University as the pickup institution and click request. You will receive an email when your item is at the desk and ready for pickup. It will be available at the first-floor circulation desk.
If someone already has the book checked out, you can put the book on hold so when the book is turned in, you will be notified and the book will be held at the desk for you.
How to Search
1. Click on the Books and Journals Tab on the Library Homepage
2. Click the "Advanced Search" link
3. Change the Search Scope from Valdosta State University to University System of Georgia.
4. Type your keywords into the search boxes
5. Click Search
How to Request a Book
1. Once you find a book you are interested in, make sure you are signed in to the catalog. There will be a red button on the screen asking you to sign in if you are not.
2. After signing in, navigate to the "Request from other USG Libraries" section under the "Get It" area.
3. Select an institution listed.
4. Make sure that the book is available at the location listed (in the example below, 1 copy, 1 available, 0 requests, means that the item is available) and then click "Request"
5. Make sure "Valdosta State University" is selected as the Pickup Institution and then click "Send Request".
You will receive an email when your item is ready for pickup at the first-floor circulation desk.
Placing an ILL Request
If you find a book or article that you need for your research, but the library does not have it, you can request it using ILL. Books are physical and will be mailed to the library (ebooks cannot be requested). Articles are typically scanned and delivered as online PDFs.
How to Request a Book or Article Using ILL
1. Go to the library home page.
2. Click on ILL-Odum Express.
3. Log into ILLiad using your BlazeVIEW username and password. ILLiad is the system we use to process ILL requests.
- The first time you log into ILLiad you must fill in the registration form. Once this form is filled in you will see the main menu for ILLiad and can request materials. In the future you will go directly to the main menu when you log in.
4. Click on the appropriate link under Make a Request.
- For example, click on Get an Article to request an article.
5. Fill in the form and click Submit Request.
Picking Up the Requested Material
- You will receive an email once the book or article is available.
- Students can pick up books at the main circulation desk.
- Faculty can have books delivered to their department on North Campus only. Please email ill@valdosta.edu to request faculty book delivery to North Campus.
- Articles are usually online. Log into ILLiad and click on PDFs Available for Download. Be sure to save the PDF! PDFs are removed from the server after 30 days.
