Answers to Your Questions About the UB Libraries

 

1. Where are the UB Libraries located, and when are they open?

UB has a number of libraries located on both the North and the South Campuses; see https://library.buffalo.edu/librariesandcollections/ for a listing with links to location information.  Hours vary; go to https://library.buffalo.edu/hours/ to view library hours. Note that Silverman Library (in Capen Hall) is open 24/7 when the University is in session.

 

2. Where is the science & engineering library?  

We are called the Science & Engineering Information Center and we are located in Lockwood Library.  The offices of the science and engineering librarians, our reference collection, and group study spaces are on the 1st floor (lower level) of Lockwood Library. The Science & Engineering Book Collection is on the 3rd floor of Lockwood Library.

 

3. Where are the science & engineering books? 

The print books are primarily located on the 3rd floor of Lockwood Library; there are copies of floor plans on each floor of Lockwood that shows the locations of books by call number letter.  The print science and engineering book collection generally ranges from the call letter Q to the call letter T.  We are increasingly buying books in electronic formats and these you won't find on the shelves in the library!  Use the Libraries Catalog at https://catalog.lib.buffalo.edu to find both print and electronic (online) books.  Type the title of the book or the name of its author into the search box or type a few topic keywords. 

 

4. How can I get help from a librarian?

We are here to help you!  Subject librarians who are specialists in your discipline are available to help you:  https://library.buffalo.edu/askalibrarian/inperson/bysubject.html  You can also get real-time online help via our Instant Librarian chat service by going to https://library.buffalo.edu/askalibrarian/chat/instant.html or text your reference questions to 716-304-0002.  In addition, walk-in assistance is available during most of the hours the library is open: just stop by the Information/Reference Desk for help.

 

5. Where can I study in the libraries?

The UB Libraries offer a variety of study spaces for different study needs: silent, individual study areas; group study areas; and individual and collaborative study rooms.  These are described in detail at https://library.buffalo.edu/studyspaces/. Note that some of these need to be reserved in advance.

 

6. Are there computers in the libraries that I can use?

Yes, computers are available in all of the libraries for your use (referred to as PC Stations). These computers allow you to search online resources including article databases, the UB Libraries Catalog, and the Internet; use Microsoft software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and other software UB has a site license to; and provide access to email. See https://library.buffalo.edu/use/computers-scanners/ for computer locations in the Libraries. 

 

7. Can I print in the library? 

Most library computers have printing capability. All current students receive a printing allotment each semester. See https://www.buffalo.edu/ubit/services/print-anywhere.html for more information about printing.

 

8. Can I print in color?

Yes, color printing is available from computers in Lockwood Library, Silverman Library (Capen Hall), and the Abbott Library (Abbott Hall).  Select the color print queue, which will end with either \capen-color, \lockwood-color or \abbott-color.  Students, faculty, and staff are charged $.30/page, with no discount for two-sided (duplex) printing.

 

9. Can I scan documents in the library?

Yes, free public scanners are located adjacent to the Circulation Desk and/or Reference Desks in all libraries. Images can be scanned in several format options, including searchable PDF’s and text-to-voice, and then sent to your USB flash drive, Google Drive, or personal email.  Note: We no longer have photocopiers in the libraries.

 

10. How do I find journal and magazine articles?

Use the Everything search engine on the top website page: https://library.buffalo.edu/ This will find journal articles, magazine articles, news stories, government documents, even books, many of which are online. Use the left-hand panel to filter your results to full-text, certain types of material, date, etc.

 

11. How do I check out a book, and how many books can I check out at one time?

Your UB card is your library card and you can use it to check out books at the Circulation Desk of any of UB’s libraries. Staff at the Circulation Desk can check out the book for you or you can use the self-checkout stations located near each Circulation Desk to check books out yourself. There is no limit to the number of books you can check out.

 

12. How long can I keep a book?

Undergraduate students and Masters students may borrow items for 4 weeks, with the option to renew; PhD students may borrow items for 16 weeks, with the option to renew.

 

13. How do I renew a book that I have checked out? 

Use “My Account” to see the books you have checked out and renew them online. “My Account” is keyed to your UBITname and password. You can connect to it from the top menu on the UB Libraries’ main web page at https://library.buffalo.edu.

 

14. Will you retrieve a book for me?

Yes, we will.  Books can be retrieved for you from any library and made available for pick-up at the UB library of your choice through our free Delivery+ service.  Log in to https://library.buffalo.edu/delivery/ to make your requests. It usually takes a day to make them available. (Note:  You can also use Delivery+ to request journal articles and other types of publications.)

 

More information about the Libraries can be found at: https://library.buffalo.edu/use/