What’s the difference between the Basic and Extended searches?
In the top navigation search box on the ArtCenter Library website, you can toggle between Basic and Extended searches. Items that can be checked out (e.g. books, DVDs, magazines, video games) can be found using the Basic search interface. Extended searches for items in the Basic search plus specific online resources (e.g. databases, e-books, journal articles). For more specifics on what is included in an Extended Search see our Research Guide.

What does the "Request" link do?
Depending on availability, an item can be placed on hold through a Basic search and sent to a specific location where it can then be retrieved. If an item is checked out, the item will be placed on hold as soon as it is returned.

How do I place a request?
Login to your account. Search for an item in the Basic search, and click on the "Request" button/link for that specific item. When the "Request Verification" form appears, choose a pick-up location; the notes and fulfillment due date are optional. Click the "Submit" button to begin processing your request. You will be notified the following day (or when the item becomes available) with the details of your request.

The item I am looking for is not in the catalog. How do I get a copy?
If you were unable to find an item (e.g. books, DVDs, magazines) after searching, you can recommend that the item be included in the ArtCenter Library's collection by completing the Request a Purchase Form. Additionally, if you were unable to find a specific book or article, the item may be available through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) at another library. Complete the ILL Form to verify if the item is available at a participating library.

What if I run into the "No matches found" message?
If you don’t see what you are looking for, check your spelling and start your search over. Also, check the books listed to see if any of the titles are what you are looking for. Additionally, you may want to try another search method by changing the "Search by" drop down menu at the top of the screen or changing the location in the "Location" drop down menu.

How do I know if a specific book is available?
Once you search for the book, the book's status is indicated under the "Status" field. The location and call number for a specific book are listed as well. If the book is currently checked out to another patron, you may click on the "Request" button to place a request so the item can be held for you when it is returned.

How do I know if my instructors have placed items on reserve for my class?
Visit the Course Reserves page then search for your class using your professor's name. Click on your course and you will find a list of titles placed on reserve by the instructor. For hard copy reserve items, visit the Library to check out the desired reading. If an electronic copy is available after searching in the ArtCenter Library catalog, you can click the appropriate link to download to your computer. PLEASE NOTE: Some PDFs require an instructor-assigned password to unlock the document.