FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
1. How do I find out what books the library has on my topic?
Use the FAU Library Catalog to find books located in all of the FAU Libraries. To limit your search to books located only at the MacArthur Campus Library, select Jupiter under Library/Collection.
A keyword ("Anywhere") search allows you to search for any term relevant to your research topic. Keyword searching simply matches your search terms to any word included in book’s catalog listing. Unlike a keyword search, a subject search must use the exact subject headings as they are listed in the catalog. Word order and phrasing must be very specific to exactly match these assigned Library of Congress subject headings. Starting with a keyword search can lead you to appropriate subject headings. Clicking on a subject heading in a book’s catalog listing will take you to a list of all books with that subject heading.
The call number locator may simplify your search for the items you need. Use the Locator (below) to match book call numbers to the shelf where the books should be found.
2. I found some books in the library catalog. How do I find them on the shelf?
The catalog listing for each book includes location, status, and call number information. Books located at FAU's John D. MacArthur Campus Library have the location of Jupiter. If a book is checked out, it will provide a date as to when it is due back. If a book is available, its status will say Available. To find a book on the shelf, use the call number. Refer to the library map to locate a particular call number in the library's shelves, or ask for directions at the service desk.
3. I can't find the book on the shelf. What should I do?
Recheck the catalog to be sure that the book's location is Jupiter and the status is Available. Then ask for assistance at the service desk, and we will help you look for the book on the shelf. If the book is still not located, requet a lost book form at the service desk. We will attempt to locate the book and notify you. If a book cannot be found, you may request it through the Interlibrary Loan Office by using your ILLiad account.
4. I need a book that is only available at FAU's Wimberley Library in Boca Raton. How can I get it sent to the MacArthur Campus Library in Jupiter?
Requests for books from the Wimberly library are handled through an online system called ILLiad. You must have a valid Owl Card number to sign up for ILLiad. If you have not already done so, you must register for an ILLiad account. Be sure to remember your username and password, and to select Jupiter as your delivery location. Once you have an ILLiad account, you can request books by choosing Request a Loan and providing the book's information. Under the Interlibrary Loan or Intralibrary Loan heading, choose Item at Boca Raton. You will be notified by email when your requested book arrives at the Jupiter library. Books from the Boca Raton library may take up to a week to arrive. Please view our brief tutorial on using ILLiad.
5. I need a book that is not available at any of FAU's libraries. How can I get it?
To obtain a book that is not available at any of the FAU libraries, make an interlibrary loan request using ILLiad. Only those with a valid Owl Card number can sign up for ILLiad. If you have not already done so, you must register for an ILLiad account. Be sure to remember your username and password, and to select Jupiter as your delivery location. Once you have an ILLiad account, you can request books by choosing Request a Loan and providing the book's information. Under the Interlibrary Loan or Intralibrary Loan heading, choose Item not owned by FAU. You will be notified by email when your requested book arrives at the Jupiter library. Interlibrary loans may take several weeks to arrive, so please plan ahead and and order your materials in advance. Please view our brief tutorial on using ILLiad.
6. Is it possible to renew my books without bringing them to the library?
Library books cannot be renewed over the phone, but they may be renewed online. Online renewal service can be found at https://library.fau.edu/primo/renew-books. Click on renewals/library account; in the upper right-hand corner. You are able to renew your books online up to three times. After that, you will need to bring your books to the Library for renewal (and then you are eligible for three more online renewals). CAUTION: Please be aware that the system will allow you to renew, even though books may be overdue. Reserve material and items that have been recalled or have a hold on them cannot be renewed. Holds and recalls can be placed online within catalog records.
You may also want to check your local public library's online catalog to see if the book you need is available there:
