Library DIY

Off-campus students

How do I request that books be sent to me?

To request that a book from the Library Catalog be mailed to you, first identify the item you want. Once you find the item in the catalog, use the "Request Item" button associated with it. You will be prompted to enter your BVU username and password. Read over the Request Item(s) screen, disregarding the wording stating that the pickup location will be Buena Vista University Library, and click the "Request Item(s)" button to confirm your request. If you are an off-campus student, the item will be sent to your home address.

If you are requesting a book through Interlibrary Loan, log in to Interlibrary Loan, select the "Create Request" button in the Interlibrary Loan accordion, and enter the information about your item. (If you already have a Interlibrary Loan account and are searching in WorldCat, you may link directly into Interlibrary Loan from WorldCat once you find an item you would like to request. Use the "Request an InterLibrary Loan" link.)

How do I return books that are sent to me?

To return a book you received in the mail, use the enclosed mailing label to return it to the BVU Library, or address to:
BVU Library
610 West 4th St.
Storm Lake, IA 50588
Please be aware that you are responsible for paying the postage to send the book back.
 

Accessing databases

If you are having a problem accessing a database, you'll want to verify that your have the right username and password. Another likely cause for an error message is trying to reach a database from a work computer. Most workplaces have their computers behind a restrictive firewall and you just can't get to the databases. Some errors show up when a link is bad on the library web site (let us know) OR maybe you have bookmarked a link that has changed. If that's the case then check on the library web site for the current link. If you still have problems accessing the databases from off-campus, please contact us. Please tell us which database you were trying to access, exactly what happened, and any error message you received. We need this information to be able to troubleshoot your problem!