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FAQ

How do I find textbooks?

Textbooks can be picked up at the University Bookstore. Check your STU email for times and pick-up location(s) at the beginning of the semester.

How do I use the Library catalog?

The Library catalog allows you to search the library’s print and electronic holdings of books, articles, journals, videos, and other items of interest using one interface. The catalog also connects you to ebooks and electronic items across our subscribed databases. Using the catalogue is simple. Start at the search box on the Library home page. Type in the title or author of the book, journal, article, or video you wish to find. You can also type in keywords using one or more complete words. Keywords can be in upper of lower case, and multiple words can be typed in any order. The Library catalog will search for your term(s) across a wide range of items. Click enter. You can limit your results using the checkboxes on the left side of your results list.

Searches can also be limited and refined using the Advanced Search option. Advanced Search allows you to perform more complex searches. Advanced Search allows you to limit your results by format (books, eBooks, DVDs, etc.), date of publication, subject, content, language, and so on. The Library catalog also allows you to use several search techniques including Boolean operations, phrases, and wildcards.

For further help see this page.

How do I find materials at other libraries?

You can also search for items from other libraries. Click Advanced Search near the search box on the Library home page. Under Narrow Your Search, select Libraries Worldwide from the drop-down menu. Now you can search for items owned by libraries across the world. If we don’t have an item, the Library catalog can provide a list of local libraries in the area that do. On the item’s page, click Worldwide libraries own this item for a list of nearby libraries that have the item.

The St. Thomas University Library is a member of the Southeast Florida Library Network (SEFLIN). As a student of St. Thomas University, you may check out materials from other SEFLIN libraries. Items from other SEFLIN libraries can be found in the Library catalog. Click Advanced Search near the search box on the Library home page. Under Narrow Your Search, select SEFLIN from the drop-down menu. You will need a SEFLIN Library Card in order to check out items from other SEFLIN libraries. Go to the Circulation Desk at the University Library and request your SEFLIN Library Card.

How do I find out if the Library has a particular journal?

Journals (both print and electronic) can be found using the Journals tab on the search box on the Library home page. Simply type the name of the journal you’re looking for in the search box and click SEARCH. On the results page, click on the title you’re looking for to view its record. On the record under “Find a copy online,” you can see which databases carry the electronic journal and the date range. Under “Find a copy in the Library” you can see whether the Library subscribes to the journal in print.

How do I access my Library Account?

Go to the Library home page. Under Featured Links, click Library Account. To login, type your 7-digit user ID number (no letter at the front) and your password. If login fails, click Set/reset password. You will receive an email with password reset instructions. Click the link in the email, and use your 7-digit ID number as the Username and type the new password. Once your password is reset, go to the Library home page, click Library Account under Featured Links, and login. Please contact the Circulation Desk at 305-628-6667 if you are still having trouble.

Glossary of Library Terms

    • Interlibrary Loan (ILL): A service users can use to borrow item(s) the University Library does not own from another library. This service is available for St. Thomas University faculty, staff, and students.

 

    • Library catalog: The University Library’s primary search interface. The library catalogue allows users to search the library’s print, electronic, and database holdings of books, articles, journals, videos, and so on.

 

    • RefWorks: A bibliographic management system that helps users organize their research and produce citations and bibliographies for their papers. The University Library provides RefWorks accounts for all faculty, staff, and students of St. Thomas University.

 

    • SEFLIN Library Card: A card that allows St. Thomas University faculty, staff, and students to check out materials from other SEFLIN member libraries.

 

    • Style manual: A set of standards and instructions for formatting and citing research papers, thesis, and dissertations (e.g. APA, MLA, Chicago).

 

  • Citation: A method for informing readers that certain information (e.g., a quote, idea, data, and so on) is not your own. A citation gives credit to the original author or group of authors and helps to prevent plagiarism.