UCR Library is online and ready to help you!

Library buildings remain closed, with the exception of Contact-Free Curbside Delivery.

Ask a Librarian

Getting Library Materials

Contact-Free Curbside Delivery

Starting on June 15, 2020, you can now check out books from the Rivera and Orbach Libraries using our Contact-Free Curbside Delivery service.

Pick-up will Monday-Friday, 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm at the Rivera Library loading dock.

To use this service, submit a paging request from the UCR Catalog for the books you need. Within 24-72 hours you will receive a notification email that the material is ready to be picked up. Directions, phone number, and other details will be included in the email.

You will drive up, call the library staff, and they will bring your books and place them in your trunk. Please have your UCR ID ready to show through the car window.

See Contact-Free Curbside Delivery for everything you need to know to use the service.

I don't have a library card/ R'Card yet--how do I get one?

The R'Card is your library card. If you have not yet received an R'Card, please consult the appropriate website below to find out how to obtain one. During the COVID closure we are only issuing new library privileges to current students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Students: https://ucrcard.ucr.edu/students

Staff, Faculty, and PostDocs: https://ucrcard.ucr.edu/staff-faculty-postdocs

Once an R'Card has been established in the system, the Library should automatically receive your information and will create an account for you within 24 hours. If you are still not able to access your library account after receiving your R'Card, please contact library_circulation@ucr.edu for assistance.

Is there any expanded access to UCR books and other materials during the COVID-19 closure?

Yes, many publishers and other information providers have made resources temporarily available online.

Please see this guide on Expanded/Free Access during COVID-19 Closure. Additionally, faculty and students can access electronic copies of many library books and other materials from off-campus locations through the HathiTrust Emergency Temporary Access Service. If you need help accessing the HathiTrust content, please see this news article on the special access.

Depending on the length of this pandemic and our agreements with publishers and other information providers, affected resources may change at any time; additional resources may be added, or previously available resources may be removed.

On Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021, our Emergency Temporary Access Service (ETAS) through HathiTrust will shut down. After Sept. 7, UCR Library’s print collections that had been accessible remotely through HathiTrust ETAS will be available for physical checkout. Please submit a paging request for materials through your library account.

However, HathiTrust still has millions of digitized, non-copyrighted items available and those will remain available remotely through its regular (non-ETAS) service parameters.

How do I access ebooks, databases, online journals from off-campus?

Use this guide on Connecting to the Library to learn how to access library resources (ebooks, databases, online journals, etc.) from off campus.

What materials can I request via ILL during the closure?

ILL is processing both physical and electronic request for material. Material that is held in the HathiTrust is not available through ILL. These titles can be accessed electronically through the HathiTrust.

How long will it take to receive electronic items via ILL?

Our usual quick turnaround time will be impacted due to library closures across the country. We are processing as quickly as possible, but please note there may be delays. 

Can I request and receive eBooks via ILL?

Unfortunately, most eBooks cannot be borrowed via ILL.  However, eBooks and digital content can be considered for purchase. Please use the Suggest a Book form to request an eBook purchase.

What do I do about ILL due dates and fines?

If you have ILL items due, and you are able, you may return items in the drop boxes at either library. However, we are working on arranging automatic renewals for items that are coming due.

ILL staff are working hard to extend due dates and suspend recalls and billing to the fullest extent possible. Because some automated billing may happen that is outside of our control, please email ILL staff at  interlib@ucr.edu with specific inquiries.

I need a book the library does not own or has only in print format. Can I request an ebook?

First see if you can find the book you need through a resource that provides Expanded/Free Access during COVID-19 Closure. You also may use the Suggest a Book form if you would like to request a single book. Please reference that you would like an ebook: Ebooks are not necessarily available for all requests.

For course-related requests, please submit your request for Library Reserves here.  

For other library material requests, including multiple books/journals/databases, etc., please contact collection strategists for:

 

What if I have books or other library materials that are due during the closure?

If you are not able to get to campus to return material, do not worry. We are extending due dates and waiving fines where possible while the library buildings are closed.

We are regularly checking and emptying the outdoor book drops.

If you are away from campus and wish to return your material, you do have the option to return materials through the mail, although you will have to pay for the postage. The library address is:

University of California
Rivera Library
3401 Watkins Dr.
Riverside, CA 92507

Research and Class Instruction Support

Can I get help from a person for my research paper, class assignment, or other research needs?

There are multiple ways for you to get assistance remotely.

For in-depth support, please fill out our Consultation Request form. A librarian will be in touch with you within 1 business day to work with you on your question. We can provide support via Zoom, email, or phone.

For quicker questions, we encourage you to make use of our 24/7 chat service, available at: https://library.ucr.edu/research-services/ask-a-librarian.

Can I still schedule library instruction sessions?

Yes, please complete the Library Instruction Request form as normal. After you submit, a Teaching & Learning librarian will reach out to you to discuss the details of your session. We anticipate being able to fully support online classes, both synchronously and asynchronously. Your course librarian will discuss options with you including Zoom guest lectures, interactive worksheets, and librarian integration into your iLearn site.

We may be able to provide limited options for sessions utilizing primary materials from Special Collections and University Archives. Please submit a form with your ideas and we will work with you on possibilities.

For classes that will be meeting in-person during the summer and fall 2020 quarters, we will be able to provide library instruction as usual.

If you have specific questions about your course, please reach out to christopher.martone@ucr.edu.​

Can I still submit course reserves for my online classes?

Course Reserve services will remain operational during Summer 2020.  However, physical material placed on course reserve will be inaccessible to students during the campus closure. 

As of June 15, the Library will have access to our physical materials for scanning (with the exception of materials that are available through the HathiTrust Emergency Temporary Access: https://www.hathitrust.org/ETAS-Description). Note that there are some copyright limitations regarding the total amount of material from a single book that may be scanned and posted.  

 Additionally, we are working to obtain electronic access to requested material when available. 

Our Collection Strategists are available to assist in identifying alternate solutions for material not available electronically.
 
Please contact our Course Reserves Coordinator, Joanne Austin, if you have further questions.

Can I still submit streaming film requests for my online classes?

The Library course reserves film streaming program will remain operational and accessible during fall 2020.  Films and/or music requests that we are able to place online will be available at the start of Summer quarter. Titles will remain active 24/7 until the last day of finals.
 
The Library staff has access to our physical materials for digitization (following copyright policy). If some titles are unavailable, we recommend other alternatives be considered. As always, you are encouraged to view the library databases for other media streaming services such as Kanopy and AVON (Academic Video Online):
 
AVON
 
Kanopy
 
Please contact our Reserves Streaming Coordinator, Philip Chiu, if you have any further questions.

Can I get online help for my research and assignments?

Yes, we have a number of tutorials here on different research topics designed to ensure your research project comes out its best.

We also have online Subject Guides designed to support both coursework and research.

Each guide describes how to access relevant books, articles, specialized resources including databases and other online tools. Each guide provides contact information for librarians who can help you via email, zoom, or in-person if possible.

Special Collections & University Archives Access

Is Special Collection and University Archives open to researchers?

Starting on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, UCR Special Collections and University Archives is offering limited in-person research appointments for UC-affiliated students, faculty, and staff.

You can also submit a request to have items digitized and electronically delivered to you.

Additionally, you can schedule a one-on-one consultation with a librarian by emailing sandy.enriquez@ucr.edu or specialcollections@ucr.edu. Consultations are highly recommended, as librarians can assist you in finding digital surrogates or navigating digital archives for your remote research.

How can I learn more about Special Collections & University Archives?

We are developing a series of workshops and resources such as video tutorials and guides (like our Guide to University Archives at UCR) to help researchers better navigate our collections. We will also be offering drop-in virtual office hours in the fall quarter, in addition to one-on-one consultations. Please refer to our website for more information about upcoming events and new resources.

Can I check out Special Collections items?

No, Special Collections items never circulate and cannot be checked out.

What is the difference between a reproduction order and a digitization order?

Colloquially, we use the terms interchangeably. However, a reproduction order is typically used to reference a patron-driven request whereas digitization typically refers to an archival-level quality of digital preservation.

How do I request something be digitized?

You must create a free account in our Special Collections Request System.
You can then submit a reproduction request and staff will be in contact with you to invoice (for non-UCR affiliates), page count, digitize, and electronically deliver the item.

Do I have to pay for digital scans?

While Special Collections is closed to the public UCR-affiliates do not need to pay for scans. During the closure, we will scan up to 200 pages per month per UCR-affiliate for free. Anything above 200 pages will require a consultation with a librarian who can help focus the request. You can schedule a one-on-one consultation with a librarian by emailing sandy.enriquez@ucr.edu or specialcollections@ucr.edu.

Non-UCR Affiliates will have to pay standard rates:
•    $1.00/page for jpg, pdf, or existing tiff. $25/page for new tiffs.
•    Note: Priority for digital services is currently being given to UCR-affiliates and it may take longer for other requests to be filled. If you are a non-UCR affiliate, a Special Collections staff member will be in contact with you regarding the status of your order.
•    For more information on reproduction fees and policies please visit our website.

Can you digitize entire books?

No, we cannot digitize entire books. You can remotely meet with a librarian who can help suggest which areas of the book may be most useful. To schedule a one-on-one consultation with a librarian, please email sandy.enriquez@ucr.edu or specialcollections@ucr.edu. You should also check the UCR Library catalog to see if the book is available there. If it is, you can request the book via curbside delivery.

How long will it take for me to receive my digital request?

  • UCR-affiliates are currently given priority for digital requests and then requests from non-UCR affiliates will be filled.
  •  Requests are handled in the order received and rush requests are not possible.
  •  If the requested materials are of standard size, requests are usually filled within 5-7 business days but could take as long as two weeks.
  •  If the requested materials are oversize, they must be scanned in the Orbach Science Library. This can add an additional 1-2 weeks to the processing of the order.

Before I submit a request, can you meet with me via Zoom and show me the items I may want digitized?

Because of current staffing levels we cannot meet via Zoom to physically show you the item you may want digitized. You can, however, remotely meet with a librarian who can provide more guidance. To schedule a one-on-one consultation with a librarian, please email sandy.enriquez@ucr.edu or specialcollections@ucr.edu.

What if a collection is unprocessed and there is no finding aid to assist me in making a digitization request?

You can schedule a remote consultation with a librarian who can assist you in finding pertinent information. You can schedule a one-on-one consultation with a librarian by emailing sandy.enriquez@ucr.edu or specialcollections@ucr.edu.

How can I contact Special Collections & University Archives?

You can email us at specialcollections@ucr.eduor call us at (951) 827-3233. If leaving a voicemail, please be sure to leave both your phone number and an email address we can reach you at. If you have a particular staff member you'd like to reach, please refer to our website for individual contact information.

General Information

Is the Library open?

Per mandate from the Riverside County Department of Public Health, all UCR Library facilities (Rivera Library and Orbach Library) closed as of Monday, March 16, 2020. Read the Amended Order of the Heath Officer of the County of Riverside issued on April 2, 2020.

The Library facilities remain closed to the public pending new campus guidance, with the exception of Contact-Free Curbside Delivery.

The Library will continue to offer online services.

The Library will regularly evaluate and adjust our operations in response any changes to campus guidance or policy.

Campus updates and information regarding COVID-19 are found here.

Can I check out a laptop?

If you have questions about the availability of laptops, please contact bearhelp@ucr.edu or 951-827-IT4U (4848).

 

 

Where do I find information about COVID-19?

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-2019) site from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is one of the most comprehensive and reliable sources for public health information.

For UCR campus-specific guidance and information, see the campus COVID-19 updates.

University Archives COVID-19 Collection Call for Materials

UCR, like many universities, is seeking to document the impact of Covid-19 on the university community. We are actively capturing websites that document the university’s response to Covid-19, as well as collecting campus-wide emails related to the pandemic.

In addition to this, University Archives is seeking to collect and preserve materials documenting the experiences of the UCR community (faculty, staff and students) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal is to create an inclusive record of these experiences. To that end, we invite members of the UCR community to submit material documenting their experiences during this time. We are particularly interested in preserving the stories of people from traditionally under-represented groups, however, all UCR community members are welcome to submit their stories.

We are accepting a variety of media. Submissions can be in the form of journals, diaries, photographs, videos or other other material.

If you have material you wish to submit, please complete this Google form. Staff from University Archives will follow up with you via email. Please note that by submitting your materials, you are agreeing to make them accessible to researchers using University Archives.

Outside Visitors to the Library

I would like to visit the Learning Resources Display Center. Can I make an appointment?

At this time we are unable to accommodate pre-arranged non-campus-affiliated visitors in the Library, as the library facilities are closed to the public until further notice. If you wish to review the textbooks and curricular materials in the Learning Resources Display Center, please check library.ucr.edu to stay up to date with information on building re-opening.

I’m a K-12 teacher. Can I schedule a session for my students in the Library?

At this time, we are unable to accommodate non-campus-affiliated groups in the Library, as the Library facilities are closed until further notice. Please check library.ucr.edu to stay up to date with information on building re-opening.