Frequently Asked Questions

Does the library have a specific book or video/DVD?
Go to the library's website. Use the search box to search for the title of your item or the author of your book. From the results list, you may use the filters on the left side of the screen to sort by format or to narrow down your results set to find the exact item you need.

Can I borrow materials from the library?
If you have a Carlow ID card, you may borrow up to fifteen items. Reference books and journals are not allowed to be checked out from the library.

How do I renew my books or view what I have borrowed?
Access the library's website and search for any item title or author in the search box provided. From the results list, in the top right hand corner of the screen, there is a button to click to sign in. If you are signed into the computer with your Carlow username and password, this button will sign you into your library account automatically. You will see your name appear where the Sign-in button was and you can click the My Account under your name to find a list of the books you currently have checked out. 

Is there a list of subject-specific databases?
Connect to the library's website, then click on the link to A-Z Databases. All library databases are listed in alphabetical order, include brief descriptions, and can be narrowed by subject. If you are off-campus and have selected a database, you will be prompted to enter your Carlow username and password before you are granted access.

Does the library subscribe to a particular journal/magazine/newspaper?
A comprehensive journal title list is available on the library's website by clicking on the Journal Finder link (if you are off-campus it will ask for you to log in). The Journal Finder lists whether a journal, magazine, or newspaper is available through the Grace Library, if it's available online or in print, and its holdings information.

Are materials for my course available on reserve?
If your instructor has said that the materials are on reserve, go to the library and ask for the reserve materials, or check our Course Reserves page. You will need to know the name of your instructor and the name or course number of your class. Many reserve items are designated as in-library use only.

Does the library have my textbook?
The Grace Library does not make a practice of collecting current textbooks for courses offered at Carlow. However, if you would like to check to see if the library has a required reading for your course, visit the library's website and search for the title. 

Can I borrow materials from other libraries?
You can borrow books and articles from other libraries through a program called Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Search for the title of the item you need via the search on the library's website and choose "Libraries Worldwide" from the filters presented on the left side of the search results screen. Click on the title of the item and choose the button "Request this item via Interlibrary Loan" to complete the online request form. If you know the information for the item you would like to request, you can fill out the form without going through the catalog. ILL items can take up to two weeks to arrive, so please plan ahead. Learn more about ILL policies on our ILL Research Guide.