FAQs

• After graduation, will I have any library privileges?

  Upon presentation of a valid NYU Alumni membership card, an individual will be allowed access for reading privileges (no checkout) for three visits. Thereafter, to acquire library privileges, alumni may join
  Friends of Bobst Library
  at a reduced rate.

• BobCat says a book I need is "In Processing." What does that mean, and how can I get it?

  "In Processing" means the book is here at Bobst, but not yet ready to be placed on the shelves. If you need a book that is "In Processing," place a recall on it in BobCat (for instructions, please visit Online Recalls and Offsite Storage Requests), and you will be emailed when the book is available. This process usually only takes a few days.

• How can I renew books from home?

  Visit
  Renew items now! You may also access online renewals by connecting to
  BobCat and selecting the patron functions button.

• How do I check a book out of the library?

  Authorized borrowers check out books at the circulation desk on the first floor. For more information, visit
  Borrowing Policies.

• How long can books be checked out?

  Different categories of users can charge out library books for different lengths of time. Students can find more information about loan periods at Student Circulation Privileges. Faculty can find more information at Faculty Circulation Privileges.

• How long can I use reserve items?

  Most reserve loans are for two hours, and may be renewed if another patron has not requested them. Some reserve items circulate for three days.
  Items may be borrowed overnight beginning two hours before the Reserves desk closes.

• How many books can I check out?

  Most patrons can have 200 books on their record at any one time. Non-degree students can have 25 books on their record at any one time.

• How many reserve books may I check out?

  You may check out a total of 12 reserve items, 3 of which may be books.

• I need a book or a journal that is not in the collection. How can I get it?

  Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service which helps eligible patrons obtain materials that are unavailable in the New York University or consortium libraries. Submit an Interlibrary Loan request.

• If BobCat says a book I want is available but I can't find it, what can I do?

  Before reshelving, books are held in the staging areas located on the floor appropriate to the call number. You can ask a stacks staff member on that floor for assistance in locating a book in the staging area. If you can't find the item in the stacks even though the status of the book is "Available", you can request a book search. Fill out a "Quick Search" card (available by the doors to each wing of the stacks, as well as at 1st Floor Reference Center and at the Circulation desk) and turn it in at the north end of the Circulation desk on the first floor. A search will be conducted within 24 hours, and you will be notified of the initial search result via email or telephone.

• Is there a book drop? Can I use it when the library is closed?

  There are two book drops located in the lobby, between the revolving doors. The book drops are open at any time that the building is open (i.e. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during Spring and Fall semesters). The book drops are not available when the building is closed.

• May I check out books on my professor's/partner's/spouse's card?

  No. NYU and consortium IDs are non-transferable. Patrons may only use their own cards to borrow books or other materials. According to University policy, if a patron tries to use another patron's card, that card is to be confiscated and turned over to NYU Public Safety. Full-time faculty and NYU administrators may designate Additional Borrowers to check out materials on their record. It is also possible for family members of NYU employees to be issued NYU ID card, which allow library privileges. NYU employees should inquire at their departments for information on family cards.

• May I return books from consortium libraries at Bobst?

  Only items belonging to Bobst Library may be checked out, renewed, and returned at Bobst. Items belonging to Consortium libraries must be returned to the owning library.

• What are my privileges at Consortium libraries?

  NYU students and faculty may check out books at Cooper Union library, the library of the New York School of Interior Design, and the three libraries of New School University (Fogelman, their main library; Gimbel, the library of Parson's School of Design; and Scherman, the library of Mannes College of Music). Since policies vary, it's best to ask the individual library what the terms of circulation are. For more information, visit Consortium and Affiliated Libraries.

• What sort of ID do I need to check books out?

  You need one of the following: a NYU ID card with an embossed barcode; a current student or faculty photo ID card from a Consortium School; a current Friends of Bobst Library borrower card; or current borrowing card issued at Bobst Circulation.

• Where do I return books?

  Bobst materials may be returned in the book drops located just inside the front doors of the library or the book drop located in the center of the circulation desk. Do not return videos or CDs to the book drop; they must be returned to the Avery Fisher Center (2nd Floor).

• Who may borrow books from Bobst library?

  Visit our borrowing policies.