Library Resources & Collections

Are all of the library's books in the UO Library Online Catalog?

The library's online catalog contains bibliographic records for materials acquired by the Library since 1975. The Library is completing the process of entering information for its older collections in the online catalog and many of the Library's older materials can also be identified through the online catalog. Material published before 1975 that is not found in the online catalog should also be searched in the card catalog, located on the third floor mezzanine in the Knight Library. Check with Special Collections and University Archives for other materials not found in the catalog. Special Collections houses the UO Library's collection of manuscripts, photographs, rare books and the Oregon Collection. University Archives collects, preserves, and makes available the records of the University of Oregon. Staff at the Reading Room desk can assist you in finding material.

How can I find material that hasn't been added to the catalog yet?

Older material, items published before 1975, may not have their catalog records in machine readable form. These materials can be found in the card catalog. Most new materials are added to the catalog as soon as they are ordered. Also, check with Special Collections and University Archives for assistance with finding materials not in the catalog.

How many volumes or books are held in the University of Oregon Library System? How many journals or serials?

The University Library is the largest library in the state of Oregon, with over two million volumes in its collection and 17,000 journal subscriptions.

Can I find videos in the library?

The UO Library has about 8,000 items in video format (videotapes and and videodiscs) which cover all disciplines. Most of these materials are located in the Reserve and Video Room of the Knight Library. The 16mm film collection is housed in Media Services.

How can I request that the Library purchase a book, journal, newspaper, etc.?

Please contact Collection Development at 541/346-1819 or submit a recommendation via the Library's purchase recommendations form.

How do I donate books or magazines to the Library?

The Library welcomes most donations of books or magazines for its collections. Donations will be reviewed under the guidelines of the library's collection development policies before they are added to the collection.

How can I make a monetary donation to the Library?

Please contact the Office of the Librarian if you are interested in making a monetary donation to the Library or phone the Office at 541-346-3056. The Office of the Librarian is open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday.

Does the Library ever hold book sales for materials that are withdrawn or that duplicate existing holdings?

Yes, the Library has held book sales infrequently. For more information, contact Collection Development at 541/346-1819.

How can I get a book which is "On Order" or "Received?"

The UO Library Catalog sometimes lists the status of an item as being "on order" or "received". "On order" means that the item has been order by the Library, while "received" means that the item has been order and received into the Library but not yet processed for circulation. If you would like to be notified when an "on order" or "received" item is available for use, please contact a staff member at the circulation desk.

How can I get a book in a hurry or "On Rush?"

To request that an item be rush processed, contact the circulation desk.

How can I use interlibrary loan? What if I need a book or article our Library doesn't own?

If you are a UO student or faculty member and need material not owned by the University Library, first check to see if it is available at another Orbis Cascade member library. If so, you can borrow it through Summit, the Orbis Cascade catalog. If the item is not available through Summit, the library's Interlibrary Loan service can try to obtain a copy for you.

Maintained by: Betsy Kelly, libweavr@uoregon.edu
Last Modified: 01/02/2008