Library General Resources
To borrow materials, present your RMU Student ID Card at the Library Help Desk at the entrance of the library.
- Borrowing Materials
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Borrowing periods
Material type Faculty Student General Collection Books 1 semester 3 weeks Reference Books By special permission By special permission Textbook Reserves 3 hours 3 hours Faculty Provided Reserves 3 hours 3 hours Government Documents 3 days 3 days Instructional Resource Center Materials 1 week 1 week Periodicals / Journals 1 week Do not check out Headphones 3 hours 3 hours Chargers 3 hours 3 hours Laptops 3 hours 3 hours Study Room Keys 3 hours 3 hours Books from other libraries Variable for Interlibrary Loan - EZ-Borrow books: 94 days Variable for Interlibrary Loan - EZ-Borrow books: 94 days Renewals & Recalls
General Collection Books and other library items can generally be renewed.
Library items can be renewed online via WorldCat WMS with your RMU Student ID or by contacting the Library Help Desk via phone or email.
Paying overdue fines
Library fines are payable at the Library Help Desk. If library fines remain unpaid until the end of the semester, your student record may be blocked, which will restrict you from registering for classes.
If you suspect you have lost a book or other library item, contact the Library Help Desk as soon as possible.
- Borrowing Materials From Other Libraries
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Interlibrary Loan, EZ-Borrow, and Document Delivery Services are available to RMU faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students.
Getting books
If you do not locate the book you need at RMU, try EZ-Borrow. EZ-Borrow is a book borrowing and lending program among a large group of mostly academic libraries in this region. EZ-Borrow tends to have shorter turnaround times than traditional interlibrary loan services because of the proximity of the schools, the shipping methods, and the loan periods.
If you do not locate the book you need through EZ-Borrow, submit an Interlibrary Loan request.
Getting articles
If after searching article databases, or checking specific journal access through the Journal Finder, you find that we do not have access to an article you need, request a copy of the article through Interlibrary Loan. Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is used to request articles not available at RMU, media, dissertations, conference proceedings, and books not available via EZ-Borrow.
Most articles requested through interlibrary loan are sent to us electronically and then delivered to you via email. The majority of articles arrive in a couple of days, but please plan in advance and allow at least one week for delivery.
Renewing Interlibrary loan items
You cannot renew materials borrowed via the EZ-Borrow system; there is a maximum 94-day loan period established by the PALCI borrowing/lending network of libraries.
To request that a book, dissertation, or other materials obtained through interlibrary loan be renewed, please submit an email message describing your request and the desired due date to interlibraryloan@rmu.edu. NOTE: we cannot guarantee the renewal of items borrowed via interlibrary loan, as renewal terms are the decision of each lending library.
Reciprocal borrowing
RMU faculty, staff, and students may borrow books at most Pittsburgh area college and university libraries, (with the exception of the University of Pittsburgh). Ask an RMU librarian to assist you in obtaining the necessary documentation for this.
Borrowing from area public libraries
We do not participate in any reciprocal borrowing agreements with local public libraries or vice versa, but -- depending on your information needs and time constraints -- the public library network may be a great resource for you. Moon Public Library is only 1 mile from RMU. Use eiNetwork to search for library materials at any public library in Allegheny County.
If you have additional questions about borrowing books from other libraries, contact Chloe Mills, Department Head - Library Operations.
- Borrowing a Laptop
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Several Dell laptop computers are available for students, faculty, and staff for use in the Library. Users may borrow laptops for 3 hours and wirelessly access the Internet (Gmail, Blackboard, library databases, Facebook, etc.) and Microsoft Office (Word, Powerpoint, etc.) applications.
A complete description of the policies and procedures for using this service is available at the Circulation Desk.
Additional questions? Contact Chloe Mills, Department Head - Library Operations
- Borrowing Media
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Media borrowing for students
Students may borrow Popular DVDs (or DVDs from the Curriculum DVD Collection, by request).
Students may borrow up to two DVDs at a time for up to 3 days.
The late fee for DVDs is $1.00 per day per DVD.
Media borrowing for faculty
Faculty may borrow Popular and Curriculum DVDs.
Number of DVDs that may be borrowed at one time: Unlimited
Popular DVDs: may be borrowed for up to 3 days. Curriculum Collection: Varies by faculty request
Other: Curriculum Collection DVDs may be recalled if they are requested by another faculty member.
RMU Directories
Accessible to faculty and staff only, the Search Employees and Employees by Department options provide home address and phone information. To show or hide your home information, choose the Website Display Preferences option.
Changes of address, phone numbers, etc. should be directed to the Human Resources department.