Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What services does the library provide?
A: Students can search/request books; search/download/request articles; read e-books online, and access items on reserve

Q: If the item I need is not in the UAH collection, can I still obtain it?
A: Yes. We can borrow items from another library through Inter-Library Loan (ILL).

Q: How are library materials sent to me?
A: Books are shipped via UPS with a signature required. Articles are sent as email attachments in PDF format. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader (downloadable for free) on your computer to open/read the attachments. These files are large and many free email accounts (Hotmail, Excite, etc.) will reject them because they exceed their imposed size limitations. If this happens we will request that you provide us an alternate email address, or open a free account with a service allowing larger files. We have several we can recommend.

Q: How long does it take for books to be shipped to me?
A: Two answers: 1) for UAH books, we try to ship them via UPS Ground the same day we receive your written request…presuming the book is not checked out to another patron. 2) for ILL books, we cannot guarantee how long it takes. We order the books from other libraries, and can’t predict how quickly they will send the books to us. It can take from 7 to 21 days for the book to arrive here, sometimes more, sometimes less. We try to order from libraries that will send items quickly. Once the books arrive at the UAH library, we forward them to you via UPS Ground.

Q: Why do I get an error message when I try to open a PDF file sent from the library?
A: Most likely, you don’t have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. To download the latest version of Adobe, go to: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html Follow the on screen instructions.

Q: What is the loan period?
A: UAH books: 90 days, with a possible 90 day renewal ILL books: usually only 21 days, with no renewal. (The due date is controlled by the lending library.)

Q: What are the overdue charges?
A: UAH books: 25 cents per item per day. ILL books: $1 per item per day.

Q: What is the cost for using the UAH library?
A: Students must pay the shipping cost to return borrowed books to the library. Students must also pay any overdue fines. All other services are free. Articles are yours to keep for free.

Q: What are the library hours?
A: Staff are present 9am to 5pm Central time, M-F. However, students have nearly uninterrupted access to the library databases via the web site. NOTE: from 2:00am to 3:30am Central Time, the catalog (Traditional Books) is closed for daily maintenance.

Q: I use the services of my local library. Is that allowed?
A: Absolutely! If you have local service, make the most of it. Use the best of what you have locally, and the best of what we can provide to you.