Frequently Asked Questions

If your question is not answered here, check out the list of How Do I...? questions and answers, or ask a librarian.

Where do I receive a library card?

If you are a Concordia College faculty member, student, or staff, your college ID serves as your library card. If you are not affiliated with the College, stop by or call the Circulation Desk at (218) 299-4641 and ask about our community card.

How do I check out library materials?

Present your campus ID at the Circulation Desk to check out materials.

Where are the books I need?

Academic libraries are arranged using the Library of Congress (LC) Classification System. Each item in the library has its own LC call number. This combination of numbers and letters makes up an address for each item. Using the LC system, materials are arranged by call number to group materials on the same subject together. Call numbers are printed on stickers and placed on the outside of each item. See the How Do I...? page for instructions on finding books. After you identify the call numbers for items you want, locate them in the library using the collection guide.

I didn't find what I need. Where else should I look?

Chances are the Library provides access to a resource specific to your subject matter. Ask a librarian for a recommendation.

How can I get materials from another library?

See the How Do I...? page.

How many items can I check out at a time?

Students may have up to 100 items checked out at a single time and 20 active interlibrary loans. Faculty and staff may have up to 200 items checked out and 100 active interlibrary loans. Community users may have up to 10 items checked out; however, interlibrary loan is unavailable.

How long can I keep library materials?

Students: Most items can be checked out for 21 days with the option of at least one renewal. (Here's how.) Periodicals (magazines, journals, and newspapers) and reference materials cannot be checked out.

Faculty and staff: Items from the general collection can be checked out until the end of either semester, with the option for renewal. (Here's how.) Items from the Curriculum, Serendipity, video and music collections circulate for 21 days. Faculty and staff may check periodicals out for two days and may speak with librarians about borrowing reference materials.

Community users: Most items can be checked out for 21 days. Periodicals and reference materials cannot be checked out. Renewals are generally not allowed.

Can library materials be renewed beyond the initial loan period?

Yes. See the previous question and answer.

What happens if I return my library materials late?

A courtesy notice is automatically sent the day after an item becomes overdue. If an item is not returned within 18 days, a fee of $100 for replacement and processing will be charged. Rather than paying the $100 average replacement cost, borrowers may ask library staff to determine the exact replacement cost. However, if this request is made, patrons must pay the actual cost (whether it is less or more than $100) plus a $10 processing fee.

I lost my student ID. What do I do now?

Please report any lost IDs to Dining Services and the Library's Circulation Desk immediately. For more information about replacing your student ID, click here.

What is my library barcode and password?

Your library barcode can be found on the front of your College ID. It is the 14-digit number that begins 20108000... . Your password is your entire last name.

What are the best places to study in the library?

That depends. If you need to work on a group project, check on the availability of a study room at the Circulation Desk. If you need an especially quiet area, third and fourth floors are usually a good bet. If you like the social aspects of studying in the library, try the Mezzanine, North Reading Room (Fishbowl), or Reference area.

May I reserve a study room?

The study rooms in the Library are in high demand and are reserved on a first come, first served basis. If your student group would like to use a room, verify availability and check out a room key at the Circulation Desk.

Are food and drink allowed in the library?

Non-alcoholic beverages maybe brought into the library if they are in tightly covered containers. No food or drink is allowed in the North Reading Room (Fishbowl) or Curriculum Computer Lab. The official policy is here.

How do I pay for photocopying and how much does it cost?

Concordia students can use their student IDs to make copies. If you need to add funds to your card, there is a cash load station next to the Circulation Desk. Copies are $0.08 per page. Pastors, alumni, academic departments, and community patrons may purchase a library visitor card at the Circulation Desk. Visitor cards are $2.00 and have 12 photocopies pre-loaded.

Can I print documents in color?

Yes. The Library provides a color printer at the Circulation Desk. Prints are $0.50 to $1.50, depending on the amount of colored content. You may also print colored transparencies for $1.50. (This includes the cost of the blank transparency.) The student at the Computer Help Desk can direct you to the computers that are networked to the color printer.

Is it possible to use my laptop in the library?

Yes. Concordia College provides wireless Internet access throughout the Library. If you have trouble accessing the network, ask for help at the Computer Help Desk or at the Reference Desk.  The Library also has laptops available for check out. 

How can I make MnPALS searches effective?

  • Use only one or two keywords--using more terms can make searches too narrow.
  • Use the asterisk (*) at the end of search terms to locate all possible endings (e.g., psycholog* will find psychology, psychologist, psychological, etc.).
  • Click on linked titles for more information about each item.
  • Click on linked subjects to find additional library materials on your topic.

Carl B. Ylvisaker Library

Information For:

current students
faculty and staff		 parents
alumni		 high school students
admitted students