Using Course Reserves material
Physical Course Reserves
Physical materials placed on reserve are held at the Circulation Desk and anyone with access privileges to the library may check out reserve materials. HSL Reserve materials must be returned to the HSL location.
You will need the call number to request use of a particular reserve item. To determine the call number search the library catalog, CLIO. If you are unfamiliar with CLIO or are having difficulty locating an item, staff at the Circulation Desk can assist you.
Loan period
Reserve materials are checked out in two hour increments. Patrons with borrowing privileges may take out books overnight if checked out two hours before closing and returned one hour after opening. Reserve folders, professor personal copies, and course packs do not circulate overnight and cannot be removed from the library.
Fines
For overdue Reserve materials, fines accrue hourly to a maximum of $50.00 per returned item. For items that are not returned, you will be charged overdue fines plus the cost of replacing the item and a processing fee. See the Borrowing and Fine policy for more information.
E-Reserves
Online articles and ebooks placed on reserve by an instructor can be accessed via the Course Reserves login
Problems accessing e-reserves?
Difficulty with e-reserves should be reported to the Circulation Desk or emailed to Shameem Ali (sa13@columbia.edu). Please remember to include your name, UNI, instructor, course number and title of the reading in your email.
Submitting Course Reserves material
Acceptable material
The library will place materials on reserve only if they are required course readings. 'Suggested' and other reading or viewing/listening materials will not be placed on reserve.
The library will accept materials (folders, audio-visuals and computer software) provided by the instructor if the library does not own a copy. It is recommended that a print out of the 'Add an item to Course Reserves' form accompany the personal items.
The library in its continuing efforts to move away from printed media to more mobile technology, recommends that assigned readings consisting of less than 20% of the entire book be scanned and made available electronically. In addition, if the text is available as an ebook, online journal or other electronic media, then instructors should make every effort to provide access to the pertinent links.
Requests must be in compliance with the United States Copyright Act of 1976, Section 107. Please consult the Columbia University Libraries Copyright Policy for full guidelines. The Columbia University Libraries also provide copyright and fair use guidance.
Reactivating previous reserve lists
Reserve lists used since Fall 2003 may be reactivated. Please review the list via your CourseWorks page and select 'Reactivate items from a previous course' or 'Reactivate items from a previous course but with changes' on the 'Add an item to Course Reserves' form to submit a reactivation request.
Deadlines
Requests are processed in the order in which they are received. Please submit articles and chapters to be scanned as soon as possible. The recommended deadlines are as follows:
- Fall semester: August 1
- Spring semester: December 1
- Summer semester: April 15
Submission form
Add an item to Course Reserves
Problems submitting your request?
Questions can be directed to the Circulation Desk or emailed to the Course Reserves Assistant Shameem Ali (sa13@columbia.edu).