Library FAQs

All CSUEB students, staff, faculty, and alumni with campus NetIDs are able to reserve books (up to 10 at a time) for library pickup or home delivery. 

Please note: Books in the following collections are not available for library pickup or home delivery:  Reference, Popular Reading, DIY Success, and course textbooks and other materials available at the Library Services / Reserves / Checkout Desk. Community Borrowers are not eligible for the library pickup or home delivery services.

How can I request books?

To request a book, CSUEB students, staff, faculty, and alumni should: 

1. Search for the item you wish to request in the library catalog
2. Click on the title of the item you wish to request (in order to see the detail page with request options)
3. If you're not already logged into your library account, either click the "Sign in for more options" button to login or use the Library account link found on the library's homepage to access your library account
4. Once logged in, click the "Request" link available on the right side of the item's page in the catalog
5. Choose your Pickup Location (options include Hayward Campus or Home Address). If choosing Home Address, please include your mailing address in the "Enter Shipping Address" field.  

How can I pick up my requested books?

1. If you chose to Pick Up on the Hayward Campus: 
   1. You will receive an email when your item is ready to pick up. Your item(s) will be available for pickup at the Library Services / Reserves / Checkout Desk on the first floor of the CORE building on the Hayward Campus for ten business days.
   2. Items requested Monday-Thursday by 3pm will usually be available to pick up that day. On Fridays, requests placed by 11am will be ready by 1pm, all Friday requests after 11am will be ready on Monday. 
2. If you chose Home Address:
   1. Expect to receive the requested item within 1-2 weeks from UPS.

How long can I keep the books I borrow?

• Books from the main book collection can be borrowed for 16 weeks (for students) or one year (for staff/faculty). 
• CSU+ items can be checked out for sixteen weeks.

How can I return the books I borrow?

To return books, you can drop them off on the Hayward or Concord campus (more information on campus book drops); return them to the CSU campus library that is closest to your home (that library will send them to back to CSUEB and the item(s) will be checked in once they are received at CSUEB), or mail them back to the Hayward Campus library in the CORE building (please see our mailing instructions).

Unfortunately, CSUEB is not able to cover return mailing costs, if you choose to use that method. The United States Postal Service does have a discounted rate for "Media Mail" which includes mailing books (more information on Media Mail from the USPS).