The Lost and Found for the Library and Learning Center is located at the Computer Help Desk on the first floor of the St. Paul Campus Library.

You can inquire about a lost item by calling (651) 793 1634, or by email at library.computerdesk@metrostate.edu.

What is InterLibrary Loan?

If you need an item not available in the Metropolitan State library collection, our Interlibrary Loan Service can help. We will search for libraries that own the book, article, or audio/visual material that you need and arrange to have it sent to our library for you to pick up.

In most cases, articles (and copies of book chapters) can be delivered to you electronically so you don't even need to come to campus!

How can I get help using the library?

You can get assistance from a reference librarian in several ways: by phone, in person, instant message, or via email. You can also set up an appointment for one-on-one research assistance.

How do I find scholarly articles for my research paper?

You can use the library's online article databases to search for scholarly articles on just about every subject. Want a good place to start?

Try these resources:

• Academic Search Premier (EbscoHost) A good place to start your research. This database covers many disciplines and provides electronic access to the full-text articles of more than 4,700 publications, including more than 3,600 peer-reviewed publications. Citations and abstracts are available for another 3,500 journals. Some full-text journals date as far back as 1965.
• See the next item below about using Library Guides.

I need to find information for my research paper/assignment. Where do I start?

A good place to start your research is to visit our Library Guides page. Library Guides provides you with a list of resources for just about any subject!

How do I find books in the library?

Search our online catalog, MnPALS Plus, for books, videos, DVDs, and more in the Metropolitan State University Library collection. Do a title or author search if you are searching for an item you know exists. Use the keyword or subject heading keyword search to find all items on that subject that the library has.

How do I renew items or see what I have checked out?

To check your library account, go to My Account in our MnPALS library catalog. There, you can renew items or view your patron record using your library barcode number from the back of your student ID card (the number starts with 2011...).

If you would like to renew an item that you retrieved through Interlibrary Loan, do so through My Account or contact Chris at 651-793-1625.

My professor says I need to "cite my resources." How do I cite?

There are a variety of citation styles that you can use to cite your resources when writing a research paper. Most frequently you will use MLA or APA. Use this Research and Documentation Online site to look at sample papers and citation examples in both MLA and APA styles. You can pick up handouts with citation examples at the reference desk in St. Paul. The Writing Center also offers free writing support for the university's students, faculty, and staff.

My professor put an article on e-reserve. How do I find it?

To find a resource that is on e-reserve, visit Library and Information Services and click on the E-Reserves link. Next, click "Electronic Reserves & Reserves Pages." On the following screen, you can search for your course by Course Number, Course Name, Department, or Instructor by using the blue drop-down arrow. You will be prompted for a password that your instructor should supply to you. Once you have entered the password you will be able to view any documents that your instructor has put on e-reserve.

Where can I find a Lactation Station?

The Wellness Room is a quiet place for nursing mothers located on the second floor of Founders Hall on the St. Paul Campus.

The room is managed by Student Affairs. If you need to use the room, contact the Dean of Students Office at (651) 793 1507.

What can I check out from the library?  What types of things does the library own?

At the library you can check out books, DVDs and videotapes, CDs, laptops, digital cameras and video cameras, and more For a complete list, please visit our borrowing privleges page.

Is wireless internet available in the library? How do I connect to Wi-Fi in the library?

Wireless network coverage is available to MetroState students, faculty and staff. Information Technology Services (ITS) provides instructions on how to configure your laptop to Metrostate wireless.

The Dayton's Bluff Branch of the Saint Paul Public Library also provides wireless internet access to the public.

You are welcome to use the Public Library's Wi-Fi during hours the Public Library is open. To connect your wireless-enabled laptop to the public Wi-Fi, choose the wireless network connection named "Library".