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Distance Education |
| Frequently Asked Questions | |
I have a student ID. Can I use it to request books and other materials?
Yes, but with one caution. You need to have your ID activated before you will be able to make an interlibrary loan request for books and other materials or access the online databases. If you have an ID but are not certain if it has been activated, contact our reference desk at reference@northern.edu or by phone at 605 626-3018 or toll-free at 800 678-5330 (press 1 for Admissions) and we can investigate.
Why do I need a student ID if I'm not on campus?
You will need the barcode number that appears on the back of the card if you want to access the online databases available through Williams Library or request an interlibrary loan to obtain books and journal articles.
How do I get a student ID?
To request an ID, complete a Distance and Off-Campus Student Application for a Student ID/Library Card. After we have processed your application we will send your new library/ID card to you by mail. This card can be used to request books and journal articles while you are enrolled in a distance education course and will also allow you to check out materials from the Williams Library if you should happen to be present on campus.
How can I get books and articles from the Williams Library collection and other libraries if I'm not on campus?
We offer delivery of books and photocopies of articles to our distance students. Check our Document Delivery page for details.
I'm completing an online interlibrary loan request and I'm being asked for a password. What is this?
When you're asked to enter a password after you have entered your barcode number, enter the first eight characters of your last name. If your last name is eight characters or less, enter your full last name.
Can I renew a book I have obtained through interlibrary loan?
That depends. Some libraries supplying us with interlibrary loan materials will permit renewal. You can request a renewal of an interlibrary loan item through the library catalog. From the library catalog's home page, click on Patron Information and then select Renew items you have checked out...through Interlibrary Loan. Check back by reviewing your online patron record (see the Display items linked to your patron record... section of the Patron Information screen) to see if your renewal request has been accepted.
How do I access the online databases from my home computer? I'm being asked for a barcode number.
You will need to enter your NSU barcode number, which is found on the back of your student ID and starts with 2157300.
I need some help doing research. Can anyone help?
Yes, we have a variety of reference services available to you. You can call the reference desk at 605 626-3018 or toll-free at 800 678-5330 (press 1 for Admissions); complete and send an email reference form; or use our live chat service, Ask the Librarians - LIVE!. We also have a consultation service available where you can set up an appointment to work directly with a librarian on a particular project.
There are so many online databases. How can I know which one to try when I'm doing research?
We have Help Sheets available for many of our online databases. Learn more about the academic disciplines each database covers, as well as some search tips to make you a more efficient searcher. You can also check our Help with Your Research page for further assistance.
I'm new to online research. Can you offer some advice?
Williams Library has a wealth of electronic resources—online periodical indexes and databases, Web links, and more—to help you in your research. Check our Help with Your Online Research page for answers to the questions we most often hear from student researchers just beginning their search for online information resources.
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