How to Find Reserves

Basic Information

Reserve material for classes can be found at the Main Library (Hawthorne-Longfellow) or at the branch libraries. Reserves can include books, videos, articles copied by your instructors, study guides, etc.

Reserves may be taken out of the library, unless the instructor requires them to remain in the building. A few instructors also prohibit photocopying of their materials. Such restrictions are noted on the cover of the reserve item. It is your responsibility to comply with the instructor's guidelines for use of reserves.

Most reserves may be checked out for 2 hours. Often reserves can be renewed for an additional 2 hours, as long as no one else is waiting for them.

Reserve items are kept at the reserve desks in Call Number Order. You must check the library catalog to determine the Call Numbers of the items you need.

To find reserves, search the Library Catalog. Library Staff create a catalog record for every item on reserve for the current semester. If you can't find a catalog record for a reserve item you need, check with the staff at the reserve desk to be certain the library has received it.

Using the Bowdoin College Library Gateway to Find Reserves:

You may search reserve lists by Course Name (as in Biology 101)
Or, find reserve lists using your Instructor's Name (as in Chamberlain, Joshua)

A successful search will provide you with a list of everything placed on reserve by your instructor for your course.

Reserve items are listed in alphabetical order by title.

Browse through the list to find the items you wish to obtain. Note that there may be multiple copies of some items. The reserve system is linked to the Library's Circulation System, so that each item is designated Available if not checked out, or Due with a date and time, if checked out.

If you are looking for one particular reserve item, it might be faster to try an author or title search instead. See Using The Library Catalog for more information.

Once you find the reserve item you want, make note of the reserve call number. At the Library Circulation Desk, request the item by call number.

If you can't find something you believe should be on reserve, please check with any member of the Circulation Staff.

A Reminder:

Fines are charged for overdue or lost material, and for reserves returned with parts missing. If you've forgotten to return library material, or have lost something, please contact the Circulation Desk Staff promptly to avoid maximum fines. For an overdue reserve material, fines are 50 cents for each hour the material is overdue.

Course reserves are meant to be shared by all members of your class. The misuse of library materials, including course reserves, is prohibited by the Academic Honor Code. Failure to return materials when they are due deprives others of their use and falls within the Code's definition of "Academic Dishonesty."

Search for a reserve now.