Library Services for Students Enrolled
in Online / Distant Education Classes

The University Library offers a wide range of services to help you complete assignments and enrich your learning experiences.

How can I find books?

HAYSTAC, the Library's online catalog, is the best place to search for locally held library materials. For books not listed, you may automatically redirect the search to Link+ to search for materials held at other California universities and colleges, many of which are in the CSU. If you are a student at Contra costa, books and Link+ materials can be delivered at Concord Campus. There is no delivery beyond the Concord Campus.

What online journals and databases are available?

Over 80 full-text journals and databases are listed by subject on the Library's Electronic Resources webpage. This page also provides guidance how to cite electronic resources correctly, and how to connect to Off-Campus databases..

How can I consult a Reference Librarian?

The Library's website includes a list of librarians who serve as subject specialists and liaisons to academic departments on campus.

They are available to answer your reference questions at Ask a Librarian within 24 hours, and to help you with developing search strategies for research papers.

You may also call the reference desk for basic research help during available hours:

• Hayward Reference Desk: 510-885-3765
• Concord Campus Reference Desk: 925-602-6755

If you are within driving distance of the campus, you may wish to come to the reference desk in person.

What Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services can I use?

Materials not located in HAYSTAC may be searched by you in Link+, a combined catalog of California university libraries, including many in the CSU. Materials found in Link+ may be transferred to either the Hayward or Contra Costa campus. (You will be responsible for following the borrowing period established by the lending library.) At this time, the Library does not provide remote delivery services so you must come to campus or the Contra Costa Campus to pick up and check out requested materials.

ILL forms are located here. Since ILL requests may take several days (or weeks) to fill (depending on the materials), please plan ahead. Again, you must come to campus to pick up these materials.