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Research How: Information Literacy Toolbox: Navigating the Library

Find tutorials on navigating the library website, resources for your research journey through searching, evaluating, & citing, and subject specific guides & databases

The resources on this page will give you a sampling of some library basics

  • Searching for a book
  • Using our resources from off-campus
  • Using InterLibrary Loan
  • Checking out a group study room

STEP 1: MY LIBRARY CARD

Step 1: Order Your Card

Online and In-Person students can get their One Card through the FIU One Card Offices.

Step 2: Contact the Library

If you have ordered your card, there may be a temporary code for resource login. Please contact us for that information.
  • PHONE: You can also call circulation: MMC: (305) 348-2451 BBC: (305) 919-5718
  • EMAIL: asklib@flu.libanswers.com
  • ONLINE CHAThttps://libanswers.fiu.edu/
  • SMS/TXT: (305) 240-6585

What is a Library Card?

Your FIU One Card is your Library Card!

FIU One Card = Library Card

What is my Library Card Number?

The 14-digit number on the back of your FIU One Card is your Library Card Number. 

FIU Library Card backside

What is my password for my Library Card?

The default password for your library account is the 2-digit month and 2-digit day of your birth. 
For example, if you were born on May 10th, your password would be 0510.

ENROLLED STUDENTS (In-person)

First-time students must attend an Orientation session at their respective campus and be registered for classes.  On day two of orientation, students are eligible to pick up their card at the FIU One Card Office.

The student must have a valid Panther ID number in order to receive a FIU One Card. To obtain a card:

  • The Student will go to the FIU One Card Office at their respective campus. MMC: PG-1 100; BBC: WUC 143.
  • The Student is not responsible for payment for their first* FIU One Card.
  • The Student must present a valid government-issued photo ID.
  • *Duplicate/replacement fee is $15.00 payable by cash, check or credit card at the MMC One Card Office or at the BBC Cashier’s Office.

Student: Fully Online

FIU ONLINE PROGRAM

As part of your enrollment in a Fully Online or Satellite program at FIU, you can receive an FIU One Card using the online application process by following the steps below:

  • Complete and submit the FIU Online One Card Application Form.
  • Upon completion of the application, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions to upload your photo and Government-issued ID. The email will also include details regarding identity verification via video chat and distribution of the One Card.

Please note: All communication will be sent to your FIU email address.

Sample of appropriate pictures for submission

Have a card, but lost/forgot it?

Use the barcode generator to find your 14-digit library card number. You can also call circulation if you don't have the 14-digit number MMC: (305) 348-2451 BBC: (305) 919-5718.
This Barcode Generator will only give you a barcode number if you have already obtained your OneCard from the OneCard Office.

Is there a workaround with VPN?

You can also authenticate with VPN as a workaround. Find more information on accessing FIU’s VPN at https://network.fiu.edu/vpn/.

Trying to use a database and keep getting an error message?

You may need to clear your history and cache. Find directions by browser on our Help Page.

STEP 4: CHECK OUT BOOKS

The Access Services Department facilitates physical and virtual access for circulation services, interlibrary and intercampus loan services, collection maintenance, patron assistance, and course reserve materials. The customer is our focus and excellent service to users is the mission of all department activities. The Library's primary purpose is to support and provide for the research and instructional needs of students, faculty, and researchers of the University. The Access Services Department is committed to playing an integral role in this mission.

  • Alumni Services: Information and data for our graduated FIU members--welcome back!
  • Faculty: For scheduling library instruction and other services offered to FIU's faculty and staff.
  • Online Students: A portal to the resources and services offered to our online students and distance learners.
  • Retiree Services: Thanks for all you've done for us, FIU retirees! As our thanks, please take advantage of the resources we continue to extend your way.
  • Visitor Services: Support for Non-FIU public members who would like to use our public services and resources.


Modesto A. Maidique Campus, Green Library
Check Out Desk - Circulation, Interlibrary Loan, Course Reserves
305-348-2451
2nd Floor, GL-290

 

 


Biscayne Bay Campus, Hubert Library
Circulation Desk / Interlibrary Loan / Course Reserves
305-919-5718
1st Floor, LIB-106

 

E-mail: access@fiu.edu

STEP 6: FIND IT @FIU

So, what's Find it @ FIU?
It's an OpenURL link resolver... That's fancy-talk for a tool that Libraries use to link together their online subscriptions.

Basically, when you perform a search in one of the library databases, such as Gale's Academic OneFile, you will at times see a button/link labeled "Find It @FIU" next to an article or citation, like this: 

Clicking on this button will also provide you with any available full-text options for the article. 

Remember:  when searching, look for a link to fulltext/PDF/Find it @ FIU to search for the article you want across our 400+ databases and/or Google Scholar!

how to add library links to google scholarAdd Find it @FIU to Google Scholar
Are you a Google Scholar fan/user? You can "turn on" the library's resources in Google Scholar and access fulltext of journal articles while searching from off-campus!

To make these links appear, just access Google Scholar from an on-campus location of the library, and the links will automatically be included.

To get them on your computer:

  1. Click on Scholar Preferences in Google Scholar (http://scholar.google.com)
  2. Type Florida International University in the "Library Links" section
  3. Check the boxes to select your options
  4. Save your preferences
  5. Start Searching!

STEP 7: GROUP STUDY ROOMS

How Can I Reserve a Group Study Room?

Students are able to reserve study rooms at Green Library and Hubert Library using the online reservation system. Rooms can be reserved in 3-hour blocks and up to 14 days in advance.

To Reserve a Group Study Room

  1. Go to the Group Study Rooms Reservation Service System
  2. Select the appropriate campus/library
  3. Choose the day for the reservation from the drop-down menu
  4. View available rooms & times

  

Available Room Icon -- Key (key) = available - Unavailable Room Icon -- Lock  (lock) = reserved

  1. Select the appropriate room size for your group
  2. Read & accept the Terms of Agreement
  3. Login with your Panther ID and your Password
  4. Wait for the message that will appear informing you that you have successfully booked your room

Pick up your room key at the appointed time from the Circulation/Check Out Desk

NOTE: All group rooms (more than two seats) have whiteboards; rooms 727 and 791 also have display screens.

Rules to Remember

  • The student who made the reservation must bring their FIU One Card with them in order to claim the room
  • You have 15 minutes from the time of the start of the appointment to claim the room or it will be forfeited and assigned to the next group
  • All members of the group must be present when you pick up the room key
  • You can only make one reservation per day and can hold one one at a time
  • By making this reservation and checking out this key, you agree to be responsible for any damage to the room and to abide by the Group Study Room Policy
  • Overdue keys/rooms will carry a $30/hour (or part thereof) fine; for more information on late fees, please see Fines, Fees, & Other Charges
  • You cannot reserve a room via your smart phone/mobile device; the system will not successfully process the reservation (even if you receive a confirmation) and therefore we cannot guarantee a room has been reserved


Modesto A. Maidique Campus, Green Library
Check Out Desk - Circulation, Interlibrary Loan, Course Reserves
305-348-2451
2nd Floor, GL-290

 

 


Biscayne Bay Campus, Hubert Library
Circulation Desk / Interlibrary Loan / Course Reserves
305-919-5718
1st Floor, LIB-106

 

E-mail: access@fiu.edu

STEP 2: OFF-CAMPUS ACCESS

Trying to access articles & do research from off campus?

You have the same access to our online resources while off campus, as you do while on campus!

For many of the research resources offered by the Libraries, access is restricted to currently registered students, faculty, and staff.  When trying to connect to these services from off campus, you will be required to login through the "off-campus access" portal.  Start by entering either your FIU email username + password OR your library account number + your birth month and day.  

If you are on campus, typically no additional login is required. 

STEP 3: FIND BOOKS

Search FIU Libraries' Catalog


How to read our call numbers

 

 

Looking for More? 

STEP 5: INTERLIBRARY LOAN

Do we not own or have access to what you are looking for? 
Just request it - for FREE!  Use InterLibrary Loan / ILLiad to get the book from another institution.

Order a book and you will be notified via email that your book has arrived.  Books generally arrive within 10 days.
Is it an article?  Your ILLIAD account will act like a drop box for articles that can be delivered online.  You'll also get an email to let you know when to login to your account to retrieve your item.  

TIP: When searching WorldCat, click on the book title and use the "Send Request to ILLiad" link to order the book.  Sign-in to ILLiad and the database will fill in the form for you!

Important Information:

  • ILLiad and Interlibrary Loan are available for FIU and SUL faculty, staff, enrolled students, and FIU alumni and corporate public borrowers.
  • You are responsible for keeping your password private and secure.
  • If you are another library looking to request materials from us, view our Borrowing Library page.
  • Submit Interlibrary Loan requests via the ILLiad webpages.
  • Interlibrary Loan will try to obtain books, articles, and other items that are not owned by the FIU University Libraries from other libraries.
  • Please allow 1 business day for your ILLiad registration to be confirmed and activated.

Interlibrary Loan Policies

  • FIU Library Card holders only. Please do not abbreviate. Incomplete or incorrect information may delay request processing.
  • Requests are processed Monday's through Friday's, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Please allow three (3) business days for your material to arrive, providing it is available for use. This applies to articles only. Other materials may take longer.
  • Notifications are sent by email.
  • There is no limit to the number of requests submitted per day, but minimum of five (5) requests per person per day will be processed.
  • A limit of twenty (20) Interlibrary Loan items can be checked out at any time.

Using ILLiad

ILLiad is the online request and management service used by the FIU Libraries for Interlibrary Loan.

ILLiad Service and Features

  • View and track your ILL request records online
  • Request materials 24 hours a day online
  • View the progress of your requests at each stage of the process
  • Rely upon email to communicate with the ILLiad staff
  • View checked out items and request renewals online*
  • Access your account to change personal information and passwords
  • View current and past requests
  • Attach notes to each request
  • Track all ILL requests.
  • Accept citations from many online databases with minimal clicks.
  • Send email notifications when materials are ready for you.
  • Provide assurance for confidentiality regarding your personal information and requests.

*Renewals are at the discretion of the lending institution. Submit your renewal request through ILLiad before the due date, and wait a few days to see if the renewal due date is reflected. If the lending institution has not offered an extension, your original due date stands. Accounts will be blocked for overdue books. Call your local ILLiad staff member for help with the process of requesting an extension if you wish. It is common that no extensions are offered, so order another copy of your item if you anticipate an extended need.

Intercampus Loan Information

To submit Intercampus Loan requests, first login to your Library Account and then look up your item. Select "Request" for the item and choose your pick-up location. You will receive an e-mail when the item is ready. Please allow two (2) business days for processing and shipping.