Getting Books

To find books from SCSU's library and many other libraries, use MnPALS, the library's catalog.

Library Catalog - MnPALS

Use MnPALS catalog to find books in the library. You may search by author, title, subject or keyword. The catalog defaults to searching SCSU, but you may select other libraries in your search.

Requesting Books through Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

To request a book that you have found in the MnPALS catalog, simply click on the "Interlibrary Loan" button at the top of the page. You may request a book from SCSU or other libraries.

You must use your 14-digit library barcode and password in order to request a book. Remember that the library barcode is different from your other ID numbers. The form must be properly completed with all necessary information in order for the request to process. Your password is generally your last name or the first eight letters of your last name. Please indicate that you are a distance learner in the “Notes” section of the form. SCSU students are not charged for this service.

An average of two (2) to ten (10) working days is normally required to receive a borrowed item. It may take less time, or it may take longer for a variety of reasons such as mailing the article to your home address.

If you have any questions or problems, check the Interlibrary Loan page as there may be changes occurring in the ILL system.

Delivery of Books

You may have an ILL book delivered to your home. The library will pay for the cost of one-way delivery to your home. You will be responsible only for the cost of mailing the book back to the library before the due date, using the pre-addressed return label that accompanies the book. You must indicate that you are a distance learner and would like delivery to your home in the "Notes" section of the ILL form.