Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions at the Jackson Library in our searchable FAQ.

How do I find books?

512 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Jul 30, 2025 Bearcat Search books

Search for your keywords, book title, or author in Bearcat Search: Library Catalog. Once you find the item record for a book you want, write down the call number, then use that to locate it on our shelves. If you can’t find what you are looking for, visit the library service desk or contact us and ask to work with a librarian.

Can I put a book on hold?

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Yes! Visit Bearcat Search: Library Catalog, and find the book you want. Sign in with your MyLander login, and press the Pickup at Service Desk button that appears. Next, watch for our email that your request is ready to pick up at the library service desk.

Can the library help me with writing my paper once I've done my research?

1223 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Jul 29, 2025 writing center

Sign up for an appointment with a tutor at Lander’s Writing Center, which provides free writing assistance for all students, including research papers.

How do I reserve a study room?

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Please visit Reserve-a-Room to reserve a study room. You may book up to 3 hours per user, per day.

I am an instructor, and I want to schedule a Library/Information Literacy Session for my class. How can I do that?

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Please visit Request Library Instruction for more information and to submit a session request form.

Do you accept donations other than books?

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In addition to books, we have CD and DVD collections, as well as archive items that have a connection to Lander University, the state or local surrounding area. We are unable to accept gifts with stipulations. You can donate monetary gifts to the Lander Foundation by specifying the Library foundation account. Please visit Donating Materials for more information on donating books and other items.

I am an instructor, and I need help finding affordable learning materials or Open Educational Resources (OER). How can I do that?

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Please check out our Affordable Learning information page.

How do I access full-text articles from the databases?

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If you have located an article in Bearcat Search, open the item record and find the View Online section. Under Full text availability, you will see one or more links to databases that hold a copy of this article. Click on any database link to open the full text. You may need to sign into your Lander account for access.

EXAMPLE

If the above section is missing from your article record, you will need to request the article's full text via Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service. ILL service is fast and free to Lander University students, faculty, and staff. You will receive a PDF of the article via email in most cases.

I found an item in the catalog that lists the location as “US Document" or "SC Document.” What does that mean?

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This item is part of our print collection of government documents for both the US and South Carolina. The materials are available anytime the library is open, but they are for in-library use only and cannot be checked out. If you need assistance with the collection, a member of our staff can help you. For 24/7 digital access, please visit Government Information.

How can I get help with citation style, ex. APA, MLA, etc.?

1366 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Jul 29, 2025 writing center

Jackson Library has current editions of all citation manuals available for ready reference at the front service desk against the wall. Visit Citation Resources to find all of our print and digital citation resources available. You can also sign up for an appointment with Lander’s Writing Center, which provides free writing assistance for all students, including all of the citation styles.

What is the status of the PASCAL Delivers book request I’m waiting for?

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You can check the request status by signing into Bearcat Search. Select the Requests tab. Then, in the All Institutions filter in the top left corner, select Has Activity. Any institutions with active requests will appear in the list of requests.

I have found a book in the catalog, and the location says “Special Collection.” Where do I find this in the library?

1417 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Jul 29, 2025 books special collections

Books with the location “Special Collection” in the catalog record are available for viewing by appointment during our normal business hours. These materials are not available for checkout. Please schedule an appointment.

How do I suggest a purchase?

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Please submit your purchase suggestions for consideration via our online form.

Why can't I log into a database?

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To access the library's electronic resources, including databases, you will log in with your Lander username and password. If you are having trouble accessing our databases, and you are on campus, please check your internet connection and make sure you are connected to the “Bearcat Wireless” network. Our databases cannot be accessed through the “Bearcat Guest” network.

If this does not solve the problem, try opening the database in a different internet browser (Firefox, Chrome, etc.). Some databases have browser-specific connectivity requirements. If you have any questions or difficulties, you can email library@lander.edu and we will be happy to assist you.

How do I get to Academic Search Complete (or any other database)?

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You can find the links for our individual databases in the alphabetical list on A-Z Databases.

How do I get to the library on campus?

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See our Visiting information page for a campus map, directions, and accessible entrances.

I have some books/DVDs I would like to donate. Can I bring them there?

1543 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Jul 29, 2025 donating

The Library is preparing for a move to a new building and so cannot accept donations at this time.

I attended Lander and would like to donate my yearbook, photograph, or class ring, etc. to the archives. How do I do that?

1547 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Jul 29, 2025 archives donating yearbooks

We would love to receive such a donation from you. Please see our Donating Materials page for more information.

Do the library archives have old yearbooks, course catalogs, issues of the Lander magazine, etc?

1556 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Jul 29, 2025 archives yearbooks

You can find out what is available in our archives by visiting Archives and searching the finding aid (an inventory of all the items within the collection). Click on the Lander University Archives Finding Aid for access.

Lander's entire collection of yearbooks (from 1923-1991) have been digitized and can be found on the South Carolina Digital Library website.

I do not live in or near Greenwood, but I would like someone to find yearbook photographs, course catalogs, Lander magazine issues, etc. and send me copies. Who do I need to talk to?

1571 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Jul 29, 2025 archives yearbooks

Please submit the Research Request Form to receive assistance with your request. Depending on the complexity or timing of the request, please allow us 3-5 business days for handling. Please note that Lander's entire collection of yearbooks (from 1923-1991) have been digitized and can be found on the South Carolina Digital Library's website.

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