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Physics: A Guide to McFarlin Library Resources: Library Services

This Library Research Guide will provide information about and access to some of the most significant research materials available in McFarlin Library related to the discipline of Physics.

Library’s Web Site

Start your library research by visiting the McFarlin Library Website:

  • Access over 500 research databases that provide citations, abstract, or full‐text of online journals, magazines, and newspaper articles.
     
  • Use the library catalog to find out what books (print & electronic), videos (DVDs and CDs), journal articles and more are available from McFarlin Library.

Use the Library from Home

Off‐campus access to the library's large collection of databases, e‐journals and e-books is restricted to current TU students, faculty, and staff. You must access the databases by going through the library's website or the library's database list.

Building maps

McFarlin Library opened in 1930 with additions added in 1966, 1979 and 2009. It's a wonderfully challenging building to navigate.

Borrowing Materials from McFarlin Library

McFarlin Library's bookstacks are fully open to students, faculty and staff, although the Lower Level stacks are currently closed due to flood damage.

The library also offers a retrieval service.  If you need a book or books you may fill out the online book request form.  Library staff will retrieve the book(s) you need for you to pick up at the Plaza Level Check-out Desk.

Your TU ID serves as your library borrower’s card.  You MUST have your TU ID card with you in order to check out any materials. Circulating materials include books, music CDs, educational DVDs (documentaries, classic films) and popular DVDs (recent movies, TV shows).

Check out times for undergrad students:

  • Books - 28 days with opportunity for 3 renewals.  Maximum of 100 books checked out at a time.
  • Media - 14 days. This includes DVDs, CDs and VHS. Renewals allowed.
  • Reserve materials - 2 or 4 hr. in library use only

Check out times for grad students:

  • Books - 90 days with opportunity for 3 renewals.  Maximum of 200 books checked out at a time.
  • Media - 14 days. This includes DVDs, CDs and VHS. Renewals allowed.
  • Reserve materials - 2 or 4 hr. in library use only

You may renew materials at the Library Service Desk, by phone (918-631-2871Call Us!) or through your "My Library" account.

Books can be recalled after 14 days. You may ask the Check Out Dept. to put a hold on a book so that it will come to you as soon as it's returned.

Print magazines/journals/newspapers and materials from Special Collections do not circulate.

All TU students have access to the Law Library (MLIC) and may check out most items available there. MLIC may have slightly different policies about length of checkout.

'My Library' features

Your My Library account, accessible in the upper right-hand corner of the library website, includes several useful functions. Interlibrary Loan materials are NOT included.

  1. It allows you to see what items you have checked out
  2. Renew items without coming into the library
  3. Request items for pickup at the front desk
  4. Review your search activity in Discovery
  5. Save searches to run later in Discovery
  6. Save individual items you find in Discovery to a list
  7. Keep lists of items
  8. Make changes in your profile, such as giving us an alternate email to use to contact you
  9. Track your borrowing history (NOTE: You must 'opt in' to use this feature by enabling it in your profile. After that, anything you check out through McFarlin Library will appear in your history. You can delete any book or opt out at any time. Sorry, but ILL books are not included since they are checked out independently.)

Borrowing from Other Libraries

Research materials not available at the TU Libraries can be requested through Interlibrary Loan. To request material, fill out the Interlibrary Loan Request form.

Where to Check Out?

Go to the Check Out Desk on the Plaza Level to check out, renew, and return books and other library materials; check out reserve and interlibrary loan materials; and inquire about loan periods. Standard check out period for books for undergraduates is 28 days. You can have up to 100 books checked out at a time.  You may renew your books online by using your My Library Account.

Printer/Scanner/Photocopier

A combination printer, scanner and photocopier is available for student use on the Browsing Level in the West Wing of McFarlin Library.  This device will print color copies.  Use the link below for information on how to sign in to your PaperCut account.

If you have any problems or questions using the printer, please feel free to page the library staff for assistance or ask for help at the Plaza Level Circulation Desk.

IT Help Desk

Printing on Campus

Places to Study in the Library

Study areas in the library include:

McFarlin Library North Reading Room
  • The North and South Reading Rooms on the Plaza Level.  These rooms are for silent individual study.  No talking or visiting is permitted in these rooms at any time.
     
  • The Browsing Level in the West Wing, and the Student Study on the Third Floor.  Group study is permitted in these areas.
     
  • The Gray Commons on the Third Floor, directly above the Check Out Desk.  Group study and visiting is permitted.
     
  • NOTE: There is a large private study room for groups of 8 or 9 on the Third Floor and a small study room for groups of 2 or 3 on the Main Level .  Go to the Plaza Level Check-Out Desk to borrow a key.  Your TU ID card is required.
     
  • Learn more about McFarlin's study areas.