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California State University, Long Beach
CSULB Library
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Services for Distance Learners

Distance learners are students enrolled in CSULB classes, but receiving instruction at an alternative site.

Many of the CSULB distance learners are enrolled as off-site students in the Masters of Social Work program (at Channel Islands, East Bay [formerly Hayward] and Humboldt) and Professional Studies programs.


Quick Links



Other Sites of Interest to Distance Ed students



Borrowing / Lending Information
(562) 985-5512

The Circulation Desk is located on the First Floor as you enter the Library.

  • Identification Cards: Your CSULB campus ID card serves as your library card. You must have a valid CSULB campus ID in order to use some library materials and equipment. Students should call (562) 985-7388 for additional information regarding photo ID cards.
  • Loan Periods: The basic loan period for books is 3 weeks. The loan period for media materials (audiocassettes, compact discs, videos, and DVDs) is 7 days. Periodicals and reference materials are not available for check-out.
  • Renewals: Books may be renewed (limit of 4 times) at the Circulation Desk or through COAST (unless the book is on hold). Media materials may be renewed 1 time.
  • Excessive Use Fees: A fee of 25¢ per item per day is assessed for general circulation materials returned past the due date. Overdue fines for Interlibrary Services, LINK+ , Reserve and Media materials are assessed at higher rate. Bills for all fees are sent by the University Business Office via mail or email. Payments can be made on myCSULB or at the University Business Office. No overdue notices are sent.
  • Lost Books: Please report lost materials to the Circulation Desk. Lost book fees include replacement costs and processing assessments.
  • Rosters: At the beginning of each term, the instructor must send the CSULB Library a current roster of students enrolled. Without these rosters we cannot provide service to distance students. The rosters must include for each student: name, address, i.d. number, telephone number, e-mail address, and host library. Send rosters to Vicky Munda by email) or by fax at 562 985-1703, attention Library Circulation. Please allow at least 48 hours Monday-Friday for the rosters to be input into the Library's user database. If you have questions, please contact Vicky Munda at 562 985-5567.


Delivery Options for Distance Learners

Distance learners should request materials (books, articles, conference proceedings, etc.) not available at CSULB using ILLiad Interlibrary Services, with these cautions:

  • Complete the appropriate ILLiad Interlibrary loan form. Distance learners need to indicate their status every time they make an ILLiad request by noting answering YES to the question on each form "Are you are distance learner?"
  • As a special service to distance learners, the CSULB Library will send through snail mail any materials (including those owned by CSULB) that can not be delivered electronically (this generally applies to books).
  • For books, the date due and the return address will be provided you when you receive the book. You are responsible for the payment of return postage.
  • If available electronically, journal articles will be emailed to you. If no electronic copy is available, a photocopy will be sent to you by first class mail.
  • If the library owns the item you request and it is on the shelf, it should arrive in less than a week.
  • Items that must be requested from other libraries will take longer than CSULB owned materials.
  • Check COAST to see if CSULB Library owns the item you want.
  • Check on the progress of your request by logging in to ILLiad Interlibrary Services and "Review Status of Requests and Retrieve Electronically Delivered Items".


Information and Assistance
(562) 985-4027

Library personnel are available to provide assistance in the 1st Floor services area all hours the library is open. In addition, Librarians are available during Reference hours to provide information, reference, and research assistance. Distance Learners may wish to contact CSULB Subject Specialist Librarians electronically.



Purchase of Books, Periodicals, and Media

New materials may be recommended by submitting through COAST a Recommend New Items form. Emails and printed requests may also be submitted directly to a subject specialist librarian.



Special Collections and University Archives
(562) 985-4087

Unusual and valuable collections of rare and fragile books, original art prints and photographs, and historical papers are located in Room 300, 3rd Floor.



Spidell Technology Center
 (562) 985-7820

The Spidell Technology Center, 1st Floor, is one of two Open Access Computer Labs at CSULB. Over 200 computers are available in the Library building.



Libraries in your community

We have reciprocal agreements with other CSU libraries, so if you live near one, you may go there to ask reference questions. Other libraries you may wish to use include


Questions Frequently Asked By Distance Education Learners

Do I need a library card?

A CSULB i.d. serves as your library card. UCES (or your department) will send or mail you an id card (with the logo in place of your picture). You need the card itself to borrow books from other CSU libraries. You also need a Library Password to use most of CSULB Library's online resources. If you do not have a CSULB i.d., the Library can issue a card if you are listed on the Distance Learning roster.

Where else might I access these databases?

At most other CSU libraries, you can use the databases they purchase for their students, some of which will be the same as those available through CSULB. Some databases are available at community colleges and at public libraries.

Will you send the book to me?

If the CSULB Library owns the book you need, we can send it to you. Exceptions are materials that do not circulate, such as reference books, material from Special Collections, media, and reserve materials. Complete the appropriate ILLiad Interlibrary loan form to request a book.Distance learners need to indicate their status every time they make an ILLiad request by noting answering YES to the question on each form "Are you are distance learner?" Books will be mailed free of charge; however you must pay return postage. If you need a book not owned by CSULB, it may be faster to request it through your nearest public library or CSU library.

What if I need a copy of a journal article?

Use the free CSULB Library interlibrary loan service. You will not have to return the article. Distance learners need to indicate their status every time they make an ILLiad request by noting answering YES to the question on each form "Are you are distance learner?"

What are my borrowing privileges at the other State University Libraries?

With your current i.d. card, you have borrowing privileges at over 20 other California State University libraries. See Agreement on Library Support for CSU Distance Learning Courses.

How do I get reference assistance?

Librarians are available for help by phone or e-mail.

Where can I get more information about Distance Education courses?

Connect to the home page of University College and Extension Services or phone them at 800/963-2250, x58455.

Have a question not answered above? Contact us!