Use BeachReach to request an item that is not available at the CSULB Library. What do we mean by "not available"?
You can use BeachReach to do the following:
BeachReach services are available to current CSULB students, faculty, and staff only.
What are the access requirements?
I don't understand when I should use BeachReach or LINK+.
LINK+ is a consortium of area libraries and is used for requesting books, media, conference proceedings, and theses/dissertations. We strongly recommend that you always check LINK+ first for these kinds of materials since LINK+ has a shorter turnaround time. If your item(s) is NOT available via LINK+, then submit your request(s) to BeachReach which will look for your item(s) at other libraries.
To check the status of requests made via LINK+ or BeachReach, check your library account.
Can I request anything through BeachReach? Are there materials that can not be requested?
We recommend against requesting textbooks for classes, feature films, and best-sellers. These requests will be handled on a caseby case basis. Though a textbook might be available from another library, you will only be able to borrow it for two weeks (not for the semester you need it). We will cancel requests for textbooks that are available in our Reserve Collection. Feature films and best-sellers are often not available for loan from other libraries.
How will I be notified when my materials are available?
You will receive an email notification when your materials are available. Remember: one of the many advantages of using BeachReach is that you can get information about the status of your request(s) through the web at any time from any location!
How do I "pick up" my electronically delivered items?
Log in to BeachReach and click on the "Electronically Delivered Items" link which you can find on the left side of the main page.
Why are the loan periods on the physical items (e.g. books and media) so brief? I would like to keep them longer!
The loan periods for materials borrowed through BeachReach are set by the library loaning the item, and vary from library to library.
Why don't I see all of my older requests when I look at my request history?
From time to time we purge older records from BeachReach. Our policy is to keep requests online for several years in order to comply with record keeping requirements of the copyright law.
What if I need my documents in an accessible format?
An accessible format is a version of the document (article, book chapter, etc) that can be read using screen reading software (e.g. JAWS). The standard format for online documents is "PDF" (portable document format) which is read with Adobe Acrobat. Some PDF documents received by CSULB's BeachReach may not be accessible (as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act Section 508) with screen reading software. However, any PDF file can be made accessible through a conversion process. This process requires a skilled and trained individual to convert the file. To order a document in accessible format, select "YES" when completing the document request form under "Do you require this (article, book chapter, conference proceeding) in an accessible format?" For each request, you must indicate that you want it in an accessible format. Patrons needing an additional help with accessible formats or who have any questions, should contact the Disabled Student Services Center at 562-985-5401.
Are there any copyright restrictions on how I use the materials I receive through BeachReach?
By using this service you are agreeing to uphold the copyright restrictions that are applicable to all library materials, whether paper or digital. If you make printed copies of these digitized documents, it remains your responsibility to abide by these restrictions. No further reproduction and distribution of copies that you receive through BeachReach is permitted.
BeachReach uses various statuses to track requests and control workflow. Please note that these statuses reflect the actions of the requesting customer as well as those of the ILS staff. If you have a question about a particular status message, please call (562-985-4629) or email (lib-illiad@csulb.edu) ILS staff.
The vast majority of requests that are cancelled are because the requested item IS available in the CSULB Library. You may find it helpful to consult a reference librarian about an item before requesting it through BeachReach. If you have a question about a particular cancellation message please call (562-985-4629) or email (lib-illiad@csulb.edu) ILS staff.
Occasionally our document suppliers send a file with missing pages or pages that are unreadable. If this happens to you, please use the BeachReach Problem Pages Report form.
PLEASE NOTE THAT USING A MOBILE DEVICE FOR VIEWING DOCUMENTS MAY AFFECT THE QUALITY OF THE IMAGE. FOR BEST RESULTS USE A COMPUTER.
I'm a distance learner. Is there anything special I have to do?
Distance learners are students enrolled in CSULB classes, but receiving instruction at an alternative site. Distance learners must indicate their status every time they make an BeachReach request by selecting YES to the question "Are you a distance learner?" in the request forms. 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).
It is not uncommon for these scanned documents to have every other page upside down, but these pages can be rotated in the Adobe Acrobat Reader. See the example below explaining some of the functions in the Adobe Acrobat tool bar. Use the "rotate" tool on the right end of the toolbar to change the orientation or "rotate" the document when you view it.
I use a Mac computer and have problems viewing some of the documents.
You may have difficulties viewing PDF files delivered via BeachReach if Adobe is not selected as your default viewer. Please follow these steps to make Adobe your default viewer on your Mac.
Don't forget, you need at least Acrobat 5.x or higher to view your documents. If you do not have 5.x or higher, please download and install a recent version.
Is there a cost associated with using BeachReach?
While there is no cost to the users of the BeachReach service, there are costs that the library absorbs to run the BeachReach service.
Can I choose the format in which I receive my items?
Unfortunately, no.The lending library dictates the format (i.e., print, electronic, micotext) in which we receive the item. We do not have the ability to request a specific format.
Where can I get help? Contact us!
