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Your Library Card is your key to library services, even if you never visit one of SMU’s libraries in Dallas. In order to access certain library services, you will need the 14–digit library barcode number that is on your library card.
If you do not have a library card, you may request one by completing our online form. We will send you a card immediately. Your library card is valid as long as you are enrolled in a credit–bearing course.
SMU Libraries have purchased access to hundreds of indexes, databases, reference resources, electronic journals, magazines, newspapers, and more.
You can browse SMU Online Resources by title or by subject via the Web at:<http://www.smu.edu/cul/or/>.
The majority of our Online Resources are available to SMU students, faculty, and staff regardless of your physical location when using your library card.
Online resources that include the phrase “valid SMU students/faculty/staff” in the access/location section are available from off-campus.
If you need a book or an article that is not available through SMU Online Resources, you can request it by the following method:
In most cases, we can deliver the item to you. We will generally either e-mail a copy of the item to you (for articles) or ship it to you via UPS (for books). There is no fee for this service.
To find out what items SMU owns, use <http://libcat.smu.edu/>, SMU’s Web-based library catalog. The library catalog lists the millions of books, journals, and other items owned by the SMU Libraries.
If SMU does not own the item you need, we will attempt to borrow it for you from another library via InterLibrary Loan (ILL). There is no fee for ILL, although it can take several weeks.
To request an item , use the “Request a book or article” form. For items which SMU owns and are available, we can generally ship them by the end of the next business day.
If you live in, or near, Texas, there are these two options:
If you need assistance in researching a topic or using a database, we are here to help. You can ask us your questions via the Web using help forms or chat, E-mail, and telephone. We will respond as quickly as possible, usually no later than the end of the next business day.
Use our “Ask a Librarian - Email” for research assistance or general questions.
Chat with a librarian in real-time in order to receive research assistance. Login at: <http://www.smu.edu/cul/ask/>
Chat service is available Monday–Thursday.
The Web and E-mail are preferred methods of communication. However, if you would like to talk to a librarian via telephone, call us at (214) 768-1123.
