Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a Tiffin University library card?

How do I find an journal article or database?

How do I find a book?

How do I request an item?

How can I checkout an item?  Renew an item?  Return an item?

How can I check on the status of an item or see how many items I have checked out?

Are fines charged for overdue or lost items and how much are they?

How to Get a TU Library Card or TU Campus I.D.

Graduate Student:
Contact
Graduate Admissions
Tiffin University
155 Miami Street
Tiffin, OH 44883
Phone: 866-498-6951
Fax: 419/443-5002
www.tiffin.edu
Tiffin University: Real Connections, Real Results

Fast Track Student:
Contact your Academic Center Director and ask about a library card.

TiffinCampus Student:
Contact Kathleen Moomaw in Student Affairs.  She is located in the Gillmor Building and can be reached at ext. 3264.  Only Tiffin campus undergraduate students must register at the library after receiving an ID card,

How do I find an journal article or database?

Searching for Articles

Databases offer access to publications of recognized authority and scholarly research literature (such as peer-reviewed journals). Research databases provide lists of journal articles that give information according to subject in one search. Databases differ from Internet sites in content, organization, and appearance. We strongly recommend you begin your searches in a database first. If a desired journal article is not available full-text in the database, then use the Electronic Journal Center (EJC) on the OhioLINK home page.

Research Databases

Instructions on Research Databases

  • Explore OhioLINK Databases by subject, type, or name.
  • If you know your subject and want to search a single database in depth, go to OhioLINK Databases By Subject; then choose the subject category that best suits your topic.
  • If you know a specific database by its title, go to OhioLINK Databases By Name.
  • After making your selection, move the cursor to the right, and click the appropriate category.
  • Type a keyword term and search for articles.
  • Look for links to electronic full text. In most databases, the link Find a Copy looks for electronic full text in other sources, including other OhioLINK databases and library e-journal subscriptions. It also indicates whether your own library subscribes to the journal in print or electronically.
  • If you cannot find an article in any format, contact the Interlibrary Loan department of your library.
  • For to Research Databases go to http://www.ohiolink.edu/resources.cgi

Electronic Journals

Instructions on Electronic Journal Center

  • The Electronic Journal Center (EJC) is a collection of full-text articles of more than 4300 online research journals covering many subject areas.
  • Explore Electronic Journal Center by a search.
  • Select Electronic Journal Center on the left side of the screen.
  • Move cursor to the center, select "search the EJC", and click.
  • Type a keyword term and we recommend you keep [any field] in the "which field box".
  • You must install Adobe® Acrobat® to print the PDF files.
  • For the Electronic Journal Center go to http://www.ohiolink.edu/resources/ejournals.php 

Finding Articles

  • Select appropriate database
  • Search by subject
  • When full-text article is available, please print. Go to the Research Databases on http://www.ohioLINK.edu.
  • If an article is not full-text then go to the Electronic Journal Center
  • Browse by Journal title. Go to the Electronic Journals on http://www.ohioLINK.edu.
  • If desired article is not full-text print the abstract and submit to Karen Miller, Reference Librarian.

How do I find a book?

Pfeiffer/ OPAL Library Catalog

  • Begin your search by using the "keyword searches".
  • Keyword searches allow you to search by author, title, and subject all in one search.
  • You may search by only author, only title, and only subject but this limits your search to one specific area. We recommend a limited search by author name or the title only when you have the information available before the initial search.
  • Use the online Library Catalog

OhioLINK Catalog

To use the OhioLINK Catalog go to www.OhioLINK.edu.

How do I request an item?

Opal /Pfeiffer and OhioLINK

  • First choose a specific entry from your search results and click on that title. The full record for that item will appear.  After reviewing the full record, move the cursor to the blue/gray command boxes at the top of the screen and choose OPAL Request.
  • The next screen gives boxes for patron information. You must have a valid TU Campus ID or TU library card before you can use this function. Take your TU card to the Circulation desk if you get an error message.  If you do not have a TU Campus ID card or TU library card click here
  • Select a pickup location-choose Tiffin as the location. The system looks for copies of the title, and then selects a supplying library. If a circulating copy is available, the following message appears: Your request for this item has been sent to the library.
  • It will take 2-3 business days for your items to arrive.  We will notify you via email of their arrival. To request a book use the online Library Catalog.
  • If the book you are selecting is not available in OPAL then go to OhioLINK, select OPAL as your institution, enter request information (name and barcode), and select Tiffin.  To request a book from OhioLINK go to www.OhioLINK.edu

How can I checkout an item?  Renew an item?  Return an item?

Checkout, Returning, & Renewing Books

Checkout:

  • To check a book out of Pfeiffer Library you must come to the circulation desk with your TU campus ID or TU library card. 
  • When checking out a requested book, go to the pick-up site with your TU campus ID card or TU Library Card.  All books are on loan for 3 weeks from the checkout date. 

Returning Books:

  • Return books to any OPAL/OhioLINK location.  An ID is not required for returning books.

Renewals:

  • A TU campus ID or TU library card is required for all renewals. 
  • All books can be renewed once before returning them.
  • Book renewals can be done in person, over the phone, and on the card catalog. 
  • You can check your account status any time by going to the OPAL screen, click on "My Account" and follow the instructions.

Hint: Please renew on the day the material is due for maximum length of time.

How can I check on the status of an item or see how many items I have checked out?

You can check the status of any item you have requested or an item you have checked out by going to the OPAL screen, click on “My Account” and follow the instructions.

Are fines charged for overdue or lost items and how much are they?

Library Fines

Patrons are responsible for returning books in the same condition they were checked out. There is a replacement cost for all lost and damaged books.

Videos: $.50 day/item
Reserve materials: $.50 hr/item
Books in Pfeiffer Library collection: $.25 day/book
Lost materials: charge will be replacement cost of material plus $10
processing fee (Books from OPAL or OhioLINK institutions: $.50 day/item)

(Lost materials: $100 plus $15 processing fee)