Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the handicapped-accessible entrance to Seashore Hall?
The wheelchair-accessible entrances to both Seashore Hall and Spence Labs are located on Iowa Avenue. Click on the blue arrows in the following map to see photographs of the entrances. After entering, take the elevator (located on the east and west sides of the building) to the second floor. The library is located on the west side of the building.

2. Where are journals located? Where are books located? Where is the photocopier?
Click here to locate these places in the library.

3. How much does it cost to photocopy?
$0.15 per page with cash or $0.12 per page with a copy card.

4. Where can I get change for the photocopiers?
Photocopiers do accept 1 dollar and 5 dollar bills.  If you need change you will have to bring your own, or acquire change at one of the local banks.

5. If I choose to pay cash instead of charging to my Hawk ID when I am printing from the library computers , where can I purchase the required PrintKey cards ?

PrintKey cards can be purchased at these three locations: Food for Thought, EMRB Cafe, and Pat's Diner.  Click on location for hours.

6. I have a Community Borrower's card.  How can I print from the library computers?

PrintKey cards must be purchased.  They can be purchased at these three locations: Food for Thought, EMRB Cafe, and Pat's Diner.  Click on location for hours.

7. Where are the restrooms?
There are two restrooms for women, located one flight up and one flight down from the library entrance. The men's restroom is located directly to the left as you exit the library.

8. Can I bring food into the library?
Only beverages in covered, spill-proof containers are allowed in the Psychology Library.

9. Do you have a campus phone? A public phone? Can I use my cell phone in the library?
We do not have a campus phone. The closest public pay phone is located outside of the south end of Seashore Hall, between Seashore Hall and Spence Labs. We ask that you turn off your cell phone while you are in the library.

10. Do you have supplies that I can use?
There are supplies available for library users. Ask at the circulation counter about paper clips, scratch paper, a paper-cutter, and a three-hole punch.

11. Can you tell me how to get to room #___ in Seashore Hall?
Seashore Hall is arranged in an "H" pattern. The Psychology Library is located in W202 SSHwhich is on the west side of the building. The west side is connected to the east side by a central corridor. Rooms located in the central corridor are preceeded by a "C", and rooms on the east side are preceeded by an "E". For further help see the building floor plan, which is located on the wall to the right as you enter the building from the west side (Linn St.)

12. Where is the Psychology Department office located? The Sociology Department office? Spence Labs?
The Psychology Department's main office is E11, in the basement on the east side of the building. The Sociology Department's main office is W140, on the 1st floor on the west side of the building. The entrance to SpenceLabs is on Iowa Ave., on the east side of the building.

13. Can I check my e-mail and/or use the internet in the library?
Yes; all of our public computers have e-mail and internet access.

14. How can I get help on my research paper or project?
You may come to the desk and ask staff for assistance Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. You may also send us an e-mail at lib-psych@uiowa.edu or set up a reference/researchconsultation with the Psychology Librarian by e-mailing dorothy-persson@uiowa.edu.

15. Can I access PsycINFO and ERIC from my computer at home?
Yes; click on the "Psychology Library" banner on any page to get to the home page. On the home page, you will find links to the PsycINFO and ERIC databases. You will be prompted to enter your Hawk ID and password before accessing the site.

16. After I find my citation/reference in PsycINFO, how do I find the book or article?
To determine whether or not the book or journal article is available electronically or in paper format in Main Library or one of the branch libraries, click on the yellow InfoLink button listed by the citation. If the UI Libraries does not own the book or journal you need, you can request it through interlibrary loan (click here).

17. I need a book that is checked out to someone else. Can I request it?
Yes; this process is known as recall. If the book is checked out to someone else, its InfoHawk record will contain a "recall" link. When you click on this link, you will be prompted to enter your Hawk ID and password to complete the recall process. The person who has the book will receive an e-mail telling them to return it;you will be notified when the book is available for you to check out. If you have problems with recall, ask library staff for assistance.

18. Can my graduate assistant check out books for me?
Yes. Please complete the application form available by clicking here . Return the application to the Psychology Library and staff will issue a "proxy" library card to the individual who will be checking out materials for you. The "proxy" card may be used at any UI library.

19. Can I get articles, books, or other materials that the library does not own?
Yes; document delivery is a free service for UI faculty, staff, and students. For more information or to complete a request form, click here.

20. Can I renew or return Psychology Library books at other libraries on campus?
Yes, with the exception of the Law Library and the Curriculum Resources Laboratory. These two locations use different systems. Please do not try to renew or return Psychology Library materials to these libraries.

21. Where are the other libraries on campus?
To locate other libraries, click here.

22. Does "SH" stand for "Seashore Hall"?
No; "SH" stands for "Schaeffer Hall", which is located on the Pentacrest. Seashore Hall is "SSH". For a map, click here.