The Millar Library building is now open to all users. Here are some answers to common questions. If you have specific questions about the library not answered here, please contact library@pdx.edu.
This page was last updated on 9/16/2024.
Borrowing and returning books, articles, and other items
Can I borrow print books, technology, and other physical material?
Yes! You’re welcome to browse the library stacks and check out items at the Circulation Desk during our open hours. Log in to the library website to request items be placed on hold for you.
Where can I return books and equipment?
You can return library books to the Circulation Desk, or to one of our outside book drops on the library portico and at SW10th & Montgomery. Please return technology and equipment to the Circulation Desk. Email circ@pdx.edu if you have questions about specific items.
Can I request items from other libraries through Summit and interlibrary loan?
Yes! Use your Odin username and password to log in to the library website, and the request links should appear as normal. If you have any questions, email circ@pdx.edu.
I had an item on hold back in April. Can I pick it up now?
Because it took longer than we expected for library staff to access the building after the occupation, we had to cancel all existing hold requests. You’re welcome to resubmit the request now.
I’m a professor. Can I put print items on reserve for my students?
Yes, we’re currently accepting fall term reserve requests. You can drop off books you’d like to put on reserve at the Circulation Desk. Contact reserves@pdx.edu for more information.
I checked materials out from other PNW academic libraries during the closure. Can I return those to you?
Because the books weren’t checked out through us we won’t be able to check them in, but if you bring them to the Circulation Desk and tell us you checked them out from another PNW academic library we’ll send them back for you.
Technology
Can I use a computer in the library?
Yes! Current students, staff, and faculty can use their Odin accounts to log in to computers in 1st floor computer lab or on the 2nd floor. Visitors can use the public computers in the 1st floor lab.
Can I print in the library?
Current students, staff, and faculty can print in the 1st floor computer lab. Unfortunately we aren’t able to offer printing for visitors at this time.
Can I borrow technology like calculators and laptops and headsets from the library?
You can! If the item you need is available, you can check it out at the 1st floor Circulation Desk. You can find more information on our Laptops & Equipment page.
Getting help
Where do I get help?
You can get help at the Library Reference Desk, or online via email and 24/7 chat. See current hours and information on our Ask a Librarian page. If you have questions specifically about materials you have borrowed, please email circ@pdx.edu.
Special Collections and Archives
How can I access special collections and university archives?
Special Collections and University Archives will be open for in-person research appointments starting September 23. Please contact us at specialcollections@pdx.edu
The Learning Center
What about the Learning Center?
The Learning Center, housed on the second floor of the Library, reopens for Peer Tutoring on October 2.
Learning Center Hours on the second floor of the Library (starting Oct. 2)
| Monday – Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00am – 7:00pm | 9:00am – 4:00pm | Closed | 1:00pm – 7:00pm |
Library instruction
Can a librarian teach a library instruction session for my class?
Librarians are resuming regular teaching in our library classrooms, and are also glad to teach library instruction sessions via Zoom or in your classroom. Please contact your subject librarian or use the instruction request form.
The library building and the occupation
Why did it take so long for the library to reopen?
The Library building suffered damage and loss, not just to paint, walls, floors, furniture, windows, doors, and offices but also to the fire system and other important safety elements, and technology like staff and lab computers and classroom projectors. The damage was significant enough that in May the Fire Marshal declared the building uninhabitable.
Library staff are grateful to the many Facilities, Capital Projects, and Environmental Health and Safety employees and contractors who did so much work to prepare the building for reopening, as well as to our colleagues in OIT, SMSU, and across campus. The recovery was a huge undertaking, and we appreciate our community’s patience and understanding as the work continues.
How can I help support library workers?
The 49 faculty and staff, and over 30 student workers, in the Library have heard and appreciate the messages of support from students and colleagues at Portland State via social media, chat messages and emails. We also appreciate the support we have received from alumni, librarians and friends in our communities and beyond. It means a lot to us.
While we don’t have any specific fundraisers right now, we anticipate a lot of need as we improve library spaces for workers and users. You are welcome to give to the Library Fund, a general fund we can draw on without restriction for the Library.