Frequently Asked Questions
about UHM Library

[ Submit your Comment ]

1. Why is it always so cold in the library?
2. Why isn't the library open more hours?
3. How often is the library cleaned and the light bulbs replaced?
4. Where can I get change if I need it for photocopies?
5. What do I do if the photocopy machines run out of paper?
6. Why does it seem that books are out of order when I look for them on the shelves?
7. Sometimes I am really confused about the library in general. I don't know how to go about researching a topic or even where to find the books and materials.
8. Every time I need a really important book to further my studies - it's NOT HERE. Either it's "missing" or "lost" or just doesn't exist in the stacks.
9. I returned a book and trusted you guys enough not to request a receipt. Now the book is missing and I'm not able to get my transcripts until I pay for the book!
10. It is fairly easy to look for books, but it is fairly frustrating when it is not on the shelves or the sorting shelves (the ones that are not checked out).
11. Please, re-buy or replace a lot of missing and lost books. I found a lot of missing books in my major, philosophy!!

Why is it always so cold in the library?

The library is deliberately kept cold in order to reduce humidity which encourages the growth of mold and insects, both harmful to books. We recommend bringing a sweater or jacket if you plan to stay in the library for any length of time.

Back to top of page

Why isn't the library open more hours?

The library is open at hours of heaviest use and for as many hours as we can afford. However a study area that is open during the regular semester later than Hamilton is in the Reserve Book Room on the main floor of Sinclair Library.

Back to top of page

How often is the library cleaned and the light bulbs replaced?

The library is cleaned on a daily basis, but it's hard to keep up with the thousands of people who use the building every day. Routine maintenance and replacement of burned-out light bulbs is conducted on a scheduled basis. Health and safety problems and other emergencies are our first priority; these will be fixed faster if reported directly to a staff member.

Back to top of page

Where can I get change if I need it for photocopies?

We regret that we don't have enough staff or money on hand to provide change. Business Office staff can give change only when you are paying for a fine or other service costs. Near the Circulation Desk on the main floor of the Addition are two bill-changers that give coins. Each photocopy machine will give change for coins and bills.

Back to top of page

What do I do if the photocopy machines run out of paper?

Paper and ink supplies for the photocopiers are checked several times each day, but during busy times of the semester they might run out; please ask at the Circulation Desk to have paper and ink replaced. Also during busy times of the semester, there may be lines of people waiting to use the machines. We have as many photocopiers as we can afford, so we recommend planning ahead as much as possible or making copies early or late in the day.

Back to top of page

Why does it seem that books are out of order when I look for them on the shelves?

Some areas of the book stacks are heavily used all the time, and books may get out of order. We re-shelve and straighten all areas on a regular basis and the most heavily used sections more often as our staff shortages allow.

Back to top of page

Sometimes I am really confused about the library in general. I don't know how to go about researching a topic or even where to find the books and materials.

Please ask your questions at a Reference Desk for information about the library and for advice on how to find materials or how best to research your topic. The librarians can also guide you to the correct location of collections.

Back to top of page

Every time I need a really important book to further my studies - it's NOT HERE. Either it's "missing" or "lost" or just doesn't exist in the stacks.

If you are a UH Manoa faculty, student, or staff member you can request books that the library does not own through Interlibrary Loan. This is possible through the Interlibrary Loan Web page.

Back to top of page

I returned a book and trusted you guys enough not to request a receipt. Now the book is missing and I'm not able to get my transcripts until I pay for the book!

All returned library books are checked-in twice to help ensure this situation does not happen. I recommend checking the stacks in case the book was re-shelved. Also, speak to the library staff at the Business Office window about filing out a claim return.

Back to top of page

It is fairly easy to look for books, but it is fairly frustrating when it is not on the shelves or the sorting shelves (the ones that are not checked out).

If you are having difficulty finding a book in the library, ask the staff at any of the Reference Desks (there is one on every floor except the 2nd). Also, a request may be made to search for (trace) a library item not found in its usual shelf location or on the sorting shelves. Ask at the Circulation Desk for assistance in placing a search on an item. You will be notified by mail if the material is not found.

Back to top of page

Please, re-buy or replace a lot of missing and lost books. I found a lot of missing books in my major, philosophy!!

We try to replace missing books when we can - depending on the library budget and the availability of the book (many are out-of-print). If you have particular titles you would like us to try and replace, you can forward them to us. I will also pass on your comment to the librarian who orders material for philosophy.

Back to top of page

Please send questions and comments to uhmlibps@hawaii.edu