Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This page contains answers to common questions handled by our library reference staff, along with some tips and tricks that we have found useful.
- How do I ... ?
- Where can I find ... ?
- Why doesn't ... ?
- Who is ... ?
- What is ... ?
- When do I ... ?
How do I…access USC’s online catalog?
HOMER, USC’s catalog is available on the Web. It can be accessed from any computer connected to the Internet.
How do I…access USC’s electronic resources from my home computer?
Current students, staff and faculty can configure their home computers to connect to USC in order to access USC electronic resources from home. Information for connection through digital subscriber lines (DSL), dialup modems, virtual private networking (VPN) and USC wireless can be accessed online. If you have questions about access, please check with Customer Service at: (213) 740 5555.
How do I…get a copy of a thesis or dissertation written at USC?
USC Ph.D. dissertations are housed in Grand Library and Book Depository. They can be searched through the library catalog, HOMER. To limit your search to dissertations,use the Power Search option, and select THESIS-DIS as your default "Location." Please note that although non-Ph.D. doctoral and masters theses are also maintained, such collections are not comprehensive. Since 1994, and for the years 1959-1974, publication and reproduction rights have been transferred to UMI (formerly, University Microfilms). Titles from these dates can also be searched using Current Research at USC. Post 1996 titles can be downloaded for free for USC students, faculty and staff. Abstracts for other years are available as well, and purchases can be requested directly from UMI
How do I…get a copy of a thesis or dissertation written at USC?
I’m not a USC student, staff or faculty.
Individuals not affiliated with USC who are interested in borrowing USC dissertations are encouraged to use their institutional or public interlibrary loan service. Individuals interested in purchasing dissertations directly from USC should contact Integrated Document Delivery at idd@usc.edu. Please provide a full citation for your request. Reproductions will be delivered unbound, and costs will vary based on the number of pages and the mailing destination. Cost estimates will be provided on request without obligation to purchase.
How do I…get a copy of a non-USC thesis or dissertation?
IDD interlibrary loan services work with an global network of institutions to borrow and lend materials that support the role and mission of the university. Interlibrary loan borrows books, dissertations, government documents, microforms and other loanable materials for USC students, staff and faculty that are not owned by USC, or are otherwise unavailable from USC's collection. Once received, ILL materials are made available at the Doheny Library Information Services desk.
Where can I find…help on researching my topic?
For written instructions for using our catalogs, journal indexes or other research tools, you may want to consult our online Library Research Guides.
For personal research assistance or help finding materials or information in the library, several resources are available to you. Scheduled Reference service is available in the Doheny Reference Office, Leavey Library and most other USC libraries. Reference service is also available by phone at (213) 740 4039, and many subject libraries will take reference questions by phone, although priority is given to in-person requests. USC students, faculty and staff may also submit reference questions via the Ask-A-Librarian E-mail and chat forms. Although, services and service hours vary from library to library, most provide face-to-face and phone reference at specified times, as well as instruction in using research tools. For more information, check the library hours page.
Where can I find…the password for accessing a USC database?
We do not have passwords available for remote access. Most of the electronic resources available through USC use the network address of your computer to verify that you are an authorized user. In almost every case, if you are asked for a password, you are not using a USC network connection. Some of these resources have a limited number of simultaneous users and when this limit is exceeded, you will be asked for a password. Consult the "more information" page for the resource in question, which can be found in the A-Z List of Resources on ISDWeb. These pages will tell you if a password is required. If a password is required, you will need to visit the library in person to use the resource.
Who is…the library subject specialist in my field?
Subject specialists are available for most disciplines. Contact information is available on each subject area page.
What is…my library PIN?
Your library PIN is set to your social security number by default. The first time you use it, you will be asked to set a new one. If you’ve forgotten your PIN, you will need to come to the library to have a new one set for you. For your protection, you cannot reset your library PIN over the phone.
When do I…have to come to the library?
Although you can do some of your initial research from home, you will need to come to the library for some circulation services, such as checking out books and changing your PIN number, and for in-depth reference assistance. Certain research resources, such as special collections, and all print reference materials may be used only inside the libraries. Many other services can be obtained by phone, although priority is generally given to in-person requests, and specific services may vary among subject libraries. Books may be renewed either by phone, or online (click on User Services in HOMER for instructions).