Internet, a worldwide "network of networks" that facilitates communication among universities and other organizations, is also available to SFSU students, faculty, and staff. The Internet provides access to remote libraries, databases, and electronic information exchanges. Gopher, a menu-driven application for information retrieval, provides an easy-to-use tool to explore and use a growing number of Internet resources. Students may obtain their own electronic mail (email) account that provides a stable email address and access to all Internet resources for as long as they remain continuing students.
Over 1200 IBM, Apple, and microcomputers from other vendors are available for student use. Fifty-six dial-in modems provide access for users with their own equipment. These workstations and modems access the university's mainframe computers and minicomputers through the campus-wide Fiber Optic Gateway Network (FOGNET).
Through CSU Specialty Centers, users have access to social science database archives that include census data, and business databases that include COMPUSTAT and Disclosure. A variety of multipurpose microcomputer software—word processors, electronic spreadsheets, and database management systems—is available in the computing laboratories.
Computing Services offers numerous short courses and workshops every semester to teach faculty, staff, and students how to use campus computing systems, utilities, and applications software. A weekly Internet "how-to" clinic is also offered giving campus users hands-on experience in using available Internet resources.
The SFSU Computing and Communications Services Security Guide covers policies, procedures, and proper uses of computing systems.
Various areas in the library have specialized functions and collections. The Reserve Book Room, on the ground floor, provides course-related services for materials in high demand. The Reserve Book Room also provides access to facilities for students with print handicaps.
The Periodicals/Microforms area, on the second floor, houses periodicals and newspapers.
The Media Access Center (MAC), on the third floor, provides access to the university's collection of non-print materials including video tapes, video disks, software, spoken and musical audio tapes, compact disks, films, and pictures. Audio-visual equipment is available for accessing course-related non-print materials and for the production of mediated class projects. Microcomputers and mainframe terminals are available for access to course-related software. The center also provides access to remedial course materials offered by academic departments.
The Government Publications Department, located on the fifth floor, is a selective government depository housing federal, state, international, and local government publications.
The Special Collections/Archives Department, on the sixth floor, houses archival material concerning the history of San Francisco State University, the Archer Collection of Historic Children's Books, and other rare or unusual materials. It also maintains the San Francisco Bay Area Television News Archives with KQED and KPIX historical film footage as its core.
The Labor Archives and Research Center, located at 480 Winston Drive, collects, organizes, preserves, and makes accessible the records documenting the lives of working men and women and their labor organizations in the Bay Area. The Labor Archives shares a building with the Sutro Library. Its rich historical resources are open to SFSU students, faculty, and the public.
Other services of the J. Paul Leonard Library include: the Rapid Copy Center (first floor) providing on-demand copying and some course readers; and the Document Delivery Service (first floor) for materials not owned by San Francisco State University.
The library offers several education programs. A self-guided audio orientation tour of the library, printed information guides, and subject bibliographies are available at the Reference Desk. Credit courses in library research are offered periodically, and librarians offer invitational lectures to upper division and graduate classes. The library also administers the General Education library requirement, a self-paced skills program required for graduation.
Librarians and staff at the Reference and Government Publications service desks provide advice on library research and assistance using library materials, including print and computerized literature searching options. Appointments may also be made with subject specialists for research advice on term papers and similar projects.
Students may borrow from the library's main collection and many of its specialized collections by presenting a university identification card validated at the library registration desk. A student who has paid fees, but has not yet received an official student identification card, may obtain a temporary library card by presenting proof of fee payment at Circulation Services (first floor). An official student photo ID card with a current semester sticker is required for library service fifteen days after the beginning of each semester. Neither the library card nor books borrowed on it may be transferred to another person. Loss or theft of a student ID, as well as any change of address, must be reported immediately to the library registration desk and to the Registrar's Office, ADM 253. All library materials should be returned if the borrower will be away from the San Francisco area for more than two weeks.
Upon presentation of a current CSU identification card, faculty, staff, and students may borrow books directly from any of the California State University libraries. However, the individual must register with the libraries to obtain a special borrower's card.
Library privileges are also extended to Friends of the J. Paul Leonard Library. The Friends organization was established in 1980 to promote the love of books, strengthen relationships between the university and the community, and to raise funds beyond those available in the regular budget for library services. Membership is open to SFSU students, faculty, staff, and community adults. The Friends maintain a Book Sale Room on the first floor of the library and accept used books and other donations.
last modified January 10, 1995