Information for Faculty

Once you have your SFSU ID, sign into your library account so you can check out and renew books, place interlibrary loan requests, and use many of our resources remotely. 

• Most new and returning faculty don’t need to do anything special to set up a library account.
• Immediate access for new lecturers and special hires may require contacting us — please come to the desk or send us an email. 
• Any questions or problems with your account can be directed to circmail@sfsu.edu.

• Information literacy instruction: Invite a librarian to give a guest lecture or teach a workshop tailored to your specific course and research assignment.
  • To request instruction, fill out the Instruction Request form. 
  • For primary source instruction in Special Collections & Archives, use the Primary Source Instruction Request form. 
• Course Reserves in the Library: Explore several options to provide your students with free access to assigned course materials at the library. When you know which option you’d like to choose, submit the Course Reserves Request Form. You can also send questions to circmail@sfsu.edu.
• Additional Library Support for Courses: We offer subject research guides, digital learning objects for students, and recommended guidelines for class research assignments. You can also access and embed library resources and content directly in Canvas.
• Teaching Research Toolkit: The toolkit contains activities and resources to support your teaching and assist in scaffolding the research process in your classroom. A growing number of toolkit activities have been adapted into Canvas modules, available in the SFSU Canvas Commons.

• Room reservations: Reserve a room in the Library for teaching, office hours, or events. 
• Interlibrary loan: Learn about options for requesting books, articles, media, and other materials from other libraries.
• Media: To find films and media for a course, check our streaming resources directly — including Docuseek, Academic Videos Online, and Films on Demand. (In Docuseek, check "Show only licensed films" in the filter panel to find films that you and your students can stream instantly.) You can also search across platforms through OneSearch, or ask us any time you need help finding something. For films with a current digital site license, please contact Academic Technology to set up an in-class viewing.
• Proxy borrowing: As a faculty member, you may authorize one assistant, for a one-semester period, to borrow materials for your use. This can be done by filling out a proxy authorization card at the desk on the first floor. For other borrowing information, see the Borrow & Renew page.
• Need something we don't have? Suggest a new library resource (sign-in required).

• Ask a Librarian: Consult with a librarian 24/7 via chat, or email us and we’ll get back to you with an answer. You can also schedule a research consultation on campus or online using Zoom.