Skip to Main Content

Millard Sheets Library

Using the Library

Learning how to use the Library and do research is an important aspect of your college education.

The Library Staff is here to assist you. Please feel free to ask question. We will gladly instruct you in the use of the Otis Library online catalog (OPAC), computer programs and databases.

Circulation Information

Loan Periods

Below are the circulation limits for the largest groups of items and patrons. More details for all patron trypes and items types will be posted soon.

Type of Item Loan Period
Books/CDs 3 weeks
DVDs/Videos 1 week
Materials 1 week
Periodicals 1 week
Puzzles & Games 2 weeks
Type of Borrower Max. items
BFA Students 10
MFA Students 15
Faculty 15
Staff 10

Online Renewals

Log into OwlCat through the Dashboard BEFORE the due date. View instructions

Services for Faculty

Think of the Otis Librarians as your partners in teaching.

Information Literacy and Research Guide

The Teaching / Learning Center (TLC) also provides help with teaching and instruction. Please visit their website for more information.

Library Reserves

Otis Faculty place materials on Reserve in the Library for their students. Reserves are really an extension of the classroom. They include books, copies of chapters from books, and articles from journals and newspapers.

Traditional Library Reserves

Individual faculty members initiate the process of placing items on Reserve by bringing materials to the Circulation Desk  and filling out a Reserve Form, available online or from the Circulation Desk in the Library. The Reserve item is then prepared for circulation and a record for it is created in the Library's catalog. Finally, the item is placed behind the Circulation Desk, where students can check it out for a period of time stipulated by the professor, ranging from Library Use Only (recommended) to overnight. The whole process can take up to three days to complete so please plan ahead. For questions regarding reserves, please contact Vickie Thomas or Shelley Forbes.

Electronic Reserves

In addition to Traditional Library Reserves, some materials may be available through the College's Learning Management Systems on a 24/7 basis:

Video Reserves

Videos are generally only put on reserve for the week(s) needed. Faculty may check out the videos to play in the classroom; students are limited to Library Use Only. Please send your screening list and any other questions to Derek McMullen.

Collection Development Guidelines

The Library collects items primarily related to the art and design curriculum. Requests are welcome.

Inter-Library Loan

Otis does not offer an Inter-Library Loan (ILL) Program. However, we are happy to assist students and faculty in finding the resources that they need. Students and faculty are encouraged to request books and other materials that they find lacking in the collection. The reality is that is it often cheaper and faster to buy the needed material than to order it through inter-library loan.

There are many other Los Angeles-area libraries available that the Otis Community may find useful.

Otis Graduate Students may, on a limited basis, acquire check-out privileges at the Loyola Marymount Hannon Library. Please contact Shelley Forbes at the circulation desk for details regarding eligibility.

Group Study Room Reservations

To reserve Millard's group study room (including same day use), please fill out this form:

Room Reservation Form

Otis College of Art and Design | 9045 Lincoln Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90045 | Otis Dashboard

Millard Sheets Library | Library Dashboard Site | 310-665-6930 | Ask a Librarian