Library Information

Using the Library

Learning how to use libraries for your research is an important aspect of your college education.

The Library Staff is here to assist you. You are encouraged to ask questions. We will gladly help you learn to use our online catalog, databases, computers, and more.

Circulation

Use your Otis ID card (or digital barcode through the MyOtis app) to check out items. Before borrowing from us, you must complete the Usage Agreement Form.

Item Limits

These are the typical circulation limits for our campus community.

Loan Periods

These are the typical circulation periods. They may be different depending on the type of item and borrower.

*2 weeks for Alumnx, Certificate Students, and Access students

Renewals

You can renew items through OwlCat BEFORE the due date. See instructions

Our Policies

August 2023: These policies are being revised.

Reserves

To support their courses, Otis Faculty can place items from the library's collection on reserve for their students.

Traditional Course Reserves

Faculty members should bring the item(s) to the Circulation Desk and fill out a Reserve Form (physical forms are available at the Circ Desk). Library staff will prepare the item(s) for their new circulation and catalog status. The item(s) are then relocated to the Reserve Shelf behind the Circulation Desk for the duration specified by the professor.

Students can use the item by asking a library staff member. Typically, reserve items are Library Use Only, meaning they do not leave the library so that other students can access them promptly. Professors can also decide that reserve items can be checked out for 24 hours.

Please be aware that the process of putting an item on reserve can take up to three days. For questions regarding reserves, contact Vickie Thomas.

Electronic Reserves

Some digital materials are available 24/7 through the College's Learning Management Systems (the Nest).

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 can only use these items within the library (we have portable DVD players and headphones available). Please send your screening list and any other questions to Derek McMullen.

Borrowing from Other Libraries

Accessing Other Libraries

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

We encourage you to participate in your local public library systems, including but not limited to LAPL (the Westchester branch is across the street from our campus, at Lincoln Blvd. and Manchester Ave.), Santa Monica Public Libraries, Beverly Hills Public Library, Cerritos Library, LA County Libraries, etc.

Most museum and academic libraries have programs welcoming visiting researchers, such as the Getty Research Institute, LACMA, LMU's Hannon Library, and UCLA's Arts Library. You will typically have to schedule an appointment in advance.

If you are curious whether a specific item you are looking for is held at another library, try searching in WorldCat. This will look through the collections of its member libraries; at this time, our library does not participate.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Unfortunately, we do not participate in any Interlibrary Loan program.

Even still, we are happy to assist students and faculty in finding the resources they need. Students and faculty are encouraged to suggest that we purchase any needed/desired books and other materials.

If you are outside the Otis campus community and interested in borrowing an item from our collection, please contact us at library@otis.edu.

SCELC Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing

This service is only available to current Otis faculty. With authorization, you can borrow items from other SCELC institutions

To take part, you must:

• Make sure that the SCELC institution participates in this service.
  • Review the program's policies
  • Review the list of participating institutions
• Make sure that the other institution has what you need
  • Consult the other library's policies and procedures. These should be available on their website
  • Check that the item(s) you want to borrow is available
• Fill out the authorization form (see below)
  • Bring it to the Millard Sheets Library
  • If approved, the Director of Library Services will sign it
• Go to the other library
  • Take the signed authorization form with you to set up your account
• Return any materials you have borrowed on time to the lending library
  • Do not return the items to the Millard Sheets Library

If you incur any unpaid fees or fines that are billed to the Millard Sheets Library, we may add those charges to your Otis account and/or limit borrowing privileges.

For SCELC faculty from participating institutions:

• Bring a signed authorization form from your home institution.
• Fill out the Otis Library Usage Agreement.
• Email library@otis.edu to schedule an appointment.
• You may borrow up to 3 items at a time.