How to Get Library Materials: What’s in Print, What’s Online and What’s Changed

The UC Davis Library launched several new options over the past year to help you access library materials from wherever you are. If you haven’t tried these new services yet, here is an overview of what is available.

Single sign-on option for journals and digital media

Many scholarly journals are upgrading their systems to offer single sign-on, which means you can now access full-text articles using your UC Davis login. Instead of connecting to the Library VPN when you are off-campus, simply look for the “login” or “sign in” link on the journal’s website; select the University of California, Davis, as your institution; and enter your UC Davis Kerberos (CAS) login. See the list of publishers that offer this option. Some of our streaming music and film providers are on the list, too.

Digital course reserves

Course reserves will remain digital-only for the rest of this academic year, and must be submitted from Canvas. Login to Canvas and then follow these steps to create and submit your course reading list. For help, contact the library at coursereserves@ucdavis.edu or 530-752-2760.

Books, DVDs and other materials

To check out a book, you have several options:

• Browse the stacks: Shields Library has installed new self-checkout stations (first floor, near the Circulation Desk), or you can go to the Circulation Desk for assistance checking out books. Blaisdell Medical Library also offers a self-checkout option; at Carlson Health Sciences Library, visit the Circulation Desk.
• Hold shelf: You may request a book or other item through UC Library Search (the new online library catalog that launched in summer 2021) and pick it up on the contact-free hold shelf in the Shields Library lobby or at the Carlson Health Sciences Library Circulation Desk; you will have the opportunity to select your preferred pickup location when placing your request.
• Shipping service: If you prefer, you may have books shipped to your off-campus address.
• Ebooks: While the library can no longer provide the expanded access to ebooks in the HathiTrust Digital Library that was offered in 2020-21 while campus was operating remotely, many electronic books are still available through UC Library Search and, for books no longer held in copyright, in HathiTrust. Learn more.

Streaming media

The library has significantly expanded its digital music and film offerings. Media from any of the following can be used in courses, linked from Canvas or streamed online:

• Documentary films via Kanopy, DocuSeek2 and Latin America in Video
• Select feature films via Swank Motion Pictures
• Performances of the world’s leading plays via Theater in Video
• Classical, jazz and world music from the Naxos Music Library
• American music, contemporary world music, popular music and more from Alexander Street