Hilton M. Briggs Library

Opened in 1977, Hilton M. Briggs library is named for Dr. Hilton M. Briggs, SDSU President from 1958-1975.

The mission of the library is to acquire, organize, preserve, and provide access to and instruction in the use of information resources which support the academic and research programs of South Dakota State University.  In addition, the library maintains an appropriate environment for serious study and research.  As part of the state higher education system, the Hilton M. Briggs Library serves also as a general cultural and informational resource for the State and citizens of South Dakota and a repository for the records of society's intellectual achievements.

FAQs

1. How can I access the library from my personal computer?

To access library resources from your personal computer, if you are on campus, you simply access the Internet, and go to the library's web page at: http://lib.sdstate.edu

Anyone can access Briggs Library web pages, the library catalog, and a few online services from anywhere. Off-campus SDSU students, faculty and staff may access most of the licensed online resources, which Briggs Library provides, by entering a username and password. Information about the username and password can be found at Off-Campus Access to Briggs Library. For more information on off-campus access, visit the Distance Library Services page.

2. Are there fees for services, such as printing and interlibrary loan?

Printing and photocopying cost 5 cents per page, color printing costs 15 cents per page, and microfilm and microfiche copies cost 5 cents per page.  Alternatively, microforms may be scanned and saved as PDF files free of charge. Whenever possible, Interlibrary loan materials are obtained at no cost to Briggs Library card holders; however, when this is not possible an agreed-upon charge will be assessed.  There is no charge to access our electronic resources from off-campus. The library does not provide a copy service for on-campus students, faculty or staff.

3. How many library items may I check out at one time?

The number of items you may check out and the duration of check-out depends on your status (i.e. undergraduate, graduate, faculty, etc.).  Graduate students may check out up to 100 books, faculty up to 400, and other SDSU staff may check out up to 200 books.  Checkout limits for DVDs, bound periodicals, and some other materials are somewhat lower.  For more information on the duration of check-out, visit the Circulation Services page.

4. Can I receive help electronically, via e-mail or instant messaging?

You may go to http://lib.sdstate.edu/forms/InformationReq.html for help.  Librarians check this e-mail daily to answer your question as soon as possible. During selected times, you may chat with SDSU librarians (sdsulibrarian) on AOL (AIM), MSN Messenger, Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger, and Meebo.

5. Does the library support distance education?

The library offers a wide variety of services to meet the needs of distance students. For more information, visit the Distance Library Services page, or call 1-800-786-2038.

6. Does the library support emerging technologies such as wireless network access and e-books?

Wireless access to the SDSU network and the internet is available on all three floors in Briggs Library.  The library also provides access to numerous electronic books, which are listed and linked in the Library Catalog and/or via several research databases.

7. Is there study space at the library?

Individual study and group study tables are available on all three floors of the library.  In addition, a limited number of individual study rooms may be reserved by graduate students for semester-long use.  There is also a quiet study area on the upper level.  Several group study rooms are available on all three floors of the library.  Some can be reserved in advance at the circulation desk, and others are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

8. What are the library hours?

During the spring and fall semesters, library hours are as follows:

Monday - Thursday	7:45 a.m. to midnight
Friday	7:45 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday	noon to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday	1:00 p.m. to midnight

Hours vary during final exam week, during holidays, between semesters, and during the summer semester. For library hours, see also http://lib.sdstate.edu/lib16/hours.htmlor call 688-5107.

9. Can the library accommodate any disabilities or special needs I may have?

A wheelchair accessible ramp leads to the Briggs Library entrance and an elevator in the lobby provides access to the upper and lower levels. In addition, many of the computer workstations in the library are accessible to wheelchair users. If physical difficulty in retrieving materials is encountered, you may ask for help at the Circulation Desk. The library also houses an adaptive equipment room providing services for students with varying disabilities. For a more complete description of services available, go to Service to Students with Disabilities. 

10. Is there a computer lab in the library?

There are two computer labs located in the hallway to the right as you enter Briggs Library. In fall 2007, another computer lab specifically for graduate students will be added. In addition, most of the library’s public computer workstations offer Microsoft Office applications in addition to web access and library databases. 

11. Is there a web-based library catalog?

The library catalog is only available online via the Web. The Briggs Library Catalog is called the SDLN Catalog, and it is accessible via the Web both on and off campus at no charge, and does not require a password for access. To use the SDLN Catalog, go to the library's web page at: http://lib.sdstate.edu, and click LIBRARY CATALOG.

12. Does the library provide an Interlibrary Loan service?

The library's Interlibrary Loan Service obtains materials not owned by Briggs Library for current SDSU faculty, staff, and students. Books and photocopies of articles are obtained from other libraries, document supply services, and electronic full-text services. Whenever possible, material is obtained at no cost to the individual. However, when this is not possible an agreed-upon charge will be assessed.  For more information, or to fill out interlibrary loan requests online, go to Interlibrary Loan Services.

13. Are there electronic tools for locating magazine and journal articles?

The library provides access to more than 80 online databases. These online databases are used to locate bibliographic and/or full-text information for thousands of magazine, journal, newspaper, and encyclopedia articles, as well as book chapters, proceedings, papers, and other documents.

14.     Does the library provide reserve materials?

The library uses an electronic reserve system, which provides online access to full-text articles, book chapters, and other materials placed on reserve by professors.  In addition, books, AV materials and other physical objects to be shared by a class may be placed on reserve in the library. For more information, go to Reserve Services.

15. Are library resources available remotely?

Most of the library's online resources are available remotely, i.e., from off campus.  For more information on accessing library resources from off-campus, go to Off-Campus Access to Briggs Library page.

For more information about the Briggs Library, visit the main page at:http://lib.sdstate.edu/

If you have further questions, please contact us at:
Hilton M. Briggs Library
SBL 2115
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007
Work: 605-688-5106
Fax: 605-688-6133