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Locating Books at Zahnow Library

Search to see what print and electronic books Zahnow Library owns by using the Search With Zahnow search box in the middle of the library's website.

Many of the library's books are available online.  You can read library books in your browser by clicking on the Online Access Option and then entering your SVSU username and password.

The Library has nearly 200,000 print books.  When you locate one in the Search with Zahnow tool, write down the location and call number for that book to find it on the shelf.

Zahnow Library organizes books using Library of Congress Call numbers, an alphanumeric system which groups books by subject.  The call number tells you where the book is located on the shelf.  Call numbers are located on the books' spine and will be listed with the book in the library's online catalog.

Requesting Books From Other Libraries

If Zahnow Library does not have the book you are looking for, you can often request it for free through MelCat, Michigan's statewide interlibrary loan service.

                                                                                   
  • When you find what you want in MelCat and the item is available click on the "Get this for me" link.
  • Under the prompt "Which library card/account do you want to use?" select "Saginaw Valley State Univ" from the drop down list
  • Under the prompt "Current SVSU Students, Faculty & Staff" enter your SVSU username and password. Ignore the optional login for name and barcode. (But do make sure they boxes are blank.)
  • Click on "Submit"
  • The following screen will indicate whether the request was successful.
  • You will be notified by email when the book arrives and can check it out at the Library 1st floor Circulation Desk

 

For questions or problems concerning access to the library's online resources, please contact Beth Johns. or Matthew Anderson.