KSULibrary: What Most Users Overlook In Its Resources
KSULibrary: What Most Users Overlook in Its Resources
KSULibrary refers to the Kennesaw State University Libraries system, a congressionally designated depository for U.S. Government documents serving over 43,000 students across two Georgia campuses with 24/7 live librarian chat access and 300+ subscribed databases.
Key Library Locations and Contact Information
The KSU Library System operates two primary physical locations serving the greater Atlanta metropolitan area with distinct collections and services tailored to each campus's academic programs.
| Location | Address | Phone | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sturgis Library (Kennesaw) | 385 Cobb Avenue NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144 | 470-578-6202 | Engineering, Science, General Studies |
| Johnson Library (Marietta) | 910 Hornet Loop SE, Marietta, GA 30060 | 470-578-7276 | Business, Education, Humanities |
| Extended Hour Study Room | Sturgis Library, Kennesaw Campus | N/A | 24-hour access daily |
Overlooked Digital Resources and Tools
Most users miss the Lean Library browser extension that automatically alerts you when landing on KSU-provided resources and finds open-access alternatives when KSU doesn't own an item. The library also provides full subscription access to The New York Times through single sign-on with your KSU email address.
Students frequently overlook Swank Digital Campus, which provides streaming access to feature films and documentaries from major studios for coursework and research projects. Additionally, the AI for Discovery and Review of the Literature collection offers specialized tools to improve literature searching efficiency.
- 24/7 Live Online Chat with a real, LIVE librarian (NOT A BOT) for general questions and specific research help
- SuperSearch integrated search tool accessing all library resources simultaneously
- RefWorks ProQuest citation management software for organizing references
- GIL Express for borrowing books from other University System of Georgia libraries
- Interlibrary Loan (ILL) for accessing materials from libraries worldwide
Borrowing Privileges and Loan Periods
Understanding the loan period variations is critical for students planning their research timelines, as different material types and borrowing sources have distinct renewal policies.
- Books @ KSU: 28 days loan period with up to 3 renewals, maximum 30 books
- Books / GIL Express: 90 days loan period with no renewals allowed, maximum 100 items
- Books / Interlibrary Loan: Loan periods set by lending library, maximum 15 items
- Laptops: 4 hours in-library use only, 1 per student
- Course Reserves: Duration at instructor discretion, maximum 2 items
As of June 2023, the KSU Library System no longer charges overdue fines, though items not returned face replacement fees determined by the library. Students owing fees exceeding $10 cannot check out or renew materials until payment.
Research Support and Academic Engagement
The Academic Engagement and Instruction (AEI) unit provides specialized research consultation services including the LEAP (Library Experience Asynchronous Program) self-paced online orientation. The LOOP (Library Online Orientation Program) offers live 35-minute webinar-style orientations tailored to Business, Science & Math, and Humanities disciplines.
"A real, LIVE librarian -NOT A BOT- will answer your general questions or help you find answers to specific research questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week"
The ScholPub (Scholarly Publishing and Research) subunit fosters campus engagement with scholarly communication through open movements, copyright support, research data management, and affordable course materials adoption. Students can access the Undergraduate Research Award and Open Access Publishing Fund through library resources.
Special Collections and Archives
KSU Libraries maintains Museums, Archives, Rare Books, and Libraries (MARBL) collections including a restored copy of the Declaration of Independence debuted for Constitution Week 2024. The SOAR (Scholarly Online Access Repository) provides on-demand access to digital materials from the Archives and online file transfer capabilities.
The library serves as a congressionally designated depository for U.S. Government documents guaranteed by Title 44 United States Code, ensuring public access to federal publications. Visit the Government Information page for specialized government document research assistance.
Everything you need to know about Ksulibrary What Most Users Overlook In Its Resources
How do I access KSU Library databases from off-campus?
There are three ways to access resources off-campus: use SuperSearch on the library homepage and log in with your NetID and password, access through D2L Brightspace using the "KSU Library Search" box, or use the KSU Virtual Private Network (VPN) service.
What are the library hours at KSU?
The library is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, and Sunday from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The extended hour study room opens 24 hours a day.
How do I find a specific database at KSU Library?
Go to the "Find a Database" link on the library homepage for an alphabetized list of all databases, or view databases by subject and type. Search by name or navigate to the first letter of the database name.
Can community members use KSU Library resources?
KSU Libraries are open to the public with no sign-in required to visit and use most resources on-site. Georgia residents over 18 may request a community borrower's card for 5 books with 2-week loan periods and 2 renewals. Community borrowers cannot access electronic resources remotely or use Interlibrary Loan.
What technology can I borrow from KSU Library?
Students can borrow laptops for 4 hours (in-library use only), calculators, chargers, white board markers, web cams, ethernet and HDMI connectors, and game buzzers. Long-term laptop loans are available by contacting sallib@ksu.edu. Sturgis Library also has anatomy models for in-library use.
