There are many ways the Library can provide you with expert help and services if you are studying or working remotely.
Online Resources
Datasets
Datasets and other resources that usually require in-person visits to the Interdisciplinary Research Collaboratory will be uploaded to Box when possible. Email library-collaboratory@ucsb.edu.
Digital Collections
Access digitized primary source materials from UCSB Library’s Special Research Collections.
Electronic Books & Full-Text Articles
Remote Access to Library Databases
You can access our many subscription research databases from off campus using either the proxy server or the Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Streaming Audio & Video
UCSB Library provides access to audio streaming databases as well as several streaming video collections.
Technical Support
The Interdisciplinary Research Collaboratory staff are available to troubleshoot standard campus technologies remotely. Email library-collaboratory@ucsb.edu for assistance.
Print Materials Access & Returns
Book Returns & Fines
Most due dates have been extended until April 25, 2021, or later. Please consult your Library account for the exact date. The book return at the Paseo West entrance (for Main Library books) and the book return at the Music Library (for Music materials only) are open. Returned books may remain on your library account longer than usual as we have limited staff in the buildings to process them. No overdue fines are being charged at this time. Please email library-circ@ucsb.edu if you have questions.
Returning Materials by Mail
If you are out of town and cannot return your Library materials to the book returns on campus, you can mail them back or send them via a courier such as UPS or Federal Express, to the following address:
Services Desk / UCSB Library
525 University Center Rd.
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9010
Be sure to include a prominent note with the books (or on the ILL book straps, if ILL material): "Please check in."
As with other return methods, returned books may remain on your library account longer than usual as we have limited staff in the buildings to process them.
Interlibrary Loan
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is now borrowing books from other libraries. Requests for physical loans submitted by all ILL user affiliations (faculty, staff, graduate, and undergraduate students) are being processed by ILL staff. The Library is operating with limited on-site staff, so ILL patrons are asked to only request books that are needed for their research. The books will be delivered via the current pickup and mailing service. For help, email library-ill@ucsb.edu. New faculty and staff must activate their Library accounts before being able to use ILL services.
Pick Up & Mail Delivery Service
UCSB Library now offers pickup and mail delivery services for UCSB students, faculty, and staff to access circulating Library research materials. Read the details about this new service. New faculty and staff must activate their Library accounts before being able to use the pickup and mailing services.
Special Research Collections Appointments
UCSB Library Special Research Collections (SRC) offers limited research appointments in SRC’s Reading Room for UC Santa Barbara faculty and graduate students to access on-site SRC materials that are not available online and to access non-circulating materials from the Main Library and Music Library that are not available via the pickup and mailing service. UCSB Library remains closed for general walk-in use.
For instructions on how to request an appointment, please see this page.
Research Support
Ask a Librarian
Use the “Ask a Librarian” chat window to submit questions at any time for 24/7 immediate assistance. This is a cooperative service, so you may be chatting with a librarian from another academic library. You can also submit your questions via our email reference service and UCSB librarians will respond to you within one business day.
Subject Guides
View our collection of subject guides - they’re a great place to get started with research. Our librarians have developed guides that focus on a specific subject area and include links for databases, websites, recommended books, and other resources relevant to that subject area.
Virtual Research Consultations
UCSB students, faculty, and staff may schedule a virtual research consultation with a subject librarian for assistance with their research needs. A librarian will contact you by email to set up a session using Zoom.
Teaching & Course Support
Course Reserves
We are currently accepting electronic course reserves only.
Faculty can:
- Upload your own electronic files to the Library’s Course Reserves system
- Request that the Library scan and upload materials from our collections
- Request that the Library purchase ebooks for Reserves (if not available, the Library can purchase print books for scanning)
- Drop off your own text(s) for scanning on Tuesdays between 1-4 p.m. or Fridays between 9 a.m.-noon
All requests should be submitted via the online Course Reserves system. For help, email cres@library.ucsb.edu.
Although online textbooks for purchase by libraries are limited by publishers, your subject librarian may be able to help you locate a title you're looking for.
Kanopy streaming licenses for individual films are available for all courses at this time. Faculty/instructors should submit requests via the Library's Course Reserves System. Follow these instructions. There is a limit of 9 films per instructor per quarter.
For questions about Music Library Electronic Reserves materials, please email music@library.ucsb.edu.
Instruction
Librarians can provide faculty with online instructional assistance with Library resources and services, such as:
- Synchronous Zoom presentations
- Recorded lectures using GauchoCast
- Monitored discussion forums in GauchoSpace / Nectir
- Research guides for your course
- Online office hours
- Information literacy activities and resources
To request online instructional support from a librarian, please use the Instruction Request Form a minimum of two weeks before your desired date of integration. A librarian will promptly contact you to review what can be made available to your class.
Existing online instructional resources from UCSB Library:
- Course Guides & Subject Guides
- Video Tutorial: “What can I find in UCSB Library Search?”
- UCSB Library Search Help Guide
- Advanced Search Strategies Infographic
- UCSB Library Self-Guided Tour
Online Library Resources for Teaching During the COVID-19 Crisis
Streaming Audio & Video for Courses
UCSB Library provides access to audio streaming databases as well as several streaming video collections.
Films in the Library's collection can be made available for course viewing in GauchoSpace. Faculty should contact Instructional Development to place requests: fvo@id.ucsb.edu.
For films that the Library does not own, Kanopy streaming licenses are available for all courses at this time. Faculty/instructors should submit requests via the Library's Course Reserves System. Follow these instructions. There is a limit of 9 films per instructor per quarter.
Questions & Contact
Additional questions? Email ask@library.ucsb.edu.
Do you have other needs or ideas for how the Library can help you remotely? Send us your suggestions.
