Library FAQs

Absolutely! We would love to have you. The campus is open to visitors and alumni from 8am-5pm. Printing and material checkout is limited to current students, faculty and staff.

Once you leave the school, you will no longer have access to the University databases.

Visit our Univerity Archives webpage to see our collection of digitized materials. If you would like to see our print archives, please contact David Bryden or give us a call at 336-841-9102.

High Point University Libraries and the Triad Academic Library Association (TALA) allow patrons (students, staff, and faculty) to borrow materials at each other’s libraries. A patron must show his or her current ID and, in most instances, will need to verify themselves electronically by showing that they are included in a home campus directory or are an active member of a Blackboard class. The lending school determines the number of items one can borrow and the length of checkout. All patrons are required to return TALA items on time and are responsible for the items that they check out.

Participating TALA Libraries: Alamance Community College, Bennett College, Elon University, Forsyth Technical Community College, Greensboro College, Guilford College, Guilford Technical Community College, High Point University, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, Salem College, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University

Our library is for the use of the HPU students, staff and faculty but if you have a legitimate research need that can be filled by the one of the HPU libraries, just let us know and we can arrange a time for you to visit. Please remember that computer use, printing and material checkout is limited to HPU students, faculty and staff only.

Contact the Director, David Bryden at HPUlibraries@highpoint.edu or call 336-841-9215.

Contact the Circulation Librarian, Nita Williams at Circulation@highpoint.edu or call 336-841-9102.

A list of our donated collections can be found here.

For more information on donating to HPU Libraries, see our Donations Page, contact David Bryden or call 336-841-9215.

Use the library’s online catalog, WorldCat Discovery, to search for books and other materials in the HPU Libraries collection. To see materials held only by HPU Libraries, narrow your search to HPU Libraries on the left-hand menu. Our catalog also allows you to search for materials held by other libraries in our area through the Triad Academic Library Association (TALA), and materials held by libraries around the world, which you can borrow through Interlibrary Loan.

You are welcome to visit our ReaderSpace located on the main floor of Smith Library and the young adult collection located in the Wanek Center Learning Commons. We maintain a list of some of the current titles that we add along with reviews. We also have a terrific Library Guide to help you find books for leisure reading.

If you know the title of the book you’re looking for, simply search our library catalog. Don’t forget to narrow your search to HPU Libraries in the menu on the left-hand side of the page. Of course, you can always ask a librarian; contact us via chat, phone or email, or come on in and visit us at any of our library spaces, we are happy to make recommendations!

To renew books that you have borrowed, you will need to log into ‘My library account‘. Use your HPU username (no @highpoint.edu) and password. Once you are logged in, you can see all the items you have checked out; click on the “Renew” button next to the item(s) you would like to renew.

To place a hold on a library book search for the title in our library catalog. Once you see we have the title in the collection, click on the title of the book and on the next screen click the blue “Place Hold” button next to the item. Login to your library account and complete the process by following the prompts.

You can find eBooks the same way you locate print books. Search our library catalog for eBooks by typing a title or a subject into the search bar and then clicking the eBook option on the left side of the screen. To access them, click the blue box that says “View eBook”.

Once you have opened an eBook it is yours to read and view until it is closed. This is the best way to proceed if you just need to read/print a chapter or do some research. There are several ways you can borrow/download an eBook. If you would like more information on this process, check out our eBook Research Guide or contact us via email (reference@highpoint.edu), telephone (336 841-9101) or use the “Ask the Librarian!” chat box on this page.

Due to the variety and volume of textbooks used each semester, we are unable to purchase textbooks for each class. Textbooks we do own are located to the right of the circulation desk. Your professor may have a textbook on reserve for student use or you may try to borrow one for the short term via Interlibrary Loan.

Find the book in the library catalog, click on the title, and then click on the button for “Request Item through Interlibrary Loan.” This will take you to HPUShare, the library’s Interlibrary Loan request system. There, you can set up an account by using your HPU email username (without “@highpoint.edu”) and password. The first time that you log into your HPUShare account, you may need to provide some information about yourself. Please see our Interlibrary Loan page for additional information.

You can also see if the book/item is held by a library in the Triad Academic Library Association (TALA), you can go directly to that library to check out the book. Be sure to check that the book is available at that library (you may want to call ahead).

High Point University Libraries and the Triad Academic Library Association (TALA) allow patrons (students, staff, and faculty) to borrow materials from participating TALA libraries. A patron must show his or her current ID and, in most instances, will need to verify themselves electronically by showing that they are included in a home campus directory or are an active member of a Blackboard class. The lending school determines the number of items one can borrow and the length of checkout. All patrons are required to return TALA items on time and are responsible for the items that they check out.

Participating TALA Libraries: Alamance Community College, Bennett College, Elon University, Forsyth Technical Community College, Greensboro College, Guilford College, Guilford Technical Community College, High Point University, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, Salem College, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University

ProQuest, JSTOR and Google Scholar are article databases that the library purchases for the use of our students and faculty. Several can be found on the library homepage and links to all of these purchased resources can be found on the Databases A to Z list.

Click on Databases A-Z in the left-hand menu of the library webpage to find the databases, books, and other resources that are available for your topic of interest. In the search bar, type in the subject you are researching. For example: typing in ‘Business’ will reveal all of the business and business related databases HPU Libraries provide. Another method to find subject based resources is to click on the Research Guides tab in the left hand menu of the library homepage and then look for the subject of interest. Still need help? Contact us by email or phone, or use the chat box on the right-hand side of this page.

To find the full text of a specific article add the title of the article to the search box in the library catalog. Next, find the article of interest and click the “View Now” button. In a database, like ProQuest or JSTOR, look for the link that says “full text” or has the Adobe PDF symbol and you should be able to click and go. You can also click on the Journal & eBook Resolver (Located on the left-hand menu of the library homepage) and enter the title of the article or the title of the journal in which the article was published to see if the library has access. If we do not have access to the article, see the FAQ question: How do I get a book or article the library does not own? Need more help finding full text? Use the “Ask the Librarian!” chat box on the right-hand side of this screen or contact us via email (reference@highpoint.edu) or call us at 336-841-9101.

You can save a link to an article as found in the library catalog or one of the library database resources. In the catalog or the databases, look for the “link” or the permalink or document URL (you will see either the word or an icon of a link) and copy and paste from there. This is a good practice when using any database, ProQuest or otherwise. Use this link to read more about saving permalinks of articles, eBooks and other resources.

When you access a library resource, such as a database, from off-campus, you will be prompted to enter your HPU username (without “@highpoint.edu”) and password; the same as the username and password for your email or Blackboard access. Once you enter this information, you should be given access to that resource. Use links located on the library home page or Databases A to Z. If you are having trouble with access contact the library (Ask us) or if your password is not working for other systems such as email or Blackboard, contact IT.

To find articles on a specific topic, you can search in the library catalog or in one of the HPU library’s online databases. Most databases have the option for you to search only scholarly/peer-reviewed articles. Many databases also provide an option to limit your search by date, journal, source type (article, case study, etc.) and author.  If you need help with choosing appropriate keywords, navigating a database, narrowing your searches or finding full text sources, please contact us via email (reference@highpoint.edu), telephone (336 841-9101) or use the “Ask the Librarian!” chat box on this page.

You can find eBooks the same way you locate print books. Search our library catalog for eBooks by typing a title or a subject into the search bar and then clicking the eBook option on the left side of the screen. To access them, click the blue box that says “View eBook”.

Once you have opened an eBook it is yours to read and view until it is closed. This is the best way to proceed if you just need to read/print a chapter or do some research. There are several ways you can borrow/download an eBook. If you would like more information on this process, check out our eBook Research Guide or contact us via email (reference@highpoint.edu), telephone (336 841-9101) or use the “Ask the Librarian!” chat box on this page.

If the HPU Libraries do not own an item needed for your research, you may request the item from another library through Interlibrary Loan. This service is available to HPU faculty, staff, and students. Articles can be delivered electronically to the patron in about 1-3 business days. Books take a bit longer, between 1 and 3 weeks. Please keep in mind when requesting materials that these are the average turnaround times. Instructional or specialty video and audio materials, dissertations, music scores, and most other types of items can be requested. For more information on ILL visit our Interlibrary Loan page.

Find the book in the library catalog, click on the title, and then click on the button for “Request Item through Interlibrary Loan.” This will take you to HPUShare, the library’s Interlibrary Loan request system. There, you can set up an account by using your HPU email username (without “@highpoint.edu”) and password. The first time that you log into your HPUShare account, you may need to provide some information about yourself. Please see our Interlibrary Loan page for additional information.

You can also see if the book/item is held by a library in the Triad Academic Library Association (TALA), you can go directly to that library to check out the book. Be sure to check that the book is available at that library (you may want to call ahead).

Your login for HPUShare is the same as your HPU Credentials.

You can pick up and return ILL items at the Smith Library Circulation Desk.

To renew an ILL item, log into your HPUShare account, locate the item you would like to renew and click on the Renew button. The renewal request will then be sent to the lending library. The due date in the item record will be updated when the lending library responds. Renewal requests can only be submitted one week or less before the due date. This gives the lending library enough time to process the request and complete the renewal. If the due date has passed and you still want to renew, contact ill@highpoint.edu. A renewal request will be sent to the lending library from the ILL office. If a renewal is denied, another ILL request for the same item can be submitted through HPUShare. Keep in mind that ILL books can take between 1 and 3 weeks to arrive.

Please contact ill@highpoint.edu with any questions regarding Interlibrary Loan.

Graphing calculators, headphones and many types of Media equipment are available for checkout at Smith Library, Smith Library Media services and the Wanek Center Learning Commons. They are available for 4 to 24 hours checkout times.*

*Because of concerns about the transmission of Coronavirus, not all equipment will be available.

You may see a list of our latest DVD releases or search the library catalog by title. You may borrow 6 DVDs for up to 3 days.

We have Chess, checkers, Boggle, Jenga, Clue…the list goes on and on! You can access a list of games available at Smith Library. You can check out games for 3 days, but ask a librarian if you need one for longer.

You can use the library account to place a hold on a book, check to see what you have borrowed, extend the borrowing time of an item you have checked out. You will need to log into ‘My Library Account‘. Use your HPU username (no @highpoint.edu) and password. Once you are logged in, you can see all the items you have checked out; click on the “Renew” button next to the item(s) you would like to renew.

You can borrow as many books as you want for 28 days and then can renew for another 28 days. New fiction books check out for 14 days. You can check out DVDs for 3 days with a limit of 6 at a time. A detailed list of who can check out what, and for how long is available here.

There are 2 color printers located in Smith Library; one on the main floor behind the CD Collection, the other is on the lower floor near the Group Lab. There are 2 color printers in the Wanek Learning Commons business center. There are other color printers in buildings and dorms around campus. For larger scale printing jobs, special color printing, printing on photo paper or printing in large format, contact Media Printing Services.

You can make copies, print and scan items at Smith Library on the 1st and 2nd floors, at the Wanek Center Learning Commons as well as other locations on campus. Scan your passport and then follow the prompts on the printer. (A Librarian will be around if you need help!)

This library guide explains how to use Follow-Me Print . This link will explain how to set up Follow Me Printing on your laptop.

To find items that your professor has placed on reserve for your course, click on Reserves in the left-hand menu on the HPU Libraries website. Enter your professor’s name or course number (such as ENG 2200). Click on the course number for your specific course and all the items on reserve will be listed. If the item is on electronic reserve, you should be able to click the link there to access it. All physical reserves are kept behind the circulation desk in Smith Library. Reserves must only be used in the library and typically have a 4-hour checkout period.

For more information on late or lost materials, please visit our Circulation Policies page.

If you have other questions about HPU Libraries or services we provide, please Contact us. Also you can link to our Faculty Services page and our Staff Services page.

You may drop off small donations (5 or fewer items that will not require attribution) at the Smith Library Circulation or Reference desk. For large donations, see our Donations Policy.

Interested in working in the library? That is music to our ears! Find out how to apply to a job on campus. Open library positions are posted each fall and spring.

In Media Services, you can:

• View and borrow most DVDs and videos from the instructional media, feature film, documentary, and foreign film genres. Please see the Film Resources page for more information.
• Borrow digital cameras and videorecorders, microphones, camcorders, tripods, voice recorders, CD-players, DVD players, and VCRs. Please see the Media Equipment and Software for more information.
• Use multimedia computer lab resources and get assistance with the production of academic-related multimedia materials, including videos, podcasts, graphics, and scanning. Please see the Media Equipment and Software for more information. For a complete list of tutorials about software, equipment, and more, please see the Media Tutorials Library Guide.
• Book the lecture room for a presentation, lecture, group project meeting space, or movie viewing for a class. Please check the Classroom Calendars for availability, and email media@highpoint.edu to make a reservation.
• Use the media lab to view and listen to DVDs, videos, CDs, vinyl, foreign language tapes, and reserve materials.

Media Services is located on the first floor of Smith Library. The Media Lab, Printing Services, and the Media & Digital Resource Librarian’s office are all located on the right when you walk down the stairs and enter through the double doors.

Students may submit academic files to be printed in the media lab by emailing them to media@highpoint.edu. For larger files, use the Media Services Printing File Upload form. Services include photo printing, color printing, and large format printing as well as laminating and dry-mounting.

You may pay for these services with your General Fund on your HPU Passport Card. If you are faculty or printing for an educational project, you might be able to charge your department. Please check out the Media Printing Price List for detailed pricing.

Items sent to the media department to be printed will be completed in the order in which they are received with a turn-around time of at least 24 hours. Printing requests are completed only during the hours that Media Services Printing Services is open. Depending on the number of requests, the turn-around time may be longer, so plan accordingly.

You will receive an email when your print request is completed and ready for pick-up.

Printing services include photo and matte printing, glossy poster and large format printing, as well as laminating and dry-mounting. Please send us final copies of digital files to print. We do not enhance or edit digital files except for sizing or resolution purposes. These services and resources are provided exclusively for students, faculty, and staff engaged in academic research and/or educational pursuits. Please read our Printing Services Policy for more information.

DVD rentals can be checked out by faculty, staff, and students for three days with a limit of three DVDs. DVDs cannot be renewed. To browse the physical collection, please come to the first floor of Smith Library where the DVD cases are displayed by genre and in alphabetical order. To check out DVDs, please bring the empty DVD case to the circulation desk on the second floor of Smith Library and have your HPU Passport card ready for checkout.

You can fill out the DVD Order Request Form with suggestions. If the DVD is appropriate for the collection, we will order it and email you when it arrives. This form is NOT to request a DVD to be sent to your office or dorm.

You can email Media & Digital Resources at media@highpoint.edu with film reserve requests or fill out the DVD Reserve request form.

Check out the Streaming Content Guide.

Yes, we have a Film Collection Guide, which contains genre lists, subject lists, new releases, DVD checkout rules, film reserves information, and more. This Guide will also help users find resources about film at HPU and in the local area.

The Media & Digital Resource Librarian is constantly updating and adding new Media Guides. The current Media Guides are:

• HPU Film Collection
• Media Tutorials
• Streaming Content

The lab provides resources for patrons to create multimedia materials for class-related instruction and presentation. It houses computers, scanners, digital video-editing, sound-editing, and photo-editing facilities, and viewing and listening equipment.

Here is a more detailed list of software available in the media lab:

Collaboration stations are available for use on the first floor of Smith Library, and talking is allowed in this group study area. If you are worried about not getting a table, you can make reservations by emailing media@highpoint.edu. You can share your work from your laptop to a large television monitor with a VGA connector. Individuals or groups of people can watch DVDs, BluRays, and VHS tapes. Be sure to check out a headphone splitter when watching films in groups.

	Television Monitors Connect your laptop to the television monitor
	VGA Connector Connect your laptop to the television monitor
	Headphones Watch movies on the television monitor or a computer.
	Headphone splitter Watch movies in groups.

Book the lecture room for a presentation, lecture, group project meeting space, or movie viewing for a class. Please remember to email Media & Digital Services at media@highpoint.edu to make a reservation and to check the Classroom Calendars for availability on the Library homepage menu.  Student groups of 6 or more may request to use lecture rooms up to a week in advance, one date at a time. Faculty/Staff groups may request up to 10 dates per semester.

As a member of the University’s faculty, staff, or student body, it is important that you become aware of the many issues surrounding copyright laws, including fair use and copyright infringement. There have been lots of changes and developments in this area, especially regarding the World Wide Web and other tech and multimedia applications.

HPU Libraries: Copyright & Media Online Resources

Reproduction of Copyrighted Works by Educators and Librarians
Circular (PDF) from the US Copyright Offices.

Digital Audio Recording Devices and Media
Circular from the US Copyright Office.

Copyright & Intellectual Property Policies
Compilation of information from the Association of Research Libraries.

10 Big Myths about copyright explained
by Brad Templeton. This has been on the Web for a long time, and is very well written and concise.

General Information about Copyright
from the law firm of Oppedahl & Larson LLP.

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998
Summary (PDF) from the US Copyright Office.

ProQuest, JSTOR and Google Scholar are article databases that the library purchases for the use of our students and faculty. Several can be found on the library homepage and links to all of these purchased resources can be found on the Databases A to Z list.

Click on Databases A-Z in the left-hand menu of the library webpage to find the databases, books, and other resources that are available for your topic of interest. In the search bar, type in the subject you are researching. For example: typing in ‘Business’ will reveal all of the business and business related databases HPU Libraries provide. Another method to find subject based resources is to click on the Research Guides tab in the left hand menu of the library homepage and then look for the subject of interest. Still need help? Contact us by email or phone, or use the chat box on the right-hand side of this page.

To find the full text of a specific article add the title of the article to the search box in the library catalog. Next, find the article of interest and click the “View Now” button. In a database, like ProQuest or JSTOR, look for the link that says “full text” or has the Adobe PDF symbol and you should be able to click and go. You can also click on the Journal & eBook Resolver (Located on the left-hand menu of the library homepage) and enter the title of the article or the title of the journal in which the article was published to see if the library has access. If we do not have access to the article, see the FAQ question: How do I get a book or article the library does not own? Need more help finding full text? Use the “Ask the Librarian!” chat box on the right-hand side of this screen or contact us via email (reference@highpoint.edu) or call us at 336-841-9101.

To find articles on a specific topic, you can search in the library catalog or in one of the HPU library’s online databases. Most databases have the option for you to search only scholarly/peer-reviewed articles. Many databases also provide an option to limit your search by date, journal, source type (article, case study, etc.) and author.  If you need help with choosing appropriate keywords, navigating a database, narrowing your searches or finding full text sources, please contact us via email (reference@highpoint.edu), telephone (336 841-9101) or use the “Ask the Librarian!” chat box on this page.

To find guides for a particular citation style (such as MLA or APA), click on Citation Guides in the left-hand menu under “Research.” Each guide contains information on how to create in-text and reference list citations for that style, as well as links to other helpful resources. If you need additional help with citation, Contact us.

See our Guidelines for Using Electronic Sources.

You can find eBooks the same way you locate print books. Search our library catalog for eBooks by typing a title or a subject into the search bar and then clicking the eBook option on the left side of the screen. To access them, click the blue box that says “View eBook”.

Once you have opened an eBook it is yours to read and view until it is closed. This is the best way to proceed if you just need to read/print a chapter or do some research. There are several ways you can borrow/download an eBook. If you would like more information on this process, check out our eBook Research Guide or contact us via email (reference@highpoint.edu), telephone (336 841-9101) or use the “Ask the Librarian!” chat box on this page.