Frequently Asked Questions
We are committed to helping you find what you need while visiting our room. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions. In addition, we encourage you to stop by the Periodicals Reference Desk or give us a call at (801) 422-3666 with any additional questions that you may have.
I can’t find what I am looking for. What can I do?
If you can’t seem to find what you are looking for, try the following:
- If it is a recent periodical, it may have been sent away to be bound. To see if it has been sent to the bindery, check the bindery list.
- Check both sides of the room. Sometimes periodicals are inadvertently returned to the wrong side of the room.
- Check the Periodical Return shelves located by the copy machines and the Re-sorting shelves located in the first row of compact shelving.
If you still cannot find the periodical, come up to the Reference Desk and we will search for you and in the mean time refer you to Interlibrary Loan.
How are the shelves arranged?
The shelves in the Periodicals Room are arranged alphabetically from A-Z by call number. Anything older than 1989 is located on the East side in the compact shelving, while anything newer than 1989 is in the open shelves on the West side of the room.
Why aren’t the compact shelves moving when I tell them to?
The compact shelves have many security features that prevent accidental closures on people or objects. There are laser trips, heat and motion detectors that will automatically shutdown a bank of shelves if tripped. When a shelf will not move, find a lit-up red button on the side of one of the shelves and push it to reset the system. If they still will not move, come to the reference desk and we will perform a system reset for you.
What is your check-out policy?
No materials from the Periodicals Room are allowed out of the room. Periodicals are not checked out except to faculty (for 24 hours only). Newspapers, headphones and reference materials are checked-out to a patron for two hours but must remain in the room.
What is a circulating serial?
A circulating serial is a periodical that is not located in our room. It is located in the library according to its call number and it may be checked out.
How much does it cost to print or copy?
There are two black and white printers and one color printer available. The cost is 7¢ per page for the black and white printers and 28¢ per page for the color printer.
The Periodicals Room has two copy machines located across from the printers. Black and white copies cost 7¢ per page and color copies cost 28¢ per page. The copiers also have a feature which allows scans to be emailed at no cost.
Where can I put money on my Signature or Library Guest Card?
There are three main ways of putting money on your card:
- There is an ATM-like machine in the Family History Library (2nd floor) that accepts small bills (this machine does not give change).
- The Family History Library has a cash register and they can put money on your card for you there.
- With your debit or credit card, you can put money on your Signature Card through Route Y.
Can I type in a code for the copy machines?
At this time the copy machines do not accept codes for the copy machines. They also do not accept coins.
Is there someone who can help me with a computer problem?
We will be happy to help you to the best of our abilities with any computer problems. We can also call a computer proctor from General Reference of the library to come assist you.
Is there wireless access here?
There is: just follow the instructions to set up your computer to get wireless internet.
My laptop can’t access the internet when I plug it in at the study tables.
Make sure you have plugged your network cable into the green port at the table. Only the green port is active. Also, if you haven’t already set up your computer to gain access to the internet, you can do so by following the instructions.
Can I print from my laptop?
Yes, you can. Just follow the instructions.