Frequently Asked Questions: LINK+

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Choose from the following questions: What is LINK+?
Link+ is a single, searchable catalog for books and other materials available in over 25 California academic and public libraries. It allows AIU students, faculty & staff members to electronically request an item not available in their own library system, but available in one of the other participating libraries, and to have that item delivered to their home library for check out.

Who can use LINK+?
Link+ is available to currently enrolled students, faculty and staff members who have a library account and barcode issued from his/her home AIU library. Contact your library if you need a barcode.

Why use LINK+?
The LINK+ system provides access to many more books than the AIU library system can provide. You can use LINK+ to locate more books on a subject. If you need a particular book that AIU does not own or all available copies are checked out, you can see if another LINK+ library has the book to be requested.

Is it free?
Yes, unless you return a book late or lose or damage a book. Late fines are $1.00 per day per item. The replacement cost for lost or damaged books is $115.00.

How do I use LINK+?
  1. On the library homepage, click on LINK+ (http://csul.iii.com).
  2. Search by title, author, or subject, etc.
  3. Click on "LINK+ library has this item" to check the status of the item.
  4. Click on "Request this item". When asked "With which institution are you affiliated?" Choose "Alliant Int U" from the pull down menu.
  5. Type in your full name (as it appears on your ID card) and your 14-digit barcode.
  6. Select the pick up location. (Note: If you select San Diego Library the item will be shipped to the Scripps Ranch campus).
  7. Click on "Submit above information".
  8. It is recommended that you either print out the page or write down the item information if your request was successful. If the item is not available some libraries will cancel your request without notifying the student.

How quickly will an item be available for pick up?
Requested items should be available for pickup at the Circulation Desk within 4-7 days (no deliveries on the weekend). It is very important that the library has your correct email address (notices are sent more quickly by email) or home address (for print notices). You can also check your Library Record from the AIU Library Catalog home page to verify your account information and status of your holds. At the library homepage, click on "View Your Library Record" located near the center under "Search the AIU Library Collections." Enter your full name and 14-digit barcode in the appropriate fields. In the top half of the screen, look for "held" or "requested" items to check their status.

How long will the library hold an item?
Items will be held for pick up for 10 days from the date the item was received. After 10 days unclaimed items are returned to the loaning library. Most notices are sent by email. It is very important that you check it regularly.

How long can I keep items?
The loan period is 21 days with one 14-day renewal if no other holds are placed on the item. This loan period is different from AIU's loan period of 28 days. Renewals must be done online through "View Your Library Record." Renewals take a minimum of 10 minutes to be processed so you much recheck your record again to verify that the renewal was processed. If the item can't be renewed you must return it to your home library as soon as possible. The overdue fine for items returned after the due date is $1.00 per day per item. The date due will be stamped on a colored book band. It is very important that you do not remove the color band from around the book.

How many requests can I make?
The maximum number of requests is 15 items. This includes pending requests, received books, and returned books still in transit. Returned items stay on your record until the owning library has received them back.

How do I cancel a Link+ request?
A LINK+ request can be cancelled in the "View your library record" option under holds. If an item still has a "Requested" status it may be cancelled. If the item is "In Transit" or "Recv'd" the request may not be cancelled. Contact the Circulation Desk so a staff member can cancel the request.

Can I visit other LINK+ libraries?
Some LINK+ libraries will allow walk-in visitors from other LINK+ libraries. Check with your local library. The nearest LINK+ library to AIU-San Diego is San Diego State University (SDSU). SDSU does allow patrons from other LINK+ libraries to visit and check out available items in person. You must bring your valid I.D. card with the 14-digit barcode.