Library Services

Creighton University Libraries primarily serve Creighton students, instructors and staff. Borrowing privileges and network access available to these individuals, but some visitors unaffiliated with Creighton may also be accommodated, including:

• Alumni and retirees of Creighton University
• Students and faculty from other Nebraska colleges and universities
• Clergy who serves in the metropolitan Omaha area
• Visiting clergy or scholars with a Creighton host or affiliation

Note that guest cards are not issued to spouses or dependents of Creighton employees unless they meet one of the criteria above. Alumni may borrow up to 10 items at one time, and other approved guests may borrow up to five items at one time. Alumni and guest card holders cannot renew library materials. For additional information see our Borrow or Renew guide.

All Creighton University users must present a valid Creighton ID to borrow items.

Checkout Periods by Borrower Type

Note that only faculty may check out journals from the library.

• Undergraduate students: Books are due in 28 days, DVDs are due in two weeks, and course reserves are available for three- or seven-day checkouts (or two hours for in-library use).
• Graduate students: Books are due in one semester, and DVDs are due in two weeks.
• Faculty: Books are due the first business day in January, journals are due in one week, and DVDs are due in two weeks.
• Staff: Books are due in 28 days, and DVDs are due in two weeks.
• Alumni and guests: Books are due in 28 days, and DVDs are due in two weeks.

Item Holds and Recalls

If the item you need is checked out, you may request a hold. This reserves the item for you when it is returned. Holds can be placed through your library account or by requesting assistance from the Service Desk. When the item becomes available, you will receive an email notification. If the item is not picked up within three days, the item will be returned to the shelf.

Items may also be recalled if they are needed by the library or another borrower. If a recall is issued on an item you checked out, you will receive an email with the new due date. If the item is not returned by that date, a block will be placed on your account.

• Make sure you are signed into JaySearch.
• Search for the item using the Search Anything box in the library’s catalog.
• Click the book’s title to view additional details.
• Under the Request Options section, click the Request link.

Use the My Requests option in JaySearch or visit the Service Desk to view or cancel holds or recalls.

The Reinert-Alumni Memorial Library participates in reciprocal borrowing with other academic libraries in Nebraska. This program allows Creighton instructors, staff and students to check out items in person at other area libraries, which can be a faster alternative to interlibrary loan.

• Bellevue University | Hours
• College of Saint Mary | Hours
• University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) | Hours
• University of Nebraska at Lincoln (UNL) | Hours
• University of Nebraska Medical Center* | Hours

*Instructors only

Guidelines

When visiting another library, you must present your current Creighton ID card, which will either be used as your library card for that institution, or to verify your status at Creighton and allow a separate library card can be issued.

• Return items by the date due, ideally to the library from which they were borrowed. If returning materials through the Creighton University Libraries, allow extra time for transit. Overdue items must be returned in person to the lending library.
• Assume responsibility for fines, which must be paid directly to the lending library. Fines at reciprocal libraries are enforced in the same way as fines at Creighton University Libraries (i.e., holds may be placed on library privileges, registration or diplomas if necessary).
• Abide by the rules of the host library. As the guest of another library, you are expected to follow its policies and procedures. Your courtesy is critical to sustaining program participation.

Creighton students are also eligible for borrowing privileges from the Omaha Public Library, with evidence of Douglas County residence. For more information, please call the Omaha Public Library at 402.444.4800.

Faculty are invited to enroll their subject librarian in BlueLine so they can share course syllabi and assignments. Understanding these expectations enables librarians to provide better support both inside and outside the classroom. Librarians can create and curate lists of library resources designed to support specific classroom instruction, which can be integrated into a BlueLine course. You can also schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with a librarian to collaborate on a guide your students can use as a starting point for research assignments.

Request a library guide consultation 

Guest presentations

Librarians can provide classroom sessions tailored to your course to engage students in discovering, evaluating and using information sources. To learn more email the Research Center or call the Service Desk at 402.280.2260.

Library Prep Talks are workshops available to faculty and staff upon request, individually or in groups, at a time and place that works for you. Sessions are generally an hour, but they can vary in length. One-on-one sessions can also be scheduled. When requesting a Library Prep Talk, please provide up to two weeks' notice. A few topics are shown below; if you would like a customized session on another database or library topic, email the reference librarians, call the Service Desk at 402.280.2260 or visit the Research Center on the upper level of the library.

• Streaming videos: Spice up your course with streaming videos available from the Reinert-Alumni Memorial Library for use in BlueLine or in the classroom. To learn more, view the Reference Guide or contact Chris Carmichael via email or at 402.280.1757.
• RefWorks: Get organized with RefWorks, a sophisticated web-based system to help you manage, cite, format and share bibliographic references. To learn more email the Research Center or call the Service Desk at 402.280.2260.
• Information literacy: Critical thinking is essential in the 21st century. Library staff can help you integrate and assess information literacy instruction in your courses. Call the Service Desk at 402.280.2260 or email the Research Center to learn more.
• 3D printing: Discover the world of 3D printing and scanning opportunities available from the Reinert-Alumni Memorial Library's Digital Design Center. To learn more, download the 3D Services flyer or contact David Buffington via email or at 402.280.2218.
• Cited reference tracking: Applying for tenure? Learn how tracking where and how often you're cited can be a measure of your scholarly output. To learn more, contact Chris Carmichael via email or at 402.280.1757.
• Business briefing: Find out what's new in the rich and varied landscape of business, financial and market research information from the library. Contact Chris Carmichael via email or at 402.280.1757 to learn more.

Ratio Studiorum Program: Quest for the Cup

The library is a key part of students’ first-year experience. During their time at Creighton, students learn and apply the principles of information literacy, including how to use the library’s physical and electronic resources. They also use the library as a place to study, collaborate and recharge.

Quest for the Cup introduces Ratio Studiorum Program (RSP) students to the library through a simple, open-ended treasure hunt that takes less than an hour to complete. During the quest, students visit key locations—the circulation counter, the Research Center and a study area—and access specific library resources, including books, e-journal articles and items on reserve. The quest is structured so students discover these resources for themselves, with minimal explanation.

Upon completion, students are rewarded with a library-branded coffee mug. They leave the quest with a working knowledge of the library’s layout and resources, as well as a basic understanding of library terminology.

If you have questions, email the library’s reference team or schedule your RSP students for Quest for the Cup.

Library Encounter Online (LEO)

Library Encounter Online (LEO) is an interactive tutorial that introduces students to library research. In the Magis Core curriculum, all first-year students complete LEO in COM 101. Access LEO on BlueLine.

Critical Issues in Human Inquiry

In collaboration with CIHI faculty, librarians can provide a classroom session that gives students hands-on experience using and developing information skills. Learn more about classroom sessions.

Creighton Libraries can post course materials for online access in our E-Reserves system, which is linked to the BlueLine course in the Library Research/Resources tab. Library staff will upload files or scan copies in alignment with Copyright and Fair Use guidelines, as well as provide stable links for journal articles and other content.

To get started, please submit your syllabus or a fully cited readings list and any comments by emailing the library, or use the Course Reserves Request Form ((submit one form for each item to be posted). Please allow up to four working days for processing—longer if obtaining licenses or permissions is required. For information on including streaming materials, review our Streaming Video Policy and Streaming Media Flowchart.

Hard-Copy Materials

You can place hard-copy materials on reserve, including books, CDs, anatomical models and DVDs, for an entire class to access. These materials can be either library items or your personal items, although the library cannot be responsible for damage or loss. To submit a request, complete the Course Reserves Request Form. If you are including personal material, please bring it to the relevant service desk for processing. If you have questions, email the libraries' Service Desk or call 402.280.2260.

Open access publishing makes research and creative works available online without cost, eliminating barriers to access and encouraging broader academic and creative collaboration. Open data, often generated through research, is information that is freely available to anyone and can be used, shared and analyzed without restrictions. Learn more about the open access resources and opportunities Creighton Libraries provide below or explore the library’s Open Access Guide.

• ResearchWorks: Creighton ResearchWorks collects, preserves and showcases the research and creative output of the university’s community of faculty scholars.
• Open access journals at Creighton: Explore freely accessible scholarly content across multiple fields—from arts and sciences to interdisciplinary leadership. If you’re interested in starting an open access journal, contact the library to access our Open Journal Systems subscription, which provides software and publishing tools for launching an online open access journal.
• Open educational resources (OER): These freely accessible teaching materials can be used, shared and adapted by educators and learners, enhancing the accessibility and flexibility of education.
• Funding opportunities: Learn how to secure grant funding for open access publishing and explore Creighton’s Sponsored Programs Administration resources for guidance on funding opportunities and application strategies that enhance your research’s impact.
• Open Access Week: This annual global event celebrates free knowledge sharing, highlighting the importance of unrestricted access to research, education and creative works. Join Creighton Libraries in recognizing the impact of open access on advancing learning, innovation and collaboration worldwide.