Why is it always so cold in the library?

The library is deliberately kept cold in order to reduce humidity which encourages the growth of mold and insects, both harmful to books. We recommend bringing a sweater or jacket if you plan to stay in the library for any length of time.

Why isn't the library open more hours?

The library is open at hours of heaviest use and for as many hours as the Library's budget will allow. Sinclair Library is open 24 hours a day five (5) days a week, including Saturdays when Hamilton is closed.

How often is the library cleaned and the light bulbs replaced?

The library is cleaned on a daily basis, but it's hard to keep up with the thousands of people who use the building every day. Routine maintenance and replacement of burned-out light bulbs is conducted on a scheduled basis. Health and safety problems and other emergencies are our first priority; these will be fixed faster if reported directly to a staff member.

Where can I get change if I need it for photocopies?

We regret that we don't have enough staff or money on hand to provide change. Business Office staff can give change only when you are paying for a fine or service fee. Bill-changers that give coins are located near the CLIC Computer Lab and in the Microforms Room on the firsrt floor of the Hamilton Library. In addition, photocopy machines give change for coins and bills.

What do I do if the photocopy machines run out of paper?

Paper and ink supplies for the photocopiers are checked several times each day, but during busy times of the semester they might run out; please ask at the Circulation Desk to have paper and ink replaced. Photocopy machines are located on every floor of the building.

Why does it seem that books are out of order when I look for them on the shelves?

Some areas of the book stacks are heavily used and books may get out of order. We re-shelve and straighten all areas on a regular basis. If you don't find a book where you think it should be located, look on the shelf above and below where you think it should be. Also look on the sorting shelves (reshelving area). Check maps for locations.

Sometimes I am really confused about the library in general. I don't know how to go about researching a topic or even where to find the books and materials.

Please ask for assistance at a Reference Desk or by email for advice on how to find materials or how best to research your topic. The librarians can also guide you to the correct location of collections.

Every time I need a really important book to further my studies - it's NOT HERE. Either it's "missing" or "lost" or just doesn't exist in the stacks.

If you are a UH Manoa faculty, student, or staff member you can request books that the library does not own through Interlibrary Loan. This is possible through the Interlibrary Loan Web page.

I returned a book and trusted you guys enough not to request a receipt. Now the book is missing and I'm not able to get my transcripts until I pay for the book!

All returned library books are handled careful but mistakes do happen. We recommend that you check the stacks in case the book was re-shelved without being checked in. Also, speak to the library staff at the Business Office window about filing out a form to certify that you returned the book.

It is fairly easy to look for books, but it is fairly frustrating when it is not on the shelves or the sorting shelves (the ones that are not checked out).

If you are having difficulty finding a book in the library, ask the staff at any of the Reference Desks. Also, a request may be made to search for (trace) a library item not found in its usual shelf location or on the sorting shelves. Ask at the Circulation Desk for assistance in placing a search on an item. You will be notified by mail if the item is found.

Please, re-buy or replace a lot of missing and lost books. I found a lot of missing books in my major.

We try to replace missing books when we can - depending on the library budget and the availability of the book (many are out-of-print). If you have particular titles you would like us to try and replace, you can forward them to us. Use the Purchase Suggestion form and include a note in the Comment area about why you want us to replace the book.