Home
Posts

USU Library: Complete Guide to Merrill-Cazier, Study Rooms, Hours & Databases

The mission of the Usu Library System is to provide a comprehensive library environment for students, faculty and staff in the local community.

Overview of the USU Library System

The USU Library System supports the academic and research needs of Utah State University. Its centerpiece, the Merrill-Cazier Library, anchors resources, spaces, and expert help. 

You’ll use the USU catalog for physical/digital holdings and the USU library database portal for scholarly articles, ebooks, and media. Off-campus access runs through myUSU.

USU Library

Merrill-Cazier Library — Flagship of USU Libraries

  • Group and individual study rooms
  • Specialized research collections interlibrary loan
  • Technology-equipped collaborative spaces
  • Librarian consultations for courses and faculty projects

Tip: During midterms and finals, USU library study rooms book up quickly—reserve early.

Using the USU Catalog USU Library Databases

Step 1 — Search the USU Catalog

  1. Open the USU Catalog page.
  2. Search by title, author, keyword, or subject.
  3. Filter by format, location, and availability.
  4. Note call numbers for physical items at Merrill-Cazier or other campuses.

Step 2 — Access the USU Library Database

  1. From the library site, choose a database or subject guide.
  2. Log in via myUSU for off-campus access.
  3. Use filters (peer-reviewed, date range, full text) to refine.
  4. Save PDFs and export citations to Zotero/EndNote.

Pro Tip: Start broad, then narrow with filters and Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT).

Reserving USU Library Study Rooms

Room Types

  • Individual study carrels (quiet)
  • Group study rooms with whiteboards/screens
  • Media rooms for presentations and projects
  • Reservable classrooms (department scheduling)

How to Reserve

  1. Visit the library’s Reserve a Room page.
  2. Select date, time, and room type.
  3. Confirm with your USU credentials.
  4. Arrive a few minutes early to avoid auto-cancellation.

Be mindful of noise policies and room capacity. Bring headphones for multimedia work and leave the space tidy.

USU Library Hours

Hours vary by semester, breaks, and holidays.

  • Extended evenings during fall/spring
  • Reduced summer/break schedules
  • Holiday closures in line with university policy

How to check current hours: Visit the library’s Hours page, follow social updates, or call the front desk before visiting.

myUSU — Your Gateway to Remote Access

  • Authenticate for licensed databases and e-journals
  • Access course reserves and reading lists
  • Manage loans, holds, and renewals via your library account
  1. Click a database link from the library website.
  2. Sign in with your myUSU credentials when prompted.
  3. Enjoy full-text access anywhere.

Special Collections Archives

The USU Library preserves unique regional materials, digital theses and dissertations, faculty research, and historical manuscripts. Ask librarians about permissions, digitization, and research strategies.

Research Support Workshops

  • One-on-one research consultations
  • Course-integrated instruction and modules
  • Workshops on database searching, citations, and data management
  • Help with APA, MLA, Chicago, and more

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

If an item is missing from the USU catalog, submit an ILL request. Articles often arrive digitally; books can be shipped to your pickup location. Include full citations for faster turnaround.

Accessibility Community Services

  • Adaptive technology and assistive software
  • Accessible formats for course reserves (by request)
  • Quiet, sensory-friendly spaces
  • Community patron options—check current policies

FAQs

How do I reserve a USU Library study room?

Use the online reservation system with your USU login and choose your preferred date/time and room type.

How do I access the USU library database off campus?

Sign in via myUSU when prompted after clicking a database link from the library site.

Where do I check Merrill-Cazier Library hours?

Visit the library’s Hours page for the most current schedule.

Final Thoughts: The USU Library—anchored by the Merrill-Cazier Library— is a mission-driven, modern research environment built to help you succeed. Reserve study rooms, search the USU catalog, and access databases from anywhere via myUSU.