Students FAQ
Are there special study areas in Bracken Library?
Yes, the fourth floor is reserved for quiet study. Anyone studying there is asked to turn cell phones to vibrate or off, and to use quiet voices.
Group study rooms are available, as well, seating between 6 and 18 people. Reservations may be made online.
There is also space reserved for Ball State athletes to study on fourth floor, east (toward the north). Up to 174 athletes can study at any one time, monitored by personnel from Athletics. Hours for study are Monday - Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday - Thursday, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where do I go to read class materials my professor has left at the library?
These items are located at the service desks of the Architecture and Science-Health Science libraries, or at the Circulation/Reserves counter on the first floor of Bracken Library and the Educational Resources Center service desk on the lower level of Bracken Library.
To find out what is on reserve for a particular class, log in to CardCat with your Ball State username and password and click on "Course Reserves" at the top of the screen. Enter the instructor's name, course number or course name. If there is an electronic copy of the article on reserve, you can get a copy by clicking on "Details" to view the full record and then by clicking on the URL link in the record.
Reserve items are not available for hold or recall and you may only check out one reserve item at a time.
Where can I listen to music assigned by my professor?
The Music Listening Center, located on the lower level of Bracken Library, has many listening stations. Go to the Music Listening Center Counter for assistance or for a list of course-related music.
Do the Libraries have copies of textbooks for BSU classes?
The Libraries do not systematically purchase textbooks used in BSU classes because textbooks often change from one semester to the next.
However, the Libraries may have some of the books required for classes. The Libraries will often have copies of classic pieces of literature for humanities and social science classes. A Ball State faculty member may have also donated a copy of the textbook used for a class. Check CardCat to see if the Libraries have the book you need.
Some instructors put textbooks and other reading material on reserve. To find out what is on reserve for a particular class, log in to CardCatwith your Ball State username and password and click on "Course Reserves" at the top of the screen. Enter the instructor's name, course number or course name. If there is an electronic copy of the article on reserve, you can get a copy by clicking on "Details" to view the full record and then by clicking on the URL link in the record.
How can I reserve a study room in Bracken Library?
There are many rooms available in Bracken Library which can be reserved by Ball State faculty, staff and students for group studying and learning and small conferences. These large and small rooms are also available for staff and campus organizations for meetings, project discussions, and planning. Reservations can be made online.
Where can I find current course catalogs?
Online versions of both the undergraduate catalog and graduate catalog are available.
Where can I find the current schedule of classes?
The Course Planner can help you find out about which classes are offered when.
How can I get a faculty or graduate student carrel?
Scholar carrels (study rooms) are available for use by graduate students in Bracken Library. Students may apply for these through the University Libraries' Assistant Deans' Office (BL 014) 765-285-1305. Preference is given to full-time doctoral candidates working on their dissertations.
How can I find out about new materials at the library?
The University Libraries' Newly Acquired Materials web page lists all of the new books, videos, sound recordings, maps, and other materials that the Libraries have purchased each month. The list is divided up by academic discipline, so it's easy to find all of the new materials we've purchased to support your major!
Also, a selection of new books available for checkout can be found on the northeast side of the first floor, near the Bestsellers.
Are there proctoring services available on campus?
Proctored computer-based testing service is provided to Ball State students through Testing Programs.
Ball State students enrolled in distance education classes who need a proctor should contact the Online and Distance Education office .
The Office of Testing Programs will provide proctors for non-Ball State students.
Can I take tests such as the GRE or Praxis I at Ball State?
The Office of Testing Programs provides a wide range of testing services to Ball State students as well as the community. Their web site provides further information about specifics tests which are offered.