What is the BARN? How do I use it?

Answer

The BARN is the Merrill-Cazier Library's on-site storage. BARN stands for Borrowers Automated Retrieval System.


How long does it take to get materials from the BARN?

Materials requested from the BARN are typically available within 5 minutes. Just ask at the Checkout Desk to check on or pick up material you requested.


What is stored in the BARN?

  • All of our back issues of magazines and journals
  • A number of our less frequently used books
  • Most of our microform, microfilm, and microfiche
  • Some VHS tapes and DVDs

Can I browse books and journals in the BARN?

Patrons are not allowed in the BARN. Items stored in the BARN are listed in the Library Catalog. Stop by the Help & Checkout Desk for help identifying and accessing items stored in the BARN.


Why do we have the BARN?

Funding for replacing the Merrill Library covered construction for a building the same size as the Merrill Library - in other words, no room to grow. The BARN allowed us to devote space for study rooms and open study, yet still accommodates growth of collections through at least 2025.