Distance Education Student Services

In addition to requesting books from UP's Clark Library, distance education students in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho also have options for picking up books at local academic libraries.

The University of Portland participates in the Orbis Cascade Alliance, which is a consortium of 38 libraries across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho (see list of libraries on the right side of this page).

As a result, items may be requested from any of these libraries, and delivered either to the University of Portland, or to any other participating library.

Note: if you request items through this system, you will need to pick up the items in person at the library of your choice.  Items are generally delivered within 3 business days; you will receive an email when they are ready to be picked up.  You may also return items to any participating library, and they will be shipped back to the lending library.

Follow steps 1-3 below if you would like to pick up items from an Orbis Cascade Alliance library other than University of Portland.

Before you make a request, you must visit the library where you plan to pick up materials in person.  You need to:

• Go to the library where you plan to pick up materials.  Bring a picture ID card, and be sure you know your UP network username and password.
• Tell them that you are a Summit patron who needs to be added to their system. 
• The library will have you log in to your UP Library account using your UP network username and password in order to verify your UP status and expiration date. They will then add you to their system, so you can request and pick up materials at that library. 

After you have visited a library in person and have been added to their system, you may request items through the participating library's online catalog to be picked up in person at that library.

1. From the list of participating libraries, you will find a link to the library's web site where you may access their catalog.
2. Search for an item that you wish to request.
3. From the list of search results, choose the Get It link. (Note: some libraries may use different labels for the "Get It" link, such as "Find & Request")
4. Look for a link or button to "Sign in" in order to see requesting options. Sign in using the credentials provided to you by the library that added you. If you are not sure how to sign in, please contact that library for assistance.
5. After signing in, you should see a link to request the item via Summit. Choose this link to make your request.
6. You should receive an email when the item is ready to be picked up at the library that added you to their system.

You will receive an email when the items that you have requested are available.

Visit the library to pick up the materials.  You will be able to check out items for:

Books: 12 weeks, one 6-week renewal

CDs/DVDs: 12 weeks, one 6-week renewal

When you are finished using the items, return them to the library where you picked them up (or to any other participating library).