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FAQ

Librarians

Computers

Books

Articles/Databases

Textbooks

Reserves

How Do I...

Librarians

How can a librarian help me?

If you've never used a library before, if you've never used this library before, if you're doing a research project, or if you just have a question, a librarian can help you! A librarian can help you figure out where to start your research, help you learn how to use the catalog or databases, and help you find information on your topic. Librarians are trained research professionals!

How do I contact a librarian?

From home either call the Reference Desk at 215-641-6594, IM us at mccclibrarian, or send your question in an email to refdesk@mc3.edu. On campus, come to the Reference Desk in the Libary. When you walk into the Brendlinger Library, the Reference Desk will be slightly to the left in front of you with a green sign above it that says "Reference." At West, the desk is to your left as you walk into the library.
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Computers

Are there computers in the library?

Yes. We have desktop computers in the Reference area, in the Periodicals area, and in the Indexes area, and laptops in the AV Library.

  • You do not have to log in to the Reference area computers. You may use the Internet, and you may also print from these computers. Please use them to do library research.
  • You do have to log in to the computers in the Periodicals and Indexes areas. You may use the Internet, Academic Applications, and Microsoft Office applications, and you may print from these computers.
  • If you are a registered student, you can check out the laptop computers for use in the library.

Can I print from them?

Yes. If you are sitting at the computers in the Reference area, your printouts will go to the printer located behind the Circulation Desk. If you are sitting at the computers in the Periodicals area, your printouts will go to the printer at the end of the first long table. If you are sitting at the computers in the Indexes area, you cannot currently print.

Can I use the internet?

Yes. All of our computers are connected to the Internet.

Can I use the wireless network?

Yes. You can bring your laptop into the library, or you can borrow one of our laptops from the AV Library. You must have a wireless network card in your laptop in order to use the wireless network. For more information on how to use the wireless network check out http://wireless.mc3.edu.

Can I use Word or Excel on the computers in the library?

That depends. We do not have Microsoft Office on the computers in the Reference area. If you need to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), please use the computers in the Periodicals or Indexes areas, or go upstairs to the left and borrow a laptop computer from the AV Library.
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Books

How do I find a book?

Search our online catalog to find books, government documents, or audio visual materials. You can search by keyword, or if you know the title or author of the item you can enter those and click either "Title" or "Author". Write down the call number for the item.

What is a call number?

A call number is the series of letters and numbers printed on a label on the spine of each book in the library collection. The call number is the book's address. It tells you where the book is on the shelf.

I found the call number for the book! Now, where is the book?

All of our books are arranged alphabetically by the first letter of the call number. The books with call numbers beginning with A-HE are located on the upper level of The Brendlinger Library, and the books with call numbers beginning with HF-Z are located on the lower level. Goverment documents have call numbers that begin with GOVDOC, and they are located on the main level of The Brendlinger Library. All items in the West Library are located on the main level of that library. All items in the AV Library are located on the upper level of The Brendlinger Library.

How do I check out a book?

To check out a book, take the book and your student ID card to the Circulation Desk.

How long can I keep a book?

The loan period for books is three weeks.

Can I renew a book if I'm not done with it?

Yes. If you need to keep your book for a longer period of time you will need to renew it before the book is due. To do this either call the Circulation Desk at 215-641-6596, or come in person. You do not need to bring the book with you in order to renew it!
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Articles/Databases

I need articles on my topic. What should I do?

Ask a librarian to show you which of our online databases or paper indexes best addresses your topic.

Can I access the online databases from home?

Yes. In order to access the online databases from home, you will need your student login and password. Your login can be found on the back of your student ID card, and your password is your full seven digit student number.

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Textbooks

Do you have the textbook(s) for my class?

Maybe. In some cases, we may have a previous edition of the textbook you need for your class, and in some cases, we do not have the textbook for your class at all. Call or stop by the circulation desk to find out for sure if we have your book, or check the library catalog.

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Reserves

My instructor put materials for our class on reserve. What does that mean and where are they?

When materials are on reserve that means that we hold them behind the Circulation desk for use by people in your class. You can use reserve materials in the library for one hour at a time. These materials may not be checked out or leave the library. Some reserve items are available as e-reserves, which means you can see them online and print them out. If you need assistance, please ask a reference librarian.

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