FAQs: Becker College Libraries

Accessing:

» How do I log into database resources from off-campus?
» How do I check out a book?
» Do I need to return a book to the same library it was checked out from?
» How do I access the library catalog?
» Where can I make photocopies?
» Is there a cost for making copies?
» Can I print in color?
» Can I use my laptop in the library?
» Do you have wireless access?
» Is someone available to help me if I need it?
» How many books can I check out on a particular subject?
» How do I reserve a study room?
» Is eating allowed in the library?
» Who can use the library?

Researching:

» Where can I find links to the databases?
» How do I search within a specific journal for my topic?
» Where can I save my documents?
» How do I find a full-text article?
» I have an abstract and need to find the full-text article.  Where do I get this?

Requesting Resources:

» How long can I check out my library items?
» How can I renew my library items?
» Is there a penalty for returning overdue  items?

Accessing

Q: How do I access the library catalog?

On the main college website, click Academics – Libraries – Find – Library Catalog and Databases. A link to the library catalog is at the top of the page.

 Q: How do I log into database resources from off-campus?

Most of the library databases are available remotely.  The first time you click a database link you will need to enter your Becker network  username and password.  Use the same information you use to log into your Becker email and Angel accounts.  You will have to authenticate only once per session, no matter how many databases you use.  A current, valid Becker network ID and password are required because of database licensing agreements.

 Q: How do I check out a book?

Your Becker student ID is also your library card.

 Q: Do I need to return a book to the same library it was checked out from?

You can return a book to either of the Becker College libraries.

 Q: Where can I make photocopies?

The library circulation area has a photocopier for student use.

 Q: Is there a cost for making copies?

No, photocopies are free.

 Q: Can I print in color?

Student printers offer only black-and-white copies.

 Q: Can I use my laptop in the library?

Yes, but if you need a wireless connection, access may be limited in some locations.

 Q: Do you have wireless access?

WAP (wireless access ports) can be found in both libraries.

 Q: Is someone available to help me if I need it?

Staff members are available in both libraries to help with reference questions and provide other library-related assistance.

 Q: How many books can I check out on a particular subject?

Students can check out up to three books on one particular subject/ topic.

 Q: How do I reserve a study room?

Three study rooms are available by reservation at the Ruska Library. Students may reserve a study room for “group” study.  A minimum of two (2) students are needed to make a reservation. Rooms can be reserved in three-hour time increments.

 Q: Is eating allowed in the libraries?

Drinks are allowed in spill-proof containers only.  Dry snack foods, such as pretzels, crackers, etc., are permissible.  Foods that can leave a sticky residue or stains, such as pizza, burgers, and french fries are not allowed.

 Q: Who can use the library?

The libraries are open to all.  Borrowing privileges vary by patron type.  Becker College students, faculty, staff, and students from the Colleges of Worcester Consortium who have a valid cross-borrowing card have full privileges.  See circulation/about policy for full details.

Researching

  Q: Where can I find links to the databases?

You can find the databases via Academics – Libraries – Find – Databases or by clicking here.

 Q: How do I search within a specific journal for my topic?

The databases have a tab that allows you to search by publication.  Once located, you can then search by article title, date, and issue or volume.

 Q: Where can I save my documents?

Database articles can be forwarded to your Becker email account, saved on a flash drive, or sent to your Angel account.

 Q: How do I find a full-text article?

The databases include an option to limit your search results to full-text articles only.

 Q: I have an abstract and need to find the full-text article.  Where do I get this?

If you cannot find the full-text of an article in our databases, you can request the full article via inter-library loan.

Requesting Resources

 Q: How long can I check out my library items?

Materials can be checked out for three weeks and renewed once for an three additional weeks.

 Q: How can I renew my library items?

Materials can be renewed in person at either library, by phone, or by email.

 Q: Is there a penalty for returning overdue items?

Ten cents per day for books.  Ten cents per hour for reserve items.  One dollar per day for DVDs. See the libraries circulation policies for more details.