Nassau Community College Library Help Q&A Answer

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Books/Audiovisuals

NASCAT - Library Catalog

SUNY Union Catalog

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Long Island Libraries

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Search Multiple Resources

Resources A-Z

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Holdings

Long Island List of Serials

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Selected WEB Sources

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MLA Citations

APA Reference List

Reference

Ask the Librarian

Information Literacy Tutorial

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DIRECTIONAL (Library floor plans included)

The Library is pleased to provide this convenient link to Nassau Community College’s Directions to Nassau. Because these directions are not Library specific, we would like to first provide some additional information that may be useful. On the campus map of NCC, the Library is labeled with the letter L, and located near the Administrative Tower (T). The most convenient student/visitor parking appears just below the Library on this map. When you park in this lot, the Library Building will be directly in front of you. For our hours, see the “Library Hours” link on our homepage.

Where will I find circulating books that have call numbers beginning with letters A-N?

Take the central stairway to the second floor. Books that have call numbers beginning with the letters A-N are on the left side of the floor. If you take the elevator, they will be on the right side. [Floor Plan]

Where will I find circulating books that have call numbers beginning with letters P-Z

Take the central stairway to the third floor. Books with P-PZ call numbers are on the left side of the floor, and books with Q-Z call numbers are on the right side. If you take the elevator, the P-PZ books are to the right and the Q-Z books are to the left. [Floor Plan]

Where is Media located?

The Media Office is located in L215, next to the Computer Lab. Take the central stairway to the second floor, go right through the double doors, then turn left and walk straight ahead. If you take the elevator, make a left, then turn left, and walk straight ahead. Media Materials are located on the opposite end of the floor.

[Floor Plan]

Where is Media Screening Room located?

The Media Screening Room is no longer available

Where is the Library Chair’s Office located?

To reach the Library Chair’s Office (L229), take the central stairway to the second floor, go left through the double doors, immediately left again, and walk straight ahead. If you take the elevator, when you get off turn right, then left, and walk straight ahead. If you need to contact the Library Chair by telephone, call 572-7406. [Floor Plan]

Where are the Library instruction classrooms?

There are three rooms used for instruction, L20A/B, L20C and L103. L20A/B and L20C are located on the lower level of the Library. These can be reached as you first enter the Library, by a stairway immediately to the left. L103 is located on the first floor pass the Reserve Room. [Floor Plan] [Floor Plan]

Where is the Reserve Room?

The Reserve Room is located on the right hand side of the first floor. Go down the hall, past the copy machines, and you will see the sign for the Reserve Room (L102). [Floor Plan]

Where is the microfilm located?

Microfilm and the reader/printer machines are located in the Media area on the second floor. [Floor Plan]

Where is the Multicultural Reading Room located?

The Multicultural Reading Room is not a room, but an area located in the far middle section of the second floor, next to the Academic Computing Lab. It features books and periodicals that reflect the varied ethnic backgrounds of the students at NCC. Some of these materials are in foreign languages, and others are in English. yes"> If a record in NASCAT (online catalog) designates an item as MRR, it is located in the Multicultural Reading Room. [Floor Plan]

Where are the archives, what material is located there...?

The Archives, located in the Reference Office, contain material about the College and Mitchell Field of a historical nature. Also included are back issues of the college newspaper, yearbooks and course catalogs. To use archival material, you must consult with a reference librarian. All archival material must be used in the Reference Area only, and a valid NCC ID card must be presented. [Floor Plan]

Where in the Library is the Academic Computing Lab...?

To reach the Academic Computing Lab, take the central stairway to the second floor, go right through the double doors, then left, and walk straight ahead. You will see the lab on the right. If you take the elevator, the lab will be on the left. [Floor Plan]

Where in the Library may I send and receive e-mail?

The Academic Computing Services Lab (ACS Lab), on the second floor of the Library, permits the use of computers for "non-research" purposes" (including email), before 10AM and after 2PM, during most of the academic year. There are also two computers available for email, in the first floor Reference area, but the other Internet computers in this area are designated for "research only." [Floor Plan]



Where may I check out or return books and periodicals...?

When you enter the Library, and pass the security gates inside the main entrance, the Circulation Counter is on your right. Signs on the counter indicate where you may check out and return books and periodicals. (Circulating books may be loaned for 21 days, but periodicals must be used in the Library only.) A current Nassau Community College identification card is required to borrow any Library materials. [FloorPlan]

Where is the Center for Students with Disabilities located (CSD Lab)?

The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD Lab) is located on the second floor, in a glass front office, in the Media area. Make a right through the double doors when you reach the second floor via the stairway, then make another right, and walk straight ahead. When you reach the public service desk in Media, the CSD Lab is directly behind it. [Floor Plan]

How may handicapped persons gain access to the lower level classrooms?

Handicapped access to the Library classrooms may best be seen on the floor plan of the lower level. There are two ways for the handicapped to reach these classrooms. First, handicapped parking (limited spaces available) leads to a ramp, and a side entrance. Look at the floor plan to navigate from there. Second, elevators provide access to the lower level. Please link to the floor plan of the lower level for directions from the elevators. [Floor Plan]

Where is the Instructional Design Office located?

The Instructional Design Office (L328) is located on the third floor on the left hand side of the building. When you reach the third floor via the central stairway, make a left, and then an immediate left. If you use the elevator, make a right, then an immediate left.

[Floor Plan]

Where is room L315 located?

Room L315 is located on the third floor. It is temporarily being used as a classroom. If you have a class scheduled to meet there, take the stairway to the third floor, make a right, then a left, and walk to the far right hand corner of the floor. If you take the elevator, make a left, then another left, and proceed as above. [Floor Plan]

CIRCULATION (Borrowing materials from the NCC Library)

How do I get a NCC Library card?

A valid NCC ID card is your library card and may be obtained at the Security Building (see Building X on NCC campus map).
You must present a copy of your paid bill and some form of picture identification. Make sure to put an updated sticker on your card each semester. There is no charge.

How long may I keep NCC Library materials and may I renew them?

Books are loaned for 21 days and media materials are loaned for 7 days. You may renew circulating print materials for 7 days. Media materials are not renewable.

May I borrow a magazine, journal, or newspaper from the NCC Library?

Yes, periodicals (magazines, journals, or newspapers) may be borrowed at the Circulation Counter and used only in the Library.

What happens if I lose a book or media item that I borrowed?

You will be responsible for the cost of the material, a $5.00 processing fee, and any fines.

What may I do if the circulating Library item that I need is already loaned?

A hold may be placed at the Circulation Counter on any item that is listed in NASCAT as “loaned”. As soon as the item is returned, you will be notified. Circulation Services will keep this item “on hold” for 7 days only.

Where is the Reserve Room, what does it contain, and how may I borrow these items?

Reserve Rooms (L102 & L103a) are located on the first floor and house the current textbooks used in all classes. In addition, any required readings that are put aside by your professor(s) are kept in the Reserve Room. These materials are loaned for two hours, and are not to leave the Library. Annual reports and college catalogs are also available in Reserve. Media materials that have been aside by your professor(s) and all College of the Air (COA) materials are kept in L103a. (A valid NCC ID card must be presented in order to borrow Reserve materials.)

How do I find out if the Library has a particular book (textbook) on reserve...?

From the main NASCAT menu, select “Reserve Library”. To view the record for a textbook, enter the three-letter and three-digit course code with no spaces (e.g. BIO101), then press the enter key. From the results list, select the appropriate title and enter the line number located next to that title. The call number will be highlighted in bold/brighter characters at the end of the record (e.g. QA76.6 Z12 1999). Many records in NASCAT extend over more than one screen, which requires that you press the “next screen” in order to find the call number. You may also search by the title of a textbook, using the Title search option. Copy the complete call number, before going to the Reserve Room. (A valid NCC ID card must be presented to borrow reserve materials.)   For further assistance, please consult a reference librarian.

How may a faculty member put materials on reserve...?

Each semester an information packet (including instructions for putting material on reserve) is sent to all faculty members. If you do not receive one, please call 572-7404.

May I borrow materials from other libraries with my NCC ID card?

You may use a valid NCC ID card at any other SUNY college library. In order to borrow materials from libraries not affiliated with SUNY, you may request a Research Loan Program card at the Reference Desk in the NCC Library, or from your local public library.

I am not affiliated with NCC. May I use the Library and/or borrow materials?

All members of the public may use the NCC Library, but borrowing privileges are limited to students, faculty, staff, and paid members of the Alumni Association, who present an alumni card. However, if you currently attend a SUNY institution you may borrow certain materials.

How much do photocopies cost and may I purchase a copy card?

Photocopies cost 10 cents per copy. We do not have copy cards.

Are there copies of old exams available in the Library?

Some professors put their old exams on reserve. To check if an exam is on reserve, please call 572-7404 or come to the Reserve Room.

REFERENCE

How do I find out if the Library owns a certain periodical...?

Please look at a copy of the Periodical Holdings List which lists the title of every periodical (magazine, journal, newspaper) owned by the Library. You may also view a list of Periodical Holdings from the Library's homepage Electronic Journal Holdings. Please consult a librarian about other options, if the required journal is not listed.

On which computers may I use research databases and the Internet?

All public access computers in the NCC Library, and on campus, have access to the online research databases and the Internet.

What is NASCAT and what is it used for?

NASCAT is the Library's Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC). It is a web-based catalog that allows users to search for books, non-print materials (videocassettes, audiocassettes, etc.), and periodicals (magazines, journals, or newspapers), in the Library’s collection.   Terminals dedicated to NASCAT are located on two round tables in front of the Reference desk. There is a link to NASCAT on the Library’s homepage, listed as “Library Catalog”.

Can I access the holdings of libraries other than the NCC Library?

To access other SUNY Libraries click the link on our Library's homepage for Other SUNY Library Catalogs.

How do I find an item in the Library once it has been located in NASCAT?

There is a highlighted call number (e.g. QA76.6 Z12 1999) at the end of every record for a book or media (audio-visual) item in NASCAT, designating the exact location of that item in the Library. Because many records extend over more than one screen, you may need to press the page down/next screen key until you reach the last screen. Copy the complete call number, then check the first letter which indicates the floor on which that book is found. All circulating materials (materials that may be taken out of the Library) are on the second and third floors. Make sure that the word “Available” appears after the call number in NASCAT before you look for it on the shelves. If you see either the designation “Reserve” or “Reference”, go to those areas to find the item.

How may I access the OPAC and the research databases from my home?

First, enter the address of the Nassau Community College homepage (www.ncc.edu) on your web browser, and click the Library link. This will connect you to the Library’s homepage, where a link to the "Library Catalog" appears. To connect to the online databases, click in the blue box labeled "Off Campus Access". You will see the instructions for entering the barcode from your NCC ID card. Because this barcode is your password, make sure that your ID card is valid, or access will be denied.

How do I submit a FAFSA form for financial aid electronically?

To file a financial aid form (FAFSA) electronically, go to http://fafsa.ed.gov. Make sure that you use a computer attached to a printer, in order to print the required signature page. It is advisable to download all work to a disk and save it periodically, in case of a problem.

What is the difference between a magazine and a scholarly journal?

A magazine is a publication that is intended for a general audience, containing articles written primarily by journalists, who are usually not subject experts. Two good examples would be Newsweek and Ladies Home Journal. A scholarly or learned journal is a publication that contains articles written by experts or researchers in various fields. Examples of scholarly journals would be Journal of Abnormal Psychology and Journal of American History.

What is Infotrac?

Infotrac is a group of online periodical databases, subscribed to by the Library, and made available through the Internet. An online database (index) allows users to search for references (citations) to magazine, journal and newspaper articles by subject (some include complete articles (full text)). Infotrac Onefile is one of the databases that provides references to magazine and newspaper articles (including full-text of a large percentage of the magazine articles). Evaluate an article before printing it. Reading the abstract (summary) is a convenient way to do this. Infotrac also includes a business database, a health database and an academic database (containing a mixture of scholarly journals and popular magazines). Infotrac may be searched from computers off-campus, if the student, faculty member or employee has Internet access and a valid NCC ID card. Please see a librarian for assistance with Infotrac, and to learn about other research databases offered by the Library.

How may I locate magazine and newspaper articles on my topic?

Infotrac is available on all Internet computers in the Library, and on campus. It contains online databases/indexes that enable users to search for periodical (magazine, journal, or newspaper) articles by topic, and to print the “full text” of many articles immediately. (Please see question “What is Infotrac?” for additional information.)   Infotrac may be searched off-campus, on Internet connected computers, by users with a valid NCC ID card. Print indexes, such as the Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature, list citations to articles, arranged alphabetically by topic, but contain no full-text. Print indexes may be found in the Index Room on the first floor of the Library. Check to see if the Library’s Periodical Holdings List (alphabetical listing of all NCC owned periodicals) may include the periodical titles cited in online and print indexes (including Infotrac).

Where in the Reference Area am I allowed to send and receive e-mail?

There are two computers in the Index Room on the first floor of the Library where you may do e-mail. All other Internet computers in the Reference Area are designated specifically for “research only”. The NCC Library urges all users to abide by these guidelines, in order for students to have computers available when they need to do research. If the two e-mail terminals are in use, you may wait or use the ACS Lab on the second floor of the Library. The ACS Lab permits student use of computers for “non-research” purposes (including e-mail), before 10 AM and after 2 PM during most of the academic year.

Where are the print indexes...?

Print indexes are annual multi-volume sets, found in the first floor Index Room (adjacent to Reference), that compile citations from articles in periodicals (magazines, journals, and newspapers). The Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature, used most frequently, indexes about 200 general interest periodicals. Each volume contains alphabetically arranged subject headings (topic headings), under which is found lists of citations (article title and author, periodical title, publication date, etc.) to specific articles, in which those topics are featured. Before copying any citation information on to a Periodical request form, find out if the Library owns the periodical title in that a citation, by checking the Library’s Periodical Holdings List. (See the question immediately following this one to find out more about this list.) Print indexes do not contain complete articles, only citations to the articles. (The New York Times Index, for example, is used to locate articles from that newspaper). For information about using online indexes, that contain actual articles (full-text), click on the question What is Infotrac? found in PERIODICALS” category.

Where is the Fashion File located, and what does it contain?

The Fashion File, located behind the Reference Desk, contains a series of folders with clippings from magazines as well a press kits, brochures, catalogs, etc. Many of these miscellaneous materials have information about specific designers or design companies. Other folders contain information about specific articles of fashion such as shoes, hats, jewelry, or a particular fashion style. The Fashion File is part of a larger fashion collection, which includes a number of excellent books on the history of fashion, fashion designers, etc. If you find books in NASCAT, listed as fashion collection items, please request them at the Reference Desk. A valid NCC ID card must be presented, in order to use the folders and books in this collection.

Where is the Long Island File and what does it contain?

The Long Island File, located behind the Reference Desk, contains a variety of articles (from local publications), studies, pamphlets, etc., that relate specifically to the Long Island region. Please check with a librarian to see if there is useful information on your topic in this file.

MEDIA   (Audio-visual materials)

What is Media?

Media is the area of the Library where all non-print materials are located.

What types of materials are available in Media?

Media has many types of non-print materials. These include videocassettes, 16mm films, audiocassettes, transparencies, slide kits with audiocassettes, books-on-tape, compact discs, filmstrips, and filmstrips with audiocassettes.

May media materials be borrowed?

Media materials are divided into two categories, those that circulate and those that do not. (Media provides equipment to view and listen to all formats of non-circulating materials.) Both categories are listed in NASCAT (online catalog) as part of Media. Non-circulating materials are designated as "special loan items", while circulating items are designated as "available". Students may borrow up to four items for a period of seven days using a valid NCC ID card.

How may I arrange to use media materials in my class?

Media materials may be used in the classroom by faculty to support their curriculum and by students to make classroom presentations. Faculty may either pick up materials directly from Media, or make arrangements with Audiovisual Services to pick up and deliver these items to their classrooms. Students must speak with their instructors to insure that proper procedures are followed when obtaining equipment for their projects. A media librarian may grant permission to borrow special loan reserve items for use in class on a case-by-case basis. Students must speak with a media librarian in advance to check on the availability of the material.

May I make purchase recommendations for media materials...?

Purchase recommendations may be made directly to a media librarian. Requests will be reviewed and evaluated. Call the Media Office (L201) at 572-7413 for information on the proper procedures and to obtain request forms.

Where is the Media Screening Room located...?

The Media Screening Room is no longer available.

Are College of the Air (COA) materials available in Media?

No, all College of the Air (COA) videocassettes, DVDs and audiocassettes are now available in the RESERVE ROOM (L103), and do not circulate. Items must be viewed in the RESERVE area. To rent College of the Air materials, or for additional information, please call the College of the Air Office at 572-7883.

PERIODICALS (Magazines, Journals, Newspapers)

Where may I check out and return periodicals?

When you enter the Library, and pass the security gates inside the main entrance (first floor), the Circulation Counter is on your right. Signs on the counter indicate where you may check out and return periodicals. A currently valid Nassau Community College ID is required to borrow periodicals, and they may be used in the Library only.

How may faculty or students recommend purchase of a subscription to a particular periodical?

If faculty or students would like to recommend that the Library purchase a particular periodical subscription, please state the title, publisher and reason for the recommendation and send it to the Acquisitions Unit or via inter-office mail to the Periodical Librarian.

LIBRARY SERVICES (Other than reference service)

What is the Research Loan Program?

The Research Loan Program enables a participating library (such as the NCC Library) to issue a special card that allows the user to borrow books from other participating libraries. For more information, speak with a reference librarian in the NCC Library.

Can computer floppy disks be purchased in the Library?

No, the Library does not sell floppy disks, but they may be purchased at the campus bookstore.

On which computers may I do word-processing, use a spreadsheet, or access any other application programs?

To type a paper or do any other computer-based application, you must use a computer in one of the public-access computer labs on campus. There is one on the second floor of the NCC Library as well as in the A cluster. You must present a valid NCC ID card in order to use these computer labs. [Floor Plan]

How may faculty or students recommend books for purchase?

Instructions to make purchase recommendations are conveniently located on the library's homepage. To access these instructions   click here

We welcome suggestions for improvements to our help file. Please feel free to direct your comments to the Committee

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Last Updated on: November 19, 2008