| Frequently Asked Questions | |
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Why do I need to know about the Library?
When is the Learning Center open?
What if I don’t know how to use the Library databases?
What if I can’t find the book I need?
What are reference books and how are they different from regular books?
What in the world is a periodical?
May I check out a magazine or a reference book?
Are the library staff friendly and helpful?
Why do I need to know about the Library?
Many of your courses will require research papers and the library is a wonderful place to start. The George I. Alden Library at Quinsigamond Community College offers services to the QCC students, faculty and staff both in the Harrington Learning Center and through remote access from any internet-connected computer. The library’s online catalog connects users with over 45,000 items located on the 3rd floor of the Learning Center as well as over 1.4 million items in the C/WMARS network available through an interlibrary delivery system. The QCC community also has access to a network of libraries throughout Massachusetts through the Massachusetts Virtual Catalog. And our library staff are used to helping college students find information related to their courses. A Reference Librarian is always on duty to help students use these resources successfully.
Even if you don’t have a formal research project yet, you will want to look at the professional journals in your future career. Just by skimming through a professional journal looking at the articles, advertisements and the letters to the editor, you can get a feeling for what your future colleagues think and worry about. That’s an important way to be sure that you are entering a field that stimulates your interest.
And don’t forget, we also have lots of magazines and newspapers to read as you relax during a break between classes. A variety of seating is available to accommodate a wide range of students’ study needs.
President Kurtinitis calls our Library the "beacon on the hill" because it is located on the top floor of the new Learning Center and the bright lights of the Alumni Reading Room shine all the way down West Boylston Street. The building is just downhill from the Athletic Center and across the street from Parking Lot #1.
When is the Learning Center open?
During Fall and Spring semesters:
During summer sessions:
Hours vary between semesters. We are open some holidays…call 508.854.4581 to check or click here. We may be closed during inclement weather. Call 508.854.4545 for closing updates.
Many people need a quiet place to concentrate and we appreciate your help in keeping the library quiet. If you think better with music, wear your headphones and come study in the Library. If you want to talk on the phone or visit with friends, check out the HLC Café on the first floor.
Yes, the circulating books may be checked out for three weeks with one renewal. Be sure you have your current validated QCC Student ID card so that we can turn it into a library card for you.
We have over 2,500 videos that are used to support QCC’s curriculum. There are TV/VCRs in the Individualized Learning Center that you can use for viewing. If you want to watch a video with classmates, check out a group study room key from the Information Desk. Be sure to mention that you need a room with a TV/VCR.
What if I don’t know how to use the Library databases? Ask the librarians. They are trained to use all of the electronic resources in the library. They know all the shortcuts and they love to show students how to find really helpful resources quickly.
What if I can’t find the book I need?
Ask the librarians. We belong to local, state, and national networks and, if we don’t have the book in this library, we can borrow it for you from another library.
When faculty want to have the whole class read some supplementary material for class, they put it “on reserve”. This material doesn’t leave the library but you can read it in the Library or make a photocopy (10 cents a page) to take home. You can look up your course by clicking here.
What are reference books and how are they different from regular books?
Reference books are the specialized dictionaries and encyclopedias for different disciplines, for example, the Dictionary of American Criminal Justice, the Dictionary of Computer Science Engineering, The Encyclopedia of African History and Culture, the Encyclopedia of Business, etc. You would use them to look up a topic you are learning about in order to become familiar with the vocabulary and basic concepts. Doing this before you go online to search reference and periodical databases really helps because then you know the technical terms and concepts used by the specialists in the field. A librarian can help you find the reference book you need…that is one of the reasons they are called reference librarians!
What in the world is a periodical? A periodical is any publication that comes out periodically (daily, weekly, monthly, annually) with the same title every time. Time, Ebony and Parents are examples of popular magazines. The Journal of Marriage and Family and American Journal of Nursing are examples of professional journals. The Boston Globe and Wall Street Journal are examples of newspapers. They are all periodicals.
May I check out a magazine or a reference book?
Magazines and reference books are intended for use in the library and are not checked out. Of course you can always make a copy of anything that interests you.
Are the library staff friendly and helpful?
You bet! Nothing makes us happier then helping you be successful! See you at the Alden Library!
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George I. Alden Library, Quinsigamond Community College, 670 West Boylston St., Worcester, MA 01606 (508) 854-4366 |
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