Why should I suggest purchases by Alden Library?

What type of learning materials does Alden Library acquire?

How do I suggest purchases of print- or nonprint material?

How can I know what is available in my field?

How do I know the material is at an appropriate level for QCC’s students?

How do I know when material(s) have been received?

Why should I suggest purchases by Alden Library?

Given the breadth of courses taught at QCC, and the varied backgrounds of students, Alden Library can only fulfill its mission “to respond flexibly to the changing demands for [learning] materials in multiple formats” with close Faculty engagement in our collecting.

What type of learning materials does Alden Library acquire?

The brief answer is: anything that supports the curriculum of QCC, or extracurricular activities, such as career exploration or student clubs, sanctioned by the College.

The Collection Development Librarian can advise you on appropriateness based on experience acquiring from  hundreds of publishers. Call x2793 or e-mail mstevenson@qcc.mass.edu.

For more detail, see our Collection Development Policy.

How do I suggest purchases of print- or nonprint material?

Call or e-mail the Collection Development Librarian at the number and address above.  We will supply you with order cards - blue for books, yellow for nonprint items - that you may return to QCC Box 57.

How can I know what is available in my field?

Alden Library offers extensive sources of reviews in all QCC disciplines. Some examples are the periodicals Booklist, Choice, the Chronicle of Higher Education, Library Journal, the New York Times Book Review and The New York Review of Books, in print and online editions.

The QCC Community may also access online Book Index With Reviews.  No password is needed from QCC computers; Faculty need an Alden Library barcode to access Book Index With Reviews from off campus.

In addition, Alden Library’s Online Catalog offers many reviews of books held by us and by affiliated colleges such as Mount Wachusett Community College.

How do I know the material is at an appropriate level for QCC’s students?

Reviews normally indicate an interest or academic level, and the Collection Development Librarian can advise. 

How do I know when material(s) have been received?

The Library will send you an e-mail when the book or nonprint item is ready, and you may pick up and charge out your item at the Circulation Desk on the second floor of HLC.

George I. Alden Library, Quinsigamond Community College, 670 West Boylston St., Worcester, MA 01606 (508) 854-4366