Getting Started.

Before you can request in item be delivered to the Alden Library form another library or before you can visit another Worcester area library we have an agreement with, you will need to register for an Alden Library barcode at the Circulation Desk in the Harrington Learning Center during regular business hours.  Students of classes that do not meet on campus should call the Circulation Desk for information on how to register for a barcode. 

What do I need to borrow items from the Alden Library and other libraries the Alden Library has lending agreements with?

All you need is a current, valid Alden Library barcode affixed to your QCC ID.  Some libraries also require an ARC card which must be obtained in person from the Alden Library Circulation Desk before borrowing items in person from the other library.

How long does it take for items to be delivered to the Alden Library?

Requesting items for delivery to the Alden Library takes processing and transit time.  If the item is in the local area it could be as quick as a few days.  If the item is across the country, it could take 1-2 weeks.  If the item is checked out to another person at the time you place your request, you will need to wait until the item is returned before it is processed and sent to the Alden Library for you. 

Visiting area libraries in person may be the quickest way to borrow an item.  Some libraries allow the general public to use materials in their library.  Some require an ARC card in addition to your QCC ID.  Check the area libraries page for specific details on what is needed to borrow from each area library in person.  The circulation rules and availability of materials for your use is dependent upon the other library's policies.  Please call ahead to confirm hours and availability.

What if I can't wait for delivery?

You may walk into many of our consortia partners in the local area to view and photocopy items you need.  Depending on the library, you may also be able to borrow items with your Alden Library barcode or an ARC card you obtain from the Alden Library Circulation Desk before you visit the other library.  You may need to obtain additional credentials from the Alden Library before you visit the other library in order to borrow materials.  Check the Area Libraries list to see what is required or ask the Alden Library.

You may also want to explore the online electronic resources offered by the Alden Library.  Online resources may be found in the Online Catalog and Online Databases.  These resources are available 24 hours a day from any internet connected computer with your Alden Library barcode.

Where should I begin searching? 

Start local then broaden out your searching until you locate a place you can go to in person or request delivery from to obtain the material you need.  Where you begins depends on what you are looking for. 

Books and physical media are best searched for in the Online Catalog.   The online catalog also contains journals listed by title and the range of specific paper issues the Alden Library owns.  There are also some electronic resources listed as well with the links to get to those resources.  Once you determine the Alden Library owns the item you wish to borrow, click on the title and note the call number, that will help you locate it on the shelf. 

Journal articles are best found through the Alden Library's Online Databases.  The Alden Library offers 40 online electronic resources including databases of journal article citations and full test journal articles, online reference books including encyclopedias, legal code and cases, and newspapers in full text.  The full text resources available through these databases is available to any QCC student, faculty or staff with a current, valid Alden Library barcode from any internet connected computer 24 hours a day.

What if the Alden Library does not own a physical item (book, non-print media, or journal article) I need?

Many public and academic libraries are members of the C/WMARS library consortium.  These libraries have agreed to share materials listed in the online catalog through the hold request feature.  Items requested are put into the regional delivery system.  They usually take a few days to arrive at the Alden Library if they are available on the shelf at the owning library, but it can take longer depending on a variety of factors. To determine where a physical item is located you may consult the C/WMARS Online Catalog.  If you locate an item you wish to borrow at another library in the Central Region of Massachusetts, you may click the button to request the item be sent to the Alden Library for you to borrow.  Library staff will contact you when the item arrives.   For requests to both the Central and Western regions of Massachusetts, you will need a valid Alden Library barcode.  If you do not, you may use the same system with your public library barcode for delivery at a public library.  Always be sure to use your Alden Library barcode when requesting items be delivered to QCC.  You may request that an item be delivered to your local public library, but you must use your public library C/WMARS barcode.

What if I cannot find an item I need at the Alden Library or in the Central Region of Massachusetts?

Items with in the Central Region of Massachusetts are close by and therefore you will have the quickest transit times in delivery.  You can also easily visit the library that owns the item you need.  You may further broaden you search to include in the Western Region of Massachusetts.   Because we are members of C/WMARS, simply clicking on the C/WMARS Union Catalog button will pass your search through to check both regions.  If an item is found, you may request it through the catalog as well.  You will need your barcode and additionally you will be asked for your region (Central) and name.   Items from the Western Region will be delivered to the Alden Library in the same way as those from the Central Region, but typically take a bit longer due to distance.

What if the item I need is not in the Central or Western Region of Massachusetts?

Library Consortia throughout Massachusetts are part of the Massachusetts Virtual Catalog.  A simplified search request sends your keyword, title or author to all the participating consortium's servers and allows you to place a request for items found.  You will need your Alden Library barcode to place a request.  These items are sent through the Massachusetts regional delivery systems to the Alden Library.  Because these items often must transfer between regions, it takes longer for items to reach the Alden Library.

What if the item I need is not in Massachusetts?

The Alden Library can request a loan of an item held by another library in the country through WorldCat.  Items loaned in this way are often sent to the Alden Library via the US postal service.  You may request any book you find in WorldCat through the ILL link.  You will need an Alden Library barcode to place a WorldCat request.  

If you are looking for specific journal articles always check Electronic Journals in Full Text by Title A-Z  for the title of the journal your article is in first.   You may discover the Alden Library subscribes to the online journal in full text.  If you do not find the full text online, you should use the Alden Library's Interlibrary Loan Request Form to request a copy.

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