Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQS)

General Questions | Gift Policy | Computer Labs | E-Books

General Questions

Q: What can I borrow from the MWCC Library?

A: The MWCC Library has books, videos, audiotapes, phonographs, and recreational paperbacks that may be borrowed by users with a valid MWCC Library registration (student ID, paper MWCC Library card, or C/WMARS public library card). Typically, items circulate for 28 days, and may be renewed once. Some materials may have restricted loan periods, dependent upon the need for these materials for course-related study. Reference materials and periodicals may not be checked out. The staff at the Circulation desk will indicate the particular loan period for each item checked out.

For more information on circulation policies, click here.

Q: How do I get a library card?

A: For MWCC students, your MWCC ID card is your library card. If you choose not to get a student ID, simply complete a Library registration form (during Orientation, or at the Library anytime), and Library staff will issue you a paper MWCC Library card. MWCC Faculty and Staff may also register with the Library and receive a valid Library card. Community users may use their current public Library card, if it has been issued by a
C/WMARS Library. Community users may also register with MWCC Library if they do not possess a valid public Library card.

Q: Is the Library open on weekends?

A: No, the library does not offer hours on the weekends at this particular point in time. To see our full schedule, please visit our library hours page, by clicking here.

Q: How do I learn to use the Library?

A: MWCC librarians are pleased to provide personalized instruction for all library patrons. Please feel free to contact the reference librarians if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment for an orientation. To reach a librarian please call us toll-free at 1-888-884-6922, email us (library@mwcc.mass.edu), chat with us online, (http://www.mwcc.edu/Html/Library/ask_librarian.html#Ask-A-LibrarianLIVE) , or speak with us in person. Reference librarians are always available when the library is open.

Q: Why can't I check out magazines?

A:Since the MWCC Library serves a large student population day and evening students, as well as faculty and staff, we ask that magazines stay in the library at all times. The library does provide two photocopying machines for patron use and the cost of a photocopy is .10 per page. Please keep in mind as well, that the majority of magazines we subscribe to in print for use in the library, are available online and full-text through the library's databases. To see which database contains a particular full-text magazine, please visit the Full Text Electronic Journal Holdings page, by clicking here.

Q: What's a copy card?

A: A copy card is a debit card that may be used instead of cash at either of the photocopy machines in the Library, and is required for printing from the computers in the open labs. The card is purchased for $1.00, and value is then added to the card, up to $20. Ask the Library staff for the location of the copy card machine and instructions on use.

Q: How can you access the library from home on our computer? What's the process that we have to go through to be able to gain access to these various resources?

A: You would access the Library from home through the Library's webpage: http://library.mwcc.edu. From the Library's webpage, you can access both the Library Catalog (to see what books the Library owns), and our Periodical Databases (to access full-text magazine and journal articles).

In order to use the databases, you need to click on the link to Databases, then choose the appropriate access - either on-campus or off-campus. If you are at your home computer (or any computer outside the Gardner or Leominster campuses) you'll need to choose the Off Campus link, then enter the last nine digits of your Library barcode. Your barcode is located on the back of either your student ID card, or you may have been issued a paper library card, which has a barcode. Once you log in with your barcode you have access to all the databases the library currently offers.

Q: What nursing periodicals does the library have?

A: If you have a specific title you are looking for, you have two options:

• To see what periodicals the library subscribes to in print, you should do a Journal Title search in the Library Catalog.
  
• To see what periodicals the library has online, full-text access to, use the Find-A-Journal feature, on the Library's webpage.

• If you just want to browse, to see what journals the Library subscribes to in print, there are navy blue binders on the Main floor of the Library, that have lists of the journals the Library carries, arranged by subject (including nursing). These lists are available online as well - click on the link to Print Periodicals available in the left-hand column on the Library's webpage.

Q: Is your library wired to any other libraries outside Gardner?

A: Yes. Because the Library is part of the C/WMARS consortium of libraries, you are able to not only check to see what other libraries own, through our online Library catalog, but you can also borrow materials from other libraries. There are two ways to borrow materials from other libraries:

• You can go to the other library and use your MWCC library card to check out books, or,
• You can request books be sent to MWCC for you, from other libraries. This will take, on average, 7-10 days, and is a service we offer at no charge to our students and staff.

Q: Does the library stock or carry books required in the nursing program?

A: Yes, we have quite a number of books in our nursing collection. On a regular basis, the Library purchases many new titles, working with nursing faculty to pick out only the most useful titles. To find out if the Library has a book on the topic you are interested in, use the library catalog to do a Keyword search. If you are looking for a specific book, use a Title search. If the Library doesn't own a title, and it is recommended by nursing faculty or used in a class, we will try to purchase a copy of the book.

Q: Do you have classes that teach you how to use the computers to access information?

A: Yes. Very often we offer library instruction classes in conjunction with classes taught by faculty. You may have already seen us in action with your English 101 class. We are also pleased to work with students one-on-one. Feel free to stop by the library and see us to set up an appointment. We'd be happy to work with your class as a whole as well.

Q: Are full text articles available for us to access from nursing databases online?

A: Yes. There are a number of databases that contain a high percentage of full-text articles. Several that we recommend would be HealthSource: Nursing/Academic, and Health Reference Center Academic. Just remember, in order to access databases online from home, you'll need your library barcode number handy.

Q: Do you do inter-loans between public libraries?

A: Yes, we are able to have books sent to you from other libraries. This is a free service we offer to our students and staff. Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time - InterLibrary Loans generally take 7-10 days to arrive.

Q: Can you access the newspaper via the library on the web?

A: Yes. There are several databases which provide full-text newspaper access:

• Lexis-Nexis - provides full-text coverage of all the major papers in the US and worldwide (including the New York Times, and Boston Globe).
• Newspaper Source - full text for 139 regional U.S. newspapers including the Christian Science Monitor and Los Angeles Times.
• We also have subscriptions to individual newspaper databases -
  • Boston Globe
  • Boston Herald
  • Worcester Telegram & Gazette
  • Springfield Union News

Q: If another university has better references, is there a way we can gain access to their resources through our databases?

A: No, sorry. Universities and colleges pay thousands of dollars for their subscriptions to databases, and per their license agreements, can't share their resources with other institutions. Usually however, you can go to the other university or college, and visit their library and use their databases from there.

Q: As far as the computers are concerned, if you want to work in groups, do you need to reserve a work station?

A: Currently, you can't reserve a computer in the Library's open computer labs. However, you would probably want to look into several other options:

• If you have a small group of 2-3 people, you should look into reserving one of our small study rooms on the lower level of the library. These rooms have computers in them, so they'd be perfect if you are working in a group. Please speak with any library staff to reserve a private room.
  
• If you have a group of 3-10 people we'd recommend checking out one of the Library's new, laptop computers and reserving the large study room on the lower level of the library. The laptop computer will allow you to work in any space in the library, and have access to both the Internet, and to Microsoft products such as Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Again, please speak with any library staff to reserve a private room and checkout a laptop.

Gift Policy FAQ

Q: May I donate used books to the library?

A: The library appreciates donations of new or used books and other materials. Every donated item will be evaluated by the library staff to determine its value to the library collection. It is the goal of the library to maintain quality and relevance in the collection, and support the Mt. Wachusett Community College curriculum.

Q: What types of materials does the library like to receive as gifts?

A: Ideally, the library likes to receive current titles in excellent condition. These include recent textbooks (less than 3 years old) with no extraneous marks (i.e. underlining, highlighting, etc.), current information technology titles, current fiction in good condition, and books and materials of local interest.

Q: Are there materials that the library does not want to receive?

A: The library does not want to receive items in poor condition (i.e. yellow pages, highlighted text, mildew damage or odor, etc.). Materials requiring special handling or control, or which require continuing obligations on the part of the library (ex. periodical subscriptions) will most likely not be added to the collection.

Q: Will the library assign a dollar value to the materials I donate?

A: Due to legal liabilities, we are not able to quote a dollar value for the items you give us, but at the time of the donation, you may request a receipt from the library enumerating the items you have donated.

Q: What happens to items the library decides not to add to the collection?

A: Not all donated material will be appropriate to add to the library collection. If the library does not add the donated items to the collection, the materials may be offered to other libraries or to patrons (for no fee).

Computer Labs

Q: Do you have computers for students to use? Can I print from those computers?

A: Located on the lower level of the Library are two open computer labs that may be used by students, faculty, staff, and community patrons. Each computer is equipped with Office Professional, Windows XP, course-related software applications, and Internet access. During extremely busy times, you may be asked to limit your time on the computer. Assistance is available Monday through Thursday from 8:30AM until 4:30PM, and Friday from 8:30AM-4PM. The computers are networked to printers (no color printer available) located on the Lower level and Main level of the library. A copy card is required to print from the computers in the open labs. The cost for printing is $.10 per page.

Q: Can I send a print job from my wireless laptop to the Library's printers?

A: Not at this time.

Q: Does the Library offer access to a scanner or zip drive?

A: Yes on both counts - in Open Computer Lab 1, on the lower level of the Library there is a flatbed scanner and a computer with a zip drive. For assistance in using either resource, please speak with the Library Lab Specialist, who is available during the day, from 8:30-4:30, Monday through Thursday, and Friday 8:30AM-4PM. If you are not familiar with either technology you may wish to set up an appointment, by contacting the lab at 978-630-9538.

Q: Is there someone available to help me get started with word processing?

A: Yes, there is lab assistance during the day from 8:30-4:30. If you anticipate needing extra help please make an appointment, via telephone - 978-630-9538. You may also wish to pick up our handout which provides a quick introduction to word processing. The guide is available downstairs in computer lab 1.

Q: Do you provide access to the Internet? Can I set up an email account? Can send pictures through the Internet?

A: Yes, all terminals in the labs have access to the Internet. Students taking classes will already have an MWCC email account set up upon registering for classes. Community users may wish to set up free email accounts through Hotmail. If a patron is interested in sending pictures through the Internet, a scanner is provided, and assistance is available during the day.

Q: Does the library have a cd burner?

A: Yes, the library offers access to an external CD burner. Please ask for it at the Circulation Desk.

Q: Does the college offer special software for students with disabilities?

A: Yes - the Adaptive Computer Lab is specially equipped to help students with disabilities. For information on this lab, contact the Library Lab Specialist at 978-630-9538. To check availability please see the lab calendar - http://www.mwcc.mass.edu:8000/adaptivelab

Q: Do students have access to the Language Lab during the college's intersessions?

A: Yes, whenever there are no classes scheduled, the Language Lab may be used. For access to the Lab, please see the Library Lab Specialist. To check the calendar to see if the Lab has been reserved already, please visit this page - http://www.mwcc.mass.edu:8000/languagelab

E-Books

Q: I forgot my password. How can I get it?

A: To obtain your password, you must provide the answer to your Security Question. This is the answer to a question you provided when you first set up your netLibrary account. Follow these steps to have your password sent to you via email:

1. Click Log In.
2. Click Forget user name or password?
3. Type your email address and click Submit. The email address you type should be the same one you provided to netLibrary when you opened or updated your account.
4. netLibrary displays a list of user names associated with your email address.
5. Click the appropriate user name. If you have only one account, click that user name.
6. Type the answer to your security question and click Submit.
   You will receive your password via email within a few minutes.
   Note: You must type the answer exactly as you first entered it when you set up your account. If there are any misspellings or variations in spelling, the system will reject your answer.

Q: Can I read eBooks on my PDA or RocketBook?

A: The text-based nature of most PDAs does not support much of the feature-rich content which netLibrary delivers to customers. While we are working closely with PDA manufacturers to develop a solution for users of eBooks, we ultimately require further evolution in the capacity of handheld devices to support the content netLibrary customers desire. At this time, therefore, we cannot provide any detailed timeframe within which we will enable access to eBooks on PDAs.

Q: What does "There are no copies available for checkout" mean?

A: The "There are no copies available for checkout" message appears when all copies of an eBook are in use by another user. We do not currently offer a queuing system that will notify you when the eBook becomes available. You may recommend that your library purchase additional copies of eBooks that are frequently in use by other members.

Q: Why am I logged out of my eBook while I am reading it online?

A: The netLibrary site allows books to be viewed in 15 minute increments. If you are actively using the eBook during the first 15 minutes, you will be allowed to view the eBook for another 15 minutes. You will retain access to the eBook as long as you continue to actively use the eBook (turn a page, perform a full text search, etc.). The eBook will reshelve itself if you leave it idle for more than 15 minutes. We recommend that you turn a page in your eBook every few minutes so that the site recognizes you are still using the eBook and does not reshelve it. Library patrons and staff are not able to change the site session time to last longer than 15 minutes.

Q: How much does a netLibrary account cost?

A: A netLibrary account is absolutely free to register and use. You will not encounter any membership/annual fees, maintenance costs, or hidden charges with your netLibrary account. Since we do not collect credit card information upon registration or elsewhere on the site, we cannot charge you for our service.

Q: I changed my email address. How can I update my account information?

A: To change your email address or any other account information, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your account.
2. Click the Edit Account button on the navigation bar on the home page. The Edit Account page is displayed.
3. Edit your information and click update on the bottm of the page. Note: the Answer field will not display any information, even though it is still sotred in the netLibrary system.
   The Account Update page is displayed, with your edited information. Reivew the information for accuracy. If hte information is not correct, repeat Steps 2 and 3 and enter the correct information.

Q: What are the differences between Browsing an eBook and Checking Out an eBook?

A: Your library will offer one or more of the following options:

Browse this eBook Online takes you directly into the eBook. However access is limited to approximately short reading increments. After approximately 15 minutes, the eBook may be requested by another library patron.

Check Out and Read Online takes you directly into the eBook online. This option gives you exclusive access to a copyrighted eBook for a specified amount of time (depending on your library's configuration), using the netLibrary Online eBook Reader.
Note: If all of the copies of an eBook owned by your library are being used, you will be notified that there are currently no copies of the book available.

Q: How do I enable cookies on my browser?
A: You can refuse cookies by turning them off in your browser; however, a significant portion of the netLibrary site will not operate properly unless your computer accepts all cookies. In order for you to enable cookies on your computer, follow these steps:

If you are using MS Internet Explorer 5.X:

1. Click Tools on the menu bar.
2. Under Tools, select Internet Options.
3. Under Internet Options, click the Security tab.
4. Select the Internet icon web content zone.
5. Click Custom Level at the bottom of the dialogue box.
6. Scroll down to the Cookies section.
7. Make sure both the Allow cookies and the Allow per-session cookie buttons are set to Enable.
8. Click OK.

If you are using Netscape Navigator 4.X:

1. Click Edit on the menu bar.
2. Under Edit, select Preferences.
3. Click Advanced in the list on the left.
4. Go to the Cookies section in the right dialogue box.
5. Select Accept all cookies.
6. Click OK.
7. Once you enable cookies, you must reset the browser connection to the netLibrary server. To do this, close your browser and then reopen it. Retype the URL address, www.netlibrary.com in the address field. This will eliminate the risk of error messages due to any previous cookie problems.

Q: How can I change my User ID name?

A: Once an account is established with a User ID name it cannot be changed. If you want to use a different User ID name, you must set up a new account.

Q: Can I read the same eBook on different computers (e.g., my home PC and a laptop)?

A: Yes, you can read the same eBook on one computer, close it, and reopen it on another computer. Close the eBook and Log out. Then log in on a different computer and reopen your eBook from your eBookshelf.

Q: Can I access eBooks from Home?

A: Yes, simply type www.netLibrary.com and then enter your user name and password (the netLibrary account information that you created inside your library) at the netLibrary homepage. Once you are logged into your netLibrary account you will have full access to your library's eBook collection at home.

Q: I get a "Page can't be found" message. How do I resolve this problem?

A: The browser cache holds the content of all the pages you have visited during previous sessions; therefore, it can get full quickly. When this happens, this message may be displayed. To clear your browser cache follow these steps:

If you are using MS Internet Explorer 5.X:

1. Open your browser.
2. From the menu bar, click Tools and go to Internet Options.
3. In the Internet Options window, click the General tab.
4. In the General section, click the Delete Files button in the middle of the box, under the heading Temporary Internet Files.
5. Check the Delete all offline content option.
6. Click OK twice, once in each box.

If you are using Netscape Navigator 4.X:

1. Open your browser.
2. From the menu bar, click Edit and go to Preferences.
3. In the Preferences window, a white box with a heading named category is displayed.
4. Locate the word Advanced at the bottom of the box.
5. Click the plus (+) sign to the left of the word Advanced to expand the hierarchy. Three options, Cache, Proxies and Smart Update, are displayed.
6. Click Cache.
7. Click the Clear Disk Cache and Clear Memory Cache options.
8. Click OK.

Q: How long can I read an eBook?

A: In the netLibrary system, individual libraries are able to set their own checkout times, therefore depending on your library's individual set-up you may have access for as little as 15 minutes or as long as several weeks. You have access to an eBook as long as you are actively using it, if your library has set an access time, you will be informed of that time when borrowing the eBook. To learn more about your individual library's access times please contact your librarian.

Q: What computer platforms are supported?

A: The netLibrary site and Online eBook Reader support the following platforms:

Operating Systems:

Microsoft Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000
Mac OS 8.6/9.x Browsers:
Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 and above
Netscape 4.76 and above Reader plug-ins:
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.05 and 5.x
DjVu 3.2

Q: What is an eBook?

A: The term eBook applies to published materials, such as reference books, scholarly monographs and consumer books that have been converted into digital format for electronic distribution. netLibrary eBooks offer patrons many benefits not available with traditional books. eBooks are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week-from any location in the world. Robust search technology facilitates finding both books and specific information within books.
Additional features, such as a dictionary, bookmarking, and being able to open multiple books at one time, further increase their usefulness.

Q: How do users check eBooks in and out?

A: After locating an eBook online, end users have the option of viewing or borrowing the eBook. By borrowing an eBook, users will have exclusive access to the book during the check-out period.
eBooks are automatically checked back in to the netLibrary collection when the check-out period expires.

Q: Can more than one person at a time check out the same book?

A: netLibrary's digital rights management system is designed to support copyright laws resulting in a model that allows only one person to use one eBook at a time. If a library or organization has
purchased 10 copies of one title, then 10 people at a time may view that title. Alternative access models that meet both library demands and publisher needs are being explored.

Q: What happens if an eBook is not available?

A: When an eBook is checked out, the netLibrary system displays a message indicating that the eBook is not available.

Q: Can I print a hardcopy version of an eBook or pages from an eBook?

A: Users can copy or print single pages, just as people can photocopy single pages of a printed book. netLibrary, however, has developed mechanisms for limiting the copying and printing of
eBooks from the Internet. If a user is rapidly viewing multiple pages of an eBook-a pattern that indicates the possibility of page-by-page printing-netLibrary will display a copyright notice and instruct the user to discontinue his or her actions. If the pattern continues, the account becomes disabled for a period of time and the event is logged for tracking purposes.

Q: What kinds of eBooks are available?

netLibrary provides a wide range of scholarly, reference, professional and general interest titles from many of the world's leading commercial publishers and university presses. netLibrary also has made a large number of public domain titles
available.

For more information, go to the netLibrary web
site http://www.netlibrary.com.

This page is maintained by the MWCC Library.
This page was last updated 10/3/08