 |
  |
|
||||
      
|
|
|||||
|
Research Resources
Library Quick LinksVMR Quick Links |
|
frequently asked questionsHow can I find out which library owns a specific book (or journal) that isn't in the BGC Dec Arts Library?Check both the RLG and OCLC (Worldcat) union catalogs to determine
what libraries own the titles. Each union catalog allows you to search
the holdings of several libraries at once. Alternatively you may check the online catalogs of libraries in New
York City or elsewhere that are likely to hold the title. If the title is not available locally you can request that the library
borrow it via interlibrary loan (ILL) or, if it is within the scope
of our collection, suggest that the BGC Library purchase a copy. What is a union catalog?It is a vast bibliographic database that records the holdings of hundreds
of academic, public and research libraries. A single search in a union
catalog will reveal which libraries hold a specific title. A book is missing; I have the call number, but it isn't on the shelf and there is no sign-out card.First, double-check the book's LOCATION in DECOPAC. Locations at the BGC include
Locations of other Bard libraries - not accessible to the BGC community - include
(There is no inter-library lending between the BGC and Bard College) Next, confirm that the title's STATUS is "Check Shelves." If the status is different, ask a library staff member for assistance; it may be in a faculty member's office, at the bindery, etc. Next, check the reshelving carts on all 3 floors of the library for the book itself or for a sign-out card. Peruse the study areas of the library, from the 6th floor study room to the lower level of the library. Finally, give a copy of the DECOPAC record to Khadidja Fykes and the library staff will continue to search for the book. What should I do if a photocopier "eats" my money?Note details of how the money was lost (i.e. when adding money to the card, when ejecting the card, etc.), how much money was lost and the photocopier (i.e. 2nd floor, lower level color copier, etc.). Give this documentation to library staff as soon as possible and they will contact Technical Support. The photocopier (or printer) is out of paper (or toner); whom do I contact?Paper is stored next to the photocopier on the 2nd floor (and occasionally
in the cabinet below the copiers). Readers may replenish the paper themselves. Will the library purchase a book or PhD thesis that is central to my research?If the book or thesis falls within the library's collecting parameters the library will consider it for purchase. To request a title for purchase, fill out and submit a BGC Library Acquisition Request Form. If you do not have access to the online form, send the full bibliographic citation, along with a brief explanation of the book's importance for your research, to Heather Topcik at topcik@bgc.bard.edu. How do I request a book (or article) that is not held by a NYC library?The BGC will initiate an Interlibrary Loan (ILL) for books and journal
articles not held in NYC libraries. Check both the RLG and OCLC union
catalog to confirm this fact and also to verify each title's correct
bibliographic citation. Submit your request, using a full citation,
by completing an online ILL form or
by contacting the Library at reference@bgc.bard.edu. How can I have access to the resources of other New York City Libraries?Columbia University: Admission to the Columbia Libraries, including
the Avery Library for Art and Architecture, is gained with a METRO pass
(click here for more info on METRO passes). Once you receive a METRO
pass, you will need to go to the Library Information Office at Butler
Library to gain entry to a specific collection such as the Avery Library.
(Doctoral students at BGC will be issued personal photo ID cards for
admission to the Columbia Libraries, including the Avery Art & Architecture
Library.) I'm having trouble finding useful research material on my topic. Who should I contact if I need help using a database in the BGC library?If no one is at the Reference Desk on the 2nd floor, contact the Reader Services Librarian, on the 3rd floor or at reference@bgc.bard.edu. How can I get help searching in databases?
Am I able to access a BGC database from home?If you are an enrolled student or a current faculty member you should
be able to gain access by entering either your 9-digit student ID (on
the back of your ID card ) or the first four letters of your last name
and the last four digits of your social security number. The password
is library. How do I know if a journal is available electronically?First, you should determine whether a full-text version of the journal
is available by searching for the title in the
A-Z List of Periodicals that Bard College subscribes to. Otherwise,
it might be available in full-text databases such as JSTOR, Project
Muse, etc. Several older, out-of-copyright magazines and journals have been completely
photographed, digitized and are included on websites that are free.
Sites of particular interest to BGC include the Internet Library of
Early Journals, Making of America, and the Digital Library for the Decorative
Arts. I need help using my laptop in the Library. How do I make use of WiFi in the library?There are 10 jacks throughout the library with network connections.
In addition, WiFi is available throughout the building except in the
2nd floor reading room. The WiFi password is B18381838B. A library computer just crashed; whom do I notify?studenttechsupport@bgc.bard.edu Does the library have a scanner I can use?There are two flatbed scanners that may be used by BGC students to
scan paper, slides or negatives. One is in the VMR office, the other
is in the 6th floor study room. How do I print from the microform reader/scanner?The microform reader/scanner on the 2nd floor is connected to the adjacent PC. Individual screen shots can be scanned to the PC then printed out. (It may be necessary to restart the PC after turning on microform reader.) You may need to change the default positive/negative setting. Instructions are next to the machine. Where are the microfilms and microfiche stored?On the 3rd floor, in drawers near VMR. How can I arrange to read a RARE book or a BGC Masters Thesis?These special materials may be read only when a library staff member
is on duty. You will be asked to wash your hands in advance and to consult
the item in the 3rd floor alcove. No photocopying is allowed. How do I find a specific auction catalog-at the BGC or elsewhere?The BGC auction catalog collection covers decorative art sales only.
The library is gradually adding its holdings to
SCIPIO, a union-list that indicates where auction catalogs are held. May individuals not associated with the BGC use the library's resources?Qualified researchers may use the BGC library Monday through Friday by making an appointment 24 hours in advance with the Reader Services Librarian at 212-501-3035 or reference@bgc.bard.edu. I am a Bard student. What must I do to visit the BGC library?Bard students can make an appointment to use the library during the
hours that library staff members are on-duty. Contact the Reader Services
Librarian at 212-501-3035 or reference@bgc.bard.edu. How can I use a research library in another city?Because of BGC's membership in the Research Libraries Group, students
and faculty are generally granted access to RLG libraries across North
America. It is always wise, however, to contact the library in advance
in case the library requires an appointment or has restricted hours.
Be aware that written application might be required in order to consult
archival material. Why can't I get into one of the Eureka databases (RLG, BHA, Avery Index, Index to 19th c. American Art Periodicals, Archival Resources, SCIPIO)?The BGC library has only one simultaneous-user license for access to these databases so if someone else is logged on, you'll just have to wait until they finish searching. In light of this fact, please remember to "EXIT" every time you have finished using one of the Eureka databases as a courtesy to your fellow scholars (click "Exit" in the top-right of the screen). In fact, it is good practice to exit and/or logoff all online databases when finished. What do I do with a book that seems to be falling apart?Please give the book to a library staff member. If we are unable to mend it quickly in-house we will send it to our commercial binder for rebinding. Is it possible to retrieve a book or magazine that has been sent to the bindery?Books and periodicals are usually at the bindery for 4-6 weeks. To determine whether an item is retrievable or has physically left the building contact the Reader Services Librarian (reference@bgc.bard.edu) or Tom Tredway (tredway@bgc.bard.edu) Can the library arrange to have a second copy of my thesis professionally bound for my own use?No, but student can make arrangements directly with the BGC's binder, Ocker & Trapp (www.ockerandtrapp.com). Another professional bindery is Smith Shattuck in Princeton, NJ (www.thesisbookbinding.com) |
|
||
|
      |
| ||||
|
38 West 86th Street | New York, NY | 10024 | Phone: 212-501-3000 | ©Copyright 2005 The Bard Graduate Center | |
||||
|
||||||