Page Contents:
Library Overview
Library Personnel
How to Find Print & Media Materials
Borrowing and Return Policies (Circulation)
Library Overview
The Fountainhead Library consists of both physical and online components. The physical library and the library staff work area are located in the alcove of the student lounge. The primary links in the left-hand navigation column are a general guide into the site. The front page specifically has Help link for effective use of the library catalog (to find books and media items). The Online Resources page also directs you to most of the other resources. Together with information below on this page, the Library Mastery index for finding explanations of topics that will help you learn to be effective in finding, using, and evaluating (for reliability/accuracy) information materials.
Library Personnel
Ms. Carol Bell
Reference (Assignment Research Assistance) and Instruction
M.S. Information (Library) Science
Email:
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Hours: Monday and Tuesday: evenings
Wednesday and Thursday: late mornings through afternoons
Cataloging and Instruction
M.S. Library Science
Email:
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Hours: Tuesdays, 2:30 - 5:00
How to Find Print and Media Materials
REQUEST. When using the physical library for ANY PURPOSE, please sign the log sheet that is on the door. "Make Your Mark at the Library" We are tracking library usage. Thanks!
The Library Catalog. The Fountainhead Library catalog can be searched from any computer. Use the catalog to determine whether we have:
- a specific item—by typing the title and selecting the title field,
- items on a topic—by typing one or a few words and selecting the subject field, or
- items written by a specific author—by typing the author's name and selecting the author field.
Using the catalog effectively. (See also Library Catalog Help, which explains in some detail how to actually use the catalog software.)
When you have found an item you want in the catalog,
write down the Call Number (CN), which is the location of the item on the shelves. The CN is in the Dewey Decimal (DD) numbering scheme (system). (See "Use Call Numbers to Find Items" below for DD help.
Use Call Numbers to Find Items. Materials in Fountainhead Library are shelved according to the Dewey Decimal numbering scheme (system). One essential thing to remember when reading these numbers is that they actually are decimal. The digits to the right of the decimal point indicate a fraction. Also, trailing zeros are dropped. Thus, for example, xxx.354 comes before xxx.4, the latter being equivalent to xxx.400. Click here for detailed information on how to read Dewey Decimal Call Numbers.
Because our physical library is small, it is sometimes feasible to find items in person by scanning the shelves. There are signs on the shelves, but knowing the Call Number and how to read these numbers is more effective, leading to better success.
Reference Items. Some items are not available for taking away from the library, because they should remain available for anyone to reference at any time. These items are located on the window wall, near the student lounge end. These items should only be used in the library and student lounge. Faculty may make additional arrangements.
E-Media. These are secured. Please ask the librarian to get the item for you. If the librarian is not on duty, make arrangements by email with Ms. Bell. (Email address is listed above.) Be sure to state specifically what you need, providing title, call number, and any other data (e.g., year published, edition number, publisher) needed to uniquely identify it.
Borrowing and Return (Circulation) Policies
Borrowing (check-outs) should be logged on the "Borrow/Return Log," which should be found near the entrance to the library. The log form has instructions at the top.
Note that this is NOT the same sheet as the library usage log. If all you are doing in the library is returing an an item, you will be logging that on the Borrow/Return Log. Please also mark the library usage sheet. "Make Your Mark."
Returns
1. Checkout periods: BOOKS should be returned within (three) 3 weeks. PERIODICALS (magazines, scholarly journals, newspapers, etc.) and ELECTRONIC MEDIA should be returned within 4 days. If a due date falls on a weekend or closed holiday, return the item the next day that Fountainhead is open. There is a calendar on the wall for checking dates.
2. Returns should be handed to a person, either a librarian or the receptionist on duty. If no one is present at either location, return the item the next open day, if possible. (There is no fine.)
3. Fill out a line on the Borrow/Return Log either in the library or with the receptionist, according to where the item is left.
One renewal is permitted and must also be noted on the Borrow/Return Log. Either find the original line from when the item was borrowed or write a new line. In both cases, circle the word "RENEW."
Fines. There are no fines at the Fountainhead Library. However, please remember that failure to check out and return borrowed items is theft. Fountainhead Library does not have security, and we still do circulation on the honor system. Sometimes in the past, items may have disappeared for long periods of time or not returned at all. If you have already borrowed items that you have not yet returned, please do return them: 100% amnesty is guaranteed. (Leaving items in a classroom is not the same as returning them to the library.)
Reserves are materials that a faculty member has set aside for use by the entire class. An individual student’s time with each resource item is limited so that all students can have time with it. If an item is being reserved, it will have a specified borrowing time limit.
Updated: 04/25/2012
