You will discover that the library is more than a collection of books or a place to study. Through its varied services, collections, and facilities, the library can play an active role in support of your academic information needs. Yes, the library does have books. The book collection includes both general and specialized titles in all areas of engineering, technology, and science, as well as in the humanities and social sciences. And when you have time, the library gets all of the books that are on the New York Times bestseller list. You'll find them just beyond the Circulation Desk on the main floor.
Besides books, though, the library collection includes subscriptions to over 1,300 current journals and magazines; local, national, and international newspapers; audio and video cassettes; musical scores and recordings; CD-ROM databases; computer software; WPI archival and historical materials; and project reports, theses, and dissertations by WPI students.
In addition to all of this, the library also provides access to hundreds of specialized databases, library catalogs, and other information resources via local computer networks and the Internet.
To help you get acquainted with Gordon Library and provide some basic information, several questions and answers are listed below. If your questions aren't answered here, or if you would like more information, please come to the Reference Department on the main floor of Gordon Library and talk with one of the Reference Librarians. Also, throughout the year, Gordon Library offers instruction and orientation sessions on library and Internet resources. Watch for announcements in Newspeak and in other campus media.
When is the library open?
From late August to early May, the library is open:
Sunday 12 Noon - 12 Midnight
Monday - Thursday 8 A.M. - 12 Midnight
Friday 8 A.M. - 11 P.M.
Saturday 8 A.M. - 9 P.M.
During term and semester breaks and holiday periods, library hours may vary from this schedule. Changes in the regular hours are posted at the main entrance as well as in various campus media. You can pick up a calendar of the library's scheduled hours for the current year in the Reference or Circulation Departments.
How do you find out what the library has?
Look up books and other materials in the library's online public access catalog. Search the catalog by the Names of authors or organizations; by Words that describe the subject or topic of a book; or Browse alphabetically by book Title. Use the catalog to find out the Call Number and Location of materials in the library and their Status (i.e., if items are checked out or not).
Where is the library catalog?
There are terminals located on the main floor, just to the right of the library entrance. These terminals are labeled either LIBRARY PROGRAM or C/W MARS. When you use the library program terminals, select menu letter a to access the library catalog.
The library catalog is available outside the library too via the library program on the campus computer network.
What is the library program?
The library program runs on the CCC Unix System computers on the campus network. Just log in to your account and type library. The program provides access to a number of library services and resources, including
** Gordon Library's Online Public Access Catalog and the Catalogs of Over 100 Libraries in Central and Western Massachusetts on the C/W MARS System.
** UnCover, A Database With References from 17,000 Journals and Magazines.
** FirstSearch, an online reference service with access to subject-specific databases containing references to books; journal, magazine, and newspaper articles; and more.
** Hundreds of Library Catalogs and Databases on the Internet.
** WPI IQP and MQP Report Catalog.
** Journals and Magazines in the Gordon Library.
** Gordon Library's World Wide Web Home Page.
How Do You Find Out Where Things Are Located?
One thing that you can do is ask at the Reference Desk or at the Circulation Desk, where a staff member can direct you to where you need to go. The library also has directories located on each floor at the elevator/stairwell entrance. On the main floor, the directories are opposite Circulation.
How Do You Check Out Books?
Bring your ID card and the books that you want to borrow to the Circulation Desk. Students can check out books for 4 weeks and can renew them unless the books have been requested by someone else.
Can You Check Out Periodicals?
No, periodicals must be used in the library only. There are 4 photocopiers in the library though, which you can use to copy articles from journals and magazines.
Where Do You Find Reserve Materials?
Faculty members put on reserve materials that they want the entire class to look at. This can include assigned readings, text books, and homework problems and solutions. Reserve materials are kept at the Circulation Desk and may be used in the library. You'll need to present your student ID at the Circulation Desk to use reserves.
How Can You Make Photocopies in the Library?
Two copiers are in Room 208, the room adjacent to the Circulation Desk; one is located on the First Floor; and another on the Ground Floor. The copiers are operated with copy cards, which may be purchased in Room 208. The first floor copier also takes coins.
Can You Check Out Books at Other Libraries?
WPI students can use their student ID cards to check out books from the libraries at Anna Maria College; Assumption College; Becker College; Clark University; College of the Holy Cross College; University of Massachusetts Medical School; and Worcester State College. Students also can utilize the services of Gordon Library's Interlibrary Loan Office to borrow from other libraries materials that Gordon Library does not own.
Where Can You Get Help in the Library?
Go to the Reference Department on the main floor if you have questions about using the library catalog or other resources, or if you need help finding information on a topic. For questions about checking out library materials, using reserve materials, or photocopying, please go to the Circulation Department, also on the main floor. You can call the library at campus extension 5410, and you can send e-mail to library-questions@wpi.