Click here to find out about job opportunities for students and others at the BC Library and beyond.

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Hours

What are the Library's hours?

See the full Library hours listing online or call (718) 951-5336 for further information.

What are the Library Café's hours?

The Library Café is open to current Brooklyn College students 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  For staffed hours and exceptional closings, see the Library Café's hours, send an email to LibraryCafe@brooklyn.cuny.edu, or call (718) 951-4672 for further information.

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Rooms in Library

Where are the classrooms in the Library?

Multimedia classrooms are room 383(PC) and room 384(Mac), located on the 3rd floor.  Faculty can book or reserve multimedia classrooms for occasional use throughout any semester.

The Woody Tanger Auditorium (room 150) is located on the 1st floor past the Reference desk. Faculty can book or reserve the WTA auditorium by contacting the New Media Center on the 2nd floor, via email to NewMedia@brooklyn.cuny.edu, or at (718) 951-5327.

The Faculty Training and Development Lab (room 382) is available for faculty use Monday-Friday.

How can I reserve a classroom?

Faculty and administrative staff can book or reserve a classroom online.

To schedule a Library instruction session, please contact the subject specialist librarian for your academic area.

Where are the group viewing/listening rooms?

Group viewing/listening rooms are located on the 2nd floor in the New Media Center. For more information, contact the New Media Center on the 2nd floor, via email to NewMedia@brooklyn.cuny.edu, or at (718) 951-5327.

How can I reserve a group viewing/listening room?

Faculty and administrative staff can book or reserve a group viewing/listening room online. Students should contact the New Media Center on the 2nd floor, via email to NewMedia@brooklyn.cuny.edu or call at (718) 951-5327 for more information.

Where are the group study rooms?

There are group study rooms on every floor of the Library. Rooms 035, 134, and 146 have adaptive equipment for people with disabilities.

How can I reserve a group study room?

There is a two-person minimum for group study rooms. You can reserve study rooms up to 24 hours in advance either by phone (718) 951-5335 or in person at the Circulation desk. You can use a study room for a two-hour period which can be extended during times of low demand. You are required to leave your college ID at the Circulation desk while using a study room.

Where are the reading rooms for quiet study?

In general, the whole Library is quiet (i.e., loud talking is discouraged and cell phones should be put on vibrate).  However, there are specific reading rooms dedicated to quiet study:

• Lily Pond Reading Room – 1st floor
• Reserve Reading Room – 1st floor
• LaGuardia Reading Room – 2nd floor
• Library Science Reading Room – 4th floor

Other especially quiet areas are the circular alcoves, located across the Library from the main staircase on the Lower Level, 1st floor, and 2nd floor, as well as the many study carrels, located on each floor.

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Where are the copy machines?

 Copy machines are located in the following areas: 

          Lower Level: by Current Periodicals, by Government Documents

          1st floor: near Special Collections, next to the Library classrooms, next to the Lily Pond Reading Room

          2nd floor: behind the look-up stations near the elevators

          3rd floor: behind the look-up stations near the elevators

How much do copies cost, and how do I pay for them?

Copies are 10 cents for each page. The copy machines take coins only. You can get change from a bill-changing machine on the Lower Level or at the Circulation desk on the 1st floor.

May I use my own paper or transparencies?

Not in the copy machines in the Library.

Students, faculty, and staff can use the fee-based services of the BC Copy Center, located in 0714 James Hall, (718) 677-6166.  The BC Copy Center has tranaparencies and colored paper.

There are nearby commercial services that may offer specialized copy services as well. The closest is Far Better Copy on Hillel Place.

What do I do if a copier is out of order?

Go to the nearest service desk to report a non-working copier and to find out where other copy machines are located. (Library staff are not qualified to service copy machines but will arrange for service calls). If you lose money, go to the Circulation desk (1st Floor) to receive a refund.

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Printing:

Where do I pick up my printouts?

Pick up printouts at the service desk on the floor of your workstation (on the 1st floor, this is the Circulation desk). Be sure to note the number of the workstation you are using, which can be found on the metal plate by the terminal.

How much do printouts cost, and how do I pay for them?

Printouts cost 10 cents per page. You pay for them when you pick them up from the staff person at the service desk on the floor of the workstation you are using.

Is there a color printer?

A color printer is located in the Library Café. Color copies are 25 cents per page.

How do I print from my laptop?

At this time, printing from laptops is not possible. You may save your work on a USB portable storage device or email it to yourself, and then use a Library workstation to print.

How do I print out an electronic book?

E-books available through services such as Ebrary, Netlibrary and the Humanities E-Books cannot be printed in their entirety owing to copyright restrictions.  However, you may be able to print a smaller number of pages, depending on the publisher's policy.  Please speak to a reference librarian for further assistance at the Reference desk, Library 1st floor, at (718) 951-5628, or via email to RefDesk@brooklyn.cuny.edu.  Or try our 24/7 chat service.

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Communication:

Where can I use a pay phone?

Unfortunately, all the public pay phones were removed by the telephone company because they were considered unprofitable. You may use a service desk telephone for a brief local call.

Where can I use a fax machine?

There is no public fax service in the Library.

The BC Copy Center, located in James Hall room 0714, offers fax service (NYC and Long Island only) during college business hours. Fees are $2.00/1st page and $1.25/each additional page for outgoing faxes; $1.00/page for incoming faxes.

Fax service is also available at local copying and printing businesses, including Far Better Copy on Hillel Place.

Where can I use a cell phone?

As a courtesy to other Library users, please restrict cell phone usage to the areas around elevators and the adjacent grand staircase, and the hallway behind the Reserve Reading Room.  

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Computing:

Where are the public computer labs in the Library and across campus?

Computer labs are located in the Lower Level Library Lab (L4).  L4 includes PCs, while the 2nd floor New Media Center and the Library Café offer both PCs and Macs. In addition to the Internet and online Library resources, they provide access to Microsoft Office applications and additional software packages. See additional information about computing in the Library or contact the New Media Center on the 2nd floor, via email to NewMedia@brooklyn.cuny.edu, or at (718) 951-5327, or the Library Café in Whitehead Hall, via email to LibraryCafe@brooklyn.cuny.edu, or at (718) 951-4672.

Also, public workstations (some of which provide access to Microsoft Office applications) are located in the Reference area  and the Reserve Reading Room on the 1st floor, and look-up computers (providing access to the online catalog only) are located on the Lower Level, 1st floor, 2nd floor, and the 3rd floor.

Faculty may use the Faculty Training and Development Lab (room 382), which contains PCs and Macs, or the Multimedia Classrooms, room 383 (PC) and room 384 (Mac).

Over 200 computers are available for use in the I.T.S. Public Computing Labs located on the 1st  floor of the West End Building (WEB).  For more information, see http://infotech.brooklyn.cuny.edu/labs/.

How can I get information on the availability of workstations in the computer labs on campus?

For a list of the public computer labs, including type of equipment and number of stations, along with up-to-the-minute information on computer use (including availability of stations and estimated wait time), see http://websql.brooklyn.cuny.edu/lab.

Do I need my college ID card to use the computers in the Library?

To use a computer on the Lower Level, 2nd floor, 3rd floor, and in the Library Café, give your ID card to the staff member at the corresponding service desk. ID cards are not required on the 1st floor.

During busy periods, you can use a workstation for 60 minutes at a time on the 2nd floor and 90 minutes at a time on the Lower Level. Priority is given to Brooklyn College students followed by CUNY students and others. You do not need an ID card to use the CUNY catalog look-up stations or the express machines on the Lower Level and 2nd floor.

How can I access Library information from my home computer?

To access all electronic resources from off campus you will need your Brooklyn College email ID and password to authenticate.  Students may obtain their BC email information from the Brooklyn College WebCentral Portal.  Faculty and staff may request email accounts from ITS.   You can read more about remote access on our Web site or contact the Reference desk, Library 1st floor, at (718) 951-5628, or via email to RefDesk@brooklyn.cuny.edu.  Or try our 24/7 chat service.  You may also wish to see a list of available databases.

Can I get my laptop on the network?

Yes, the Library has a wireless network for Brooklyn College affiliated laptop users.  

How do I set up my wireless?

Wireless access is available to Brooklyn College students, faculty, and staff. Instructions, locations, and information about Brooklyn College wireless hotspots are available online at http://bc-wifi.brooklyn.cuny.edu/.

Students can obtain technical assistance at the I.T.S. Public Computing Labs in the West End Building (WEB), (718) 951-4557. Faculty can receive technical assistance at the Faculty Training and Development Lab, (718) 951-4634.

Be sure to check wireless locations in the Library and around campus.

How can I get help with Blackboard?

Blackboard, the online course and course support tool, can be accessed through the CUNY Portal or the Blackboard Backdoor if you cannot remember your username or password. There is further information about Blackboard, for students and faculty, on the Library's Web site.

Faculty can activate their own Blackboard course sites. For additional help with Blackboard or the CUNY Portal, faculty should contact Carlos Cruz, Multimedia/Instructional Design Specialist at (718) 951-4667 or CarlosA@brooklyn.cuny.edu.

Students can get help with Blackboard by contacting ITS (Information Technology Services) at (718)-677-6180 Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm.

NOTE: Your current Blackboard / CUNY Portal username and email address are visible at the top of the CUNY Welcome page after you log in. WRITE it down. You will need your username to request a NEW password, which will be forwarding to the email listed.

Where can I get help if I have forgotten my password to the CUNY Portal, Brooklyn College WebCentral, or Blackboard?

You can get help with your passwords for your email and the CUNY Portal (for Blackboard) by calling ITS (Information Technology Services) at (718) 677-6180.

For students who DO NOT remember their username or password, try to access Blackboard directly through the Blackboard Backdoor where you can validate your CUNY affiliation and access Blackboard.
 

The BCWebCentral Portal is used for various online applications (e.g. those involving grades, courses, class schedules, financial aid, parking, college events). For help with your user ID and/or password, you may call (718) 951-5383 or check the Portal Quickstart Guide.

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Collections:

Where can I get reserve materials?

You can get reserve materials (excluding media) from the desk in the Reserve Reading room, which is located on the 1st floor, to the left of the Library's main entrance. Generally, materials on Reserve are lent for 2-hour periods and may only be used in the Library. Fines for reserve materials returned late are $1.20 per hour. Additional information about reserve collection policy, including how instructors can place items on reserve, is available on the Library's Web site.

You can get Reserve media items (e.g. audio and video recordings) at the New Media Center, located on the 2nd floor. These items must be used in the New Media Center, and there are no specific time limits on their use. For additional information contact the New Media Center on the 2nd floor, via email to NewMedia@brooklyn.cuny.edu, or at (718) 951-5327.

Where can I get E-Reserve materials?

E-reserve materials will be found in your Blackboard course site. 

Where are the print journals located?

Current print periodicals are located on the Lower Level, left as you exit the elevators or the grand staircase.  They are organized alphabetically by journal title. Newspapers are located on the left side of the room and are arranged according to title.

Older print journals (in bound volumes) are located on the Lower Level across from the elevators.  Journals from 1980 until the present time are shelved in the front section; pre-1980 periodicals are located in the back section. Bound periodicals are organized according to the Library of Congress Classification system (Get help with call numbers).  Search the catalog by journal title (not article title!) to see journal locations.

NB: The Library has research guides to help you with identifying articles and locating the full text.

How can I find e-journals?

To find out if the Library subscribes to an electronic journal check the E-Journals Finder. You can also identify journals that cover specific subject areas.

NB: The Library has research guides to help you with identifying articles and locating the full text.

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Research Questions:

Where can I ask a question?

You can ask a reference, reasearch or informational question at any service desk in the Library.  We will do our best to answer your questions or direct you to the appropriate service point.  Service points in the Library include:

Where can I get help with my research?

Speak to a librarian at the Reference desk, which is located on the 1st floor, past the Circulation desk, beyond the elevators.  You can also ask questions via telephone at (718) 951-5628, via email to RefDesk@brooklyn.cuny.edu or by using our 24/7 chat service.

How can I find out if the Library has a particular book, DVD, recording, etc.?

Check the Library's catalog to see if we own an item. You can search for Library items by keyword, title, author, subject, call number, or ISBN/ISSN number to determine if Brooklyn or another CUNY Library owns the item. The catalog will give the call number and location of the item and indicate whether the item is available for loan or whether it is already charged out to another person. A date and/or time listed under “Due Date” indicates that the item is charged out and is due on that date; “On shelf” indicates that the item is available for use.

NB: The Library has research guides to help you using the catalog.

How can I locate a particular book, DVD, recording, etc. that the Library owns?

The “Brooklyn – Holdings” page for each item indicates where it is located in the Library.  Locations are as follows:

For assistance in locating items, speak to a librarian or assistant at the Reference desk. To search for a missing item, contact the Circulation desk on the 1st floor, CircDesk@brooklyn.cuny.edu or (718) 951-5335.

How can I request that an item be held for me when it is returned?

You can request that items which are currently charged out be held for you when they are returned.  To place a hold, in the catalog click on the “Request” link next to the item's call number, enter your Library card barcode and password as requested, and follow the directions on the screen.

You will be notified when the item is available.  The item will be held at the Circulation desk on the 1st floor.

For additional help, contact the Circulation desk on the 1st floor, CircDesk@brooklyn.cuny.edu or (718) 951-5335.   

How can I order a book from another CUNY library?

Through CLICS (CUNY Libraries Inter-Campus Service) you can get books (but not any other type of item) delivered from another CUNY library in two to four business days. To request books from other CUNY libraries, in the catalog click the "request" link next to the call number of an available book, enter your Library card barcode and password as requested, and indicate the desired library for pick-up (most likely Brooklyn College Library). You can read more about CLICS or get additional help at the Circulation desk on the 1st floor, CircDesk@brooklyn.cuny.edu or at (718) 951-5335.  

How can I get material that is not owned by the Brooklyn College Library or other CUNY libraries?

The Interlibrary Loan service allows you to request a book that is not available from our library or any other CUNY library or to request a non-book item that is not available from Brooklyn College. Generally, items can be obtained within two weeks; they are picked up at the Circulation desk on the 1st floor. Loan periods vary because they are set by the lending library. Photocopies do not need to be returned. Check our Interlibrary Loan policies and procedures or get additional help at ILL (room 360), ILL@brooklyn.cuny.edu or (718) 951-4414.  

Please note: Although CLICS (CUNY) and ILL (non-CUNY) books are both picked up at the Circulation Desk, they are borrowed through two different services and are stored separately at the Circulation Desk.  Please specify which service you used when picking up or returning a book. Bringing a printout of the email notification might be helpful.  CLICS questions should be directed to the Circulation Desk; Interlibrary Loan (ILL) questions should be directed to ILL.

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Circulation:

Circulation services are detailed on the Library's Web site.  You may also contact the Circulation desk on the 1st floor, CircDesk@brooklyn.cuny.edu or (718) 951-5335.

For how long may I borrow a book?

Loan periods for books are 21 days for all CUNY students and staff, four months for Brooklyn College faculty (active and retired), and 42 days for other CUNY faculty. For other reader categories, see Circulation policies.  You may also contact the Circulation desk on the 1st floor, CircDesk@brooklyn.cuny.edu or (718) 951-5335.

Books are charged out at the Circulation desk on the 1st floor. EXCEPTIONS:  Music materials are checked out at the Music Library service desk, 2nd floor or at (718) 951-5844.  Media are charged out at the New Media Center on the 2nd floor, via email to NewMedia@brooklyn.cuny.edu(718) 951-5327.

Loan periods for Interlibrary Loan materials may vary because they are set by the lending library.

For how long can I borrow media?

The loan period for circulating media is 10 days. Loan periods for reserve media are usually 2 hours (for in-Library use only) or 3 days. Borrowing time limits are placed on materials to ensure that they are accessible to as many people as possible. Contact the New Media Center on the 2nd floor or at (718) 951-5327 for more information.

For how long may I borrow Reserve materials?

Generally, materials on reserve are lent out for two-hour periods and must be used in the Library.

How do I borrow Music materials?

Music materials must be borrowed and returned at the Music Library service desk, 2nd floor -- (718) 951-5844.

May I renew Library materials?

You may renew books (other than reference, reserve, interlibrary loan, and Music materials) in-person or online, as long as there are no restrictions on them (i.e. as long as the book has not been placed on hold, is not more than five weeks overdue, the renewal limit has not been reached, there is not a block on your Library record).  For more information contact the Circulation desk on the 1st floor, CircDesk@brooklyn.cuny.edu or (718) 951-5335.  Note: You are guaranteed only one loan period. If a hold is placed on an item after you renew it, you have 10 days to return the item or face a $1.00 per day (plus regular fines, up to $50) fine.

How much are fines?

Fines are 10 cents per day for each day late. Fines for overdue reserve books are $1.20 per hour. For more information, see Circulation policies.  You may also contact the Circulation desk on the 1st floor, CircDesk@brooklyn.cuny.edu or (718) 951-5335.

May someone else borrow an item for me?

Items are only charged out to students using their own ID cards; never lend your ID card to another person, since you are responsible for all usage made of the card.

Faculty may designate a "proxy borrower" - for information about this contact Circulation on the 1st floor, at CircDesk@brooklyn.cuny.edu or (718) 951-5335.

May I return materials to the Brooklyn College Library that were borrowed at another CUNY Library ?

Yes. Materials from a CUNY library that circulate for regular loan periods can be returned to any CUNY library. However, special loan items (e.g., reserve and interlibrary loan items) must be returned to the library from which they were borrowed.

Services to Persons with Disabilities:

Where can I get information on services to persons with disabilities?

The Brooklyn College Library serves all researchers and accomodates special needs whenever possible.  Please consult the Library's page on services to persons with disabilities for more information.

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Services for Faculty:

Where can I get information on specific Library services for faculty?

The Library offers a variety of services for faculty including information on Library resources, research methods, Library instruction services, Blackboard, creating effective research assignments, and plagiarism prevention. See our guide to faculty services for more information.

How can I put materials on Reserve or E-Reserve?

Detailed information about reserve services for faculty is available on the Library's Web site.  You can email Reserves at Reserves@brooklyn.cuny.edu.

Where is the Faculty Training and Development Lab?

The Faculty Training and Development Lab is located in room 382 on the Library's 3rd floor.  The Lab provides Brooklyn College faculty with a range of free services, including access to computer hardware and software, technology support and advice, drop-in individual consultation with knowledgeable and friendly staff, and small group workshop training in the effective use of digital technologies in the teaching and learning process.  Technical support staff is available to assist you with using any of the computer hardware and software in the Lab.  Please contact the Lab for further information at (718) 951-4634 or via email at AIT@brooklyn.cuny.edu.

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Miscellaneous:

Where is the lost and found?

The Circulation desk keeps personal items left in the Library for a limited time after which they are turned over to Office of Public Safety located in room 0202 Ingersol Hall, (718) 951-5511. Items found in the Reference area may be kept at the Reference desk.

Where can I use a typewriter?

Unfortunately, there are no typewriters available on campus for student use.

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Did we miss something?  Do you have a question not answered here?  Ask us!

Ask your question at any service desk or submit it to us via email to LibSuggest@brooklyn.cuny.edu