Library Student FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions of ACC Students
Q. Is it OK to ask the librarians questions?
A. Absolutely. That is why we are here. (No, you are not “bothering” us! Answering question is what we like to do!)
Q. Can I bring food and drink into the library?
A. and no. Food and drink are not allowed near the computers. Otherwise, it’s OK as long as you don’t spill anything! Use common sense: greasy food like hamburgers, fries or pizza will disturb other patrons with their strong smells. Eat those outside the library.
Q. Where are the restrooms?
A. Restrooms are located in the hallway outside the library entrance and at the top of the stairs on the upper level.
Q. Where is everything else?
A. See the Library Virtual Tour.
Q. How many books can I borrow?
A. However many you’re going to bring back. You may borrow books for a month. There are no fines, but we can hold your grades if you don’t return materials. Borrow as many as you can keep track of!
Q. I don’t need a student ID, do I?
A. Yes, you do. You need one to borrow books and reserve material. Get one at the Student Services Office in the Student Center.
Q. Can we talk in the library?
A. Depends on where you are:
- You may talk quietly on the main floor, but try not to disturb others.
- Upstairs is the quiet study area. Keep talking to a minimum, please.
- Use a Group Study Room upstairs for group discussions. See the ACC Library Virtual Tour for details.
Q. How do I look up a book?
A. On the Library’s Web page, click Finding Books > Catalog. For more information, see the Library’s Finding Books page.
Q. Can I do research from home?
A. Yes. All of our reference and article databases are available to students from off-campus. You just need your student username and password. Click on this link and follow screen directions exactly. Call the library with questions.
Q. Do you have wireless?
A. Yes! We now have Wi-Fi connections in the Library. Bring in your laptop and search the Web from the comfort of a cozy library chair!
Q. How do I do research?
A. Check out our two interactive, narrated tutorials, Research Steps Tutorial and How to Search the Web Tutorial. Make sure your speakers are on!
Q. Where is reserve material?
A. At the Circulation Desk. It can be photocopied. Reserve material must be used in the library.
Q. How do I cite my sources?
A. librarian can guide you to the citation booklets written by the Center for Reading and Writing (CRW) and the citation style guide books. You can also visit the CRW, on the bottom floor of Dearlove Hall, for specific assistance.
Q. Can I rip a page out of a book or magazine?
A. Resist the temptation and just photocopy it, please. Library mateial is considered public property. Theft or destruction of library material is a criminal offense, punishable by jail time and fines. If you intentionally mark, write on or otherwise mutilate library materials, you will be responsible for any damage and face fines and be prosecuted under Section 264 of the New York State Education Law, or Section 145.00 (Criminal mischief in the fourth degree) Criminal Mischief, New York State Penal Law. There are additional federal laws against harming library material. It also violates that law to hide or try to take library materials.
Q. Why does the security alarm go off at the entrance?
A. Sometimes, used books from the bookstore or videos/DVDs from video stores will set off the alarms. The alarm otherwise ensures that only material that has been checked out leaves the library. The library reserves the right to inspect bags for materials if the alarm goes off.
Q. Can we borrow things from other area libraries?
A. Yes, through interlibrary loan. You may also get a Direct Access Program card through the Capital District Library Council. Ask a librarian for details.
Q. Can other people use the ACC Library?
A. Yes, community residents can get a Community Borrower Card at the Circulation Desk. They just need to show a photo ID with a local address.
Q. Why should I ask librarians for help?
A. We can save you a lot of time and effort by teaching you research strategies. To be a college librarian, the minimum requirement is a Masters in Library Science. Many librarians at ACC have additional degrees. We all have many years of experience and knowledge in helping our students become successful researchers! Come meet us.
Q. Do librarians specialize in certain subjects?
A. Each librarian knows how to find information on all topics. If needed, you can also set up a research appointment with the librarian who specializes in buying material in a specific subject area. Click here.
Q. I have more questions!
A. Stop by or call the ACC Library Reference Desk at (518) 743-2200 ext. 2462. We’ll be happy to answer them. Thanks!
Q. Any additional answers you’d like to see posted?
A. : Joyce Miller, Reference and Instruction Librarian, millerja@sunyacc.edu. Thanks!
Page created April 2006; updated Oct. 2008
