Library FAQ
Getting Materials from other Libraries (ILL)
Using Library Resources from Off-Campus
A. To find books, search the Library’s online catalog, NC-PALS Catalog. Books are located throughout the library and are arranged according to Library of Congress System of Classification. Please consult the floor guide for further information.
To find Audio-Visual Materials (VHS, DVDs, CDs), search the Library’s online catalog, NC-PALS Catalog. All videos and CDs are located on the Lower Level and are arranged according to Library of Congress System of Classification.
To find Articles please use the Library’s Databases, Online Resources. These are available in an alphabetical list or by subject. If you are unsure of which database to choose, browse by subject. These databases will provide you with indexes or lists of articles that are appropriate for your topic. Some may even offer full-text coverage of the needed articles. However, if you can not access the full-text version of the article, check Journal Finder to see if the library has access to the journal. If not, you can always make an Interlibrary Loan (ILL) request for the item.
To find Periodicals (journals, magazines, newspapers) please use Journal Finder. This resource is essentially a catalog of periodicals. It allows you to search by title so you need to know the name of the item you need. Your search results will display if the library has access to a particular title in print, online or via Interlibrary Loan. Guilford’s Current periodicals are shelved in the Carnegie Room on the main floor and back files are shelved on the Lower Level.
To find e-Books, please use Go to Databases (Alphabetical), choose N and select Netlibrary,
Location of materials by Floor
Floor |
Materials |
Main |
JL-DN Reference materials Quaker materials (FHC) Current Periodicals (Carnegie Room) Note: Please ask for CD-ROMS and audio tapes at the Circulation Desk. |
Second |
A-JK, TLC materials (TLC) |
Lower Level |
PQ-Z, Juvenile, oversized books (ff), microfiche, periodicals, newspapers, audio CDs, videos, and CMC materials. |
Q. Where is the Microfilm/Microfiche?
A. Microfilm reels are located on the lower level in cabinets with drawers, facing the elevator. Microfiche is in one of the cabinets behind the ones most easily seen. It is not as wide as the ones for microfilm.
Q. Can I print from the microform readers?
A. Yes. There is a printer just to the right of the microform reader near the microfilm cabinets. A fob is needed to activate printing. Microfilm/Microfiche Reader Instructions
Q. The item I need is listed as available in the library catalog but I can’t find it on the shelf. What can I do?
A. Please ask at the Circulation Desk. Sometimes items have been returned and are not yet re-shelved. You can also check the re-shelving shelves or red shelves located in each section.
Q. The book I need has a T.L.C. at the beginning of the call number. Where do I find it?
A. This means that this particular book is located in The Learning Commons on the Second floor of the library. You may check materials out just as you can with main collection items.
Q. How do I find materials that my instructors have placed on reserve for my classes?
A. You can search for items placed on reserve by using the My Account feature on the NC-PALS Catalog. Simply login to your account and click on Reserve Room. From there you can browse by instructor, course id, or course name. You can then check out these materials from the circulation desk for a limited amount of time.
Q. Where is the Carnegie Room?
A. Go through the main entrance of the library, turn right and go through the double doors. The Carnegie Room is the large room on the right.
Q. Where is the Betty Place or Digital Classroom?
A. Go to the lower level. Take a slight right from the elevator onto the ramp. The classroom is located immediately to the right at the top of the ramp.
Q. Where is the Art Gallery?
A. The Art Gallery is located on the main floor of the library. When you enter the library, proceed straight ahead and it is the first door on your right after the display cabinets and before you reach the Information/Reference Desk.
Q. Where is The Learning Commons or TLC?
A. The Learning Commons is located on the second floor of the library.
Q. Where are the phones?
A. The public access phones are located on each floor behind the elevator and between the bathrooms.
Q. Where are the drink machines? Where can I eat and drink in the library?
A. The hallway at the bottom of the stairway nearest the Carnegie Room will lead you to the student lounge.
Check out the Food and Drink Policy for more information.
Q. How do I get to the basement?
A. You must provide written authorization from your department at the circulation desk. We will give you a key for the elevator to the basement, but you must sign the appropriate form and give us your ID card to hold. Do not add materials to the basement without first contacting Carol Cothern at x2252 or Gwen Erickson at x2264. All materials should be placed on pallets (available in the basement) in designated areas with written notification attached noting who put them there, the department, and when they are to be removed (and by whom).
Q. Where is the Friends Historical Collection?
A. The Friends Historical Collection (FHC) is located as soon as you come in the front doors to the right.
Q. Where is the Curriculum Materials Center or CMC?
A. Virtual Tour: Curriculum Materials Center (CMC)
Printing, Faxing and Photocopying
Q. Can I use the printers or photo copy machines at the library?
A. Yes. Printers and copiers are located throughout the library. Virtual Tour: Printing, Fax, and Photocopying Services
Q. If I don’t have my fob, how can I make copies?
A. Use the library fob, which costs 5 cents per page. Students may charge copies to their library accounts. Please ask at the Circulation Desk.
Q. Where is my print job?
A. There are 4 combination printer/copiers and 2 printers in the library. Please make sure you send your job to the appropriate printer! You need to add the library printers to your profile- otherwise your print job will go to the last place you printed. Please look at the list carefully! This will save you money and helps save paper!
Main Floor
Library-Infovillage-2045 (main level next to the Macintosh computerand guest terminals at Information/Reference Services)
Library-Infovillage-8100 only a printer (located in InfoVillage)
Library-Reference-8100 only a printer (located near indexes & tables, facing Friendly Avenue)
Library-CircDesk-2035 (main level in room adjacent to Circulation/Access Services)
Lower Level
Library-LowerLevel- 2022 on gutenberg (located near the microform file drawers)
Second Floor
Library-LC-2022 (second floor in the The Learning Commons)
Q. How do I add a printer to my profile?
A. Please consult the directions available on the IT&S webpage for Using Printers and Copiers.
If you still are having any problems, please contact the IT&S help desk at x2525
Q. Can I fax at the library?
A. Yes, please look at Virtual Tour: Printing, Faxing, and Photocopying Services
Q. How do I borrow something from the Library? Once I check something out, how long can I keep it for?
A. Please bring your student ID card and the item you wish to check out to the Circulation Desk. The checkout period depends upon the type of item you wish to check out, Hege Library Patron Policies.
Q. If I don’t have my card, can I still check out materials?
A. Yes, just provide your last name or G number. The exception to this rule is laptops. Laptops may ONLY be checked out with a valid Guilford ID.
Q. Can I borrow materials from other libraries in the area?
A. Guilford currently shares its catalog with three other college libraries. This includes Bennett, Greensboro and Salem colleges. To check an item out from one of these institutions, simply bring your Guilford ID card. You may also request items from these three libraries using the My Account feature on the NC-PALS Catalog. You will be notified once your materials arrive.
You can also borrow materials from Greensboro Public Library, UNCG and NC A&T University. You will need a special form to borrow materials from A&T. Please ask for this form at the Circulation Desk. For more information, please see Other Library Catalogs.
Getting Materials from other Libraries (ILL)
Guilford is part of the NC-PALS Library Consortium. The other members of this group include Bennett College, Greensboro College, and Salem College. Guilford students may borrow books, videos, DVDs and other materials from these schools. Please note that Reference materials, rare items and other items which are to be used in the library only are not available via ILL. For more information, please see Hege Library Patron Policies.
Q. How do I request books from another library?
A. From the Guilford College webpage, click on Hege Library at the top right. Next click on NC-PALS Catalog. Locate the book within the consortium, select Place Request (above book title), type in either your user ID (229 number) or alternate ID (G number) and then your password (initially “changeme”).
If you can’t locate the book within the PALS catalog, fill out an Interlibrary Loan Request Form. Under Hege Library page on Guilford College website select inter-library loan form under access services. Fill out any information you have about the book and submit it. Alternatively, compete a yellow ILL slip and give it to the Access Services Assistant.
Q. How do I use the Library Catalog?
A. From the Guilford College webpage, click on Hege Library at the top right. Next click on NC-PALS Catalog. For more specific instruction, please see the Gateway to Library Research Tutorial.
Q. What is Journal Finder? How do I use it?
A. Journal Finder is a product that allows you to search the Library’s collection of periodicals. You can search by title and see if the library has access to a particular journal in print, online or via Interlibrary Loan. You can access Journal Finder on the Library’s webpage.
Databases are available by either Databases (Alphabetical) or by Databases (Subject). If you are unsure of which database to choose, browse by subject. Databases will provide you with indexes or lists of articles that are appropriate for your topic. Some may even offer full-text coverage of the needed articles. However, if you can not access the full-text version of the article, check Journal Finder to see if the library has access to the journal. If Guilford does not have access, you can always request the item via Interlibrary Loan (ILL).
Q. The article I need to view has PPV listed next to it. What does this mean?
A. This means that the library provides access to the article on a pay-per-view basis. The library is charged approximately $20-$100 each time someone accesses the article. Please be conscious of this when you search for materials.
Using Library Resources from Off-Campus
Q. Can I access the Library Catalog and Databases from off-campus?
A. Yes. You will simply be asked for your username and password which is the same as what you use to login to computers on campus. If you have trouble accessing any online resources, please contact IT&S as your password may have expired.
Q. How do I login to My Account?
A. On the library’s website, click on NC-PALS Catalog. The link to My Account is located above the search box. Click on the link to My Account. You will then be asked for your UserID, alternate ID and password. You only need to enter one ID number. Your userID number is your library account number which is listed on your id card. It is the number that begins with 22931. Your alternate ID number is your G number. (Note: Please be sure to include the G when you enter this number or it will not accept it). The first time that you login to My Account, you will use “changeme” as your password. After the first login, you can customize your password.
Q. Do I have any fines?
A. Check with a circulation worker who can access your profile. You may also view this information using My Account on the NC-PALS Catalog page.
Q. Do I have to renew books in person?
A. No, you can renew over the phone or online using the My Account feature through the NC-PALS Catalog.
Q. Why am I barred?
A. You have more than 5 items overdue, or you owe more than $10 in bills or fines.
Note: There may be an error in the automated system, Circulation staff can correct for you (e.g. privileges expired).
Q. How do I put items on reserve for my courses?
A. Bring the item to the Circulation Desk and fill out a Reserve Form. You may also access this form online and bring it with you to the desk. It may take up to 48 hours to process the item to make it available for student check out.
Q. How do I schedule a library instruction class?
A. Contact Evangela Oates, Information Literacy Coordinator at x2340, oateseq@guilford.edu
Q. Does the library have subject guides available that I can refer my students to?
A. Subject Guides are available under Online Resources.
Q. How do I order materials for the library?
Q. How do I check out a viewing room?
A. When you ask to use a viewing room at the circulation desk, we will take your college ID card (no exceptions!) and give you a notebook to write your name and the date in. You are responsible for leaving the viewing room in good order before you return the key.
Q. Are there rooms available to use to show a video to my class?
A. Currently the library has one large screening room available. This room is located across from the Betty Place Digital Classroom. It can comfortably seat about 25 students. This room has both a DVD player and VCR. The VCR can play multi-national VHS tapes. Please inquire at the Circulation Desk to reserve this room.
Q. I need a multi-national DVD player to show a film for my class. How do I locate one?
A. Currently the library does not have its own multi-national DVD player. You may request one from IT&S. The library does have a multi-national VHS player available for use in the Screening Room.
Q. How do I check out a viewing room?
A. When you ask to use a viewing room at the circulation desk, we will take your student ID card (no exceptions!) and give you a notebook to write your name and the date in. You are responsible for leaving the viewing room in good order before you return the key.
Q. How do I reserve the Conference Room/ Digital Classroom/ Study Rooms?
A. Talk to a circulation librarian to see if the schedule is clear.
Q. Can non-members of the Guilford Community check out books?
A. Hege Library Patron Policies
Q. Can Non-Guilford Community Members use computers at the library?
A. Yes. Public access computers are located on every floor with access to the internet but they do not offer word processing, printing capabilities, or other desktop programs to non-members. Computers that require a log-on name and password are not available to the public.
Q. Where can I park when I want to use the library?
A. There are several parking spots designated for visitors in the lot in front of the library. There is additional parking available by the Athletic Center. Check out the Campus Map for more information.
Q. How do I donate items to the library?
A. Please refer to section VII of the library’s Collection Management Policy for further information. For donating, please check out the Donation Form.
Q. How do I order materials for the library?
A. Guilford College faculty, staff and students may submit order requests for books, audio visual materials and journals to the library. Each type of material requires a unique form.
To order Books, submit order cards either in paper or online preferably to the liaison for the appropriate department, online Order Form. Please contact Carol Cothern, Library Associate for Acquisitions, for cards delivered via campus mail. For additional questions regarding orders, please contact Carol at x2252 or ccothern@guilford.edu.
To order Audio Visual Materials, submit order cards either in paper or online preferably to the liaison for the appropriate department, online Order Form. For cardstock, contact Carol Cothern, Library Associate for Acquisitions, for cards delivered via campus mail. Please contact Carol at x2252 or ccothern@guilford.edu with any additional questions regarding orders.
To order Journals (both Print & Online), fill out a Periodicals Request Form, and send it to Mary Ellen Chijioke, Library Director. x2129, mchijiok@guilford.edu. Please contact Mary Ellen with further questions.
To suggest a new Electronic Database, please print out and/or fill out the Digital Resource Request Form and send it to Mary Ellen Chijioke, Library Director. x2129, mchijiok@guilford.edu . Please contact Mary Ellen with further questions.
Q. When should orders be submitted? Is there a deadline?
A. In order for materials to be received, cataloged, processed, and on the shelf in time, Acquisitions needs to receive all orders by June 1st for Fall Semester, October 1st for Spring Semester, February 1st for Summer Session. If orders are received by this time, they should be ready pending any unforeseen circumstances. Please try to submit orders as soon as possible to ensure adequate processing time.
Q. How will I know when something I have ordered has come in?
A. You may search for the title on the NC-PALS Catalog or contact Liz Wade, Technical Services Librarian for additional information. x2368, wadeej@guilford.edu
Q. Can the library rush order items?
A. On occasion, the library is able to rush special items needed by a specific date. This is dependent on the availability of the item.
Q. The item I ordered is listed as available in the library catalog but I can’t find it on the shelf. What can I do?
A. Please check with Liz Wade, Technical Services Librarian. There may be a 4 day delay from which items are received, cataloged and processed until they are actually placed on the shelf. You can contact Liz at x2368 or wadeej@guilford.edu.
Q. What are the library’s rules and regulations regarding the ordering of materials?
A. Collection Development Policy
Q. Can students order materials for the library?
A. Yes. Follow the same procedures as faculty/staff by filling out the appropriate order card. If you do not know the Library Liaison, please send the card to any library staff member.
Q. Who is the Library Liaison for my department? What is their role in the ordering process?
A. Library Liaisons are members of the library staff who work with each academic department to develop the library collection as necessary. Liaisons keep track of budget and ordering information for their assigned departments. All liaisons are listed with their respective departments on the Library Staff page.
Q. Once ordered, when will materials become ready?
A. The average turn around time for materials from our regular vendors is approximately 6-8 weeks. For rare, out-of-stock, out-of-print or other hard-to-find items it may take longer. If an item is in stock for a vendor, it may come in within a week. Please contact Carol Cothern, Library Associate for Acquisitions at x2252, ccothern@guilford.edu with any additional questions or concerns.
Q. When I search for a title in the catalog and it displays the call number as XX, what does this mean?
A. This could mean one of two things. First, this title is on order but has not been received and processed by the library. Or it may be an item that has been received but not yet cataloged. Please check back at a later date to see if the item has arrived. If you need the item right away, please contact Carol Cothern or Liz Wade in Technical Services. x2252, x2368. ccothern@guilford.edu, wadeej@guilford.edu.
