Library Services Summer 2021

Circulation

circulation deskRegular circulating items may be borrowed in one of three ways:

Most of the circulating collection will remain available for in-person browsing and borrowing.  

  • Upper level (call numbers A-N; Q-Z)
  •  DVDs (main level)
  • Graphic novels (main level)

*Two sections of the circulating collection will be closed to in-person browsing:*

  • Language and Literature (call numbers P-PZ): these items must be requested in advance and will be retrieved by library staff; patrons will be notified when items are available for pickup
  • Juvenile Literature (Children’s Room): items may be requested in advance; patrons may also be let into the room by library staff if they need to browse the collection. (No seating available.)

Books and DVDs may be returned 24/7 in the book drop located outside the library. Items may also be returned to the circulation desk.

Course Reserves

Items placed on reserve by faculty will continue to be available for in-library use only. Borrowers may read these items on site or scan/photocopy portions to read later. Borrowers will be asked to use hand sanitizer before and after borrowing reserve materials. A valid MCLA ID must be left at the desk when using reserve items.

Technology

Laptops

The library has a limited supply of laptops available for loan. Students must fill out a Laptop Lending Agreement before borrowing a laptop. Late returns may result in the suspension of laptop borrowing privileges and/or a bill for replacement cost (refundable upon return).

computers in libraryPublic computer workstations

A limited number of desktop workstations are available for use in the library this fall: 4 on the main level and 5 on the upper level.  

Printing, Scanning, Photocopying

Printing will continue to be available on the main and upper floors of the library. See instructions for using these printers. A photocopier and sheet-fed scanner remain available on the main level. A new, convenient book scanner which can create accessible PDFs of printed materials is available for patron use on the main level. Here's a video on how to use it.

Accessibility

  • Adaptive software is available on all computers in the library.
  • Many library databases allow patrons to download articles and books in audio format.
  • A new book scanner can create accessible PDFs of printed materials.
  • A text magnifier remains available on the upper level of the library.
  • Please contact us with any concerns at all about the accessibility of library collections, services, and facilities.

Research and reference assistance

Very brief questions may be answered in person, but most research help will be provided virtually this summer. Librarians are available to provide research assistance via Teams, live chat, email, phone, and SMS  Monday through Friday 9am-5pm.

Library instruction

Library instruction will be offered virtually this fall. Librarians will work with instructors to tailor instruction to the needs of specific classes. Instruction may be provided in one or more of the following modalities:

  • Synchronous, librarian-led classroom instruction (via Teams, etc.)
  • Prerecorded video instruction and/or tutorials
  • Web guides that point students to high-quality information sources and research strategies
  • Handouts/other learning materials
  • Individual consultations with students
  • Librarian presence in Canvas classroom, as availability permits

Interlibrary loan

The library will continue to request books, articles, and DVDs from other libraries for MCLA patrons this fall. Requests may take longer to fill, or go unfilled, because many U.S. academic libraries have reduced or suspended operations during covid.