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These FAQs cover general NOVA library policies and services. Check the individual campus library webpages for additional FAQs and information.
Does each NOVA library have its own web site?
This is the collective site of the NOVA Libraries, but each library also has its own site. The NOVA libraries vary in terms of resources, policies, and hours of operation. Please click here to locate your campus library.
How can I get help?
We are always happy to help! Please visit your campus library's reference desk, or contact us via live chat, phone, or email. The live chat is open 24/7, and you can access a mobile version here.
How do I check out books and DVDs?
Your NOVACard doubles as your library card. Bring your NovaCard to your campus library for check-out.
Residents of the community may obtain a Community Patron card for limited borrowing privileges. Please call your closest campus library for details.
Can I renew a book online?
Yes, books can usually be renewed once as long as they are not overdue or requested by someone else. Click here: Renew a Book Online
A book/DVD I want is already checked out. How can I place myself on the waiting list?
Follow these instructions: http://www.nvcc.edu/library/request.htm.
Can I return my library books to any of the NOVA campus libraries?
Yes.
How can I borrow items from another NOVA library?
Books and DVDs from other NOVA campuses can be requested online in the library
catalog, and you may have them sent to any NOVA library that is convenient
for you. It typically takes 2-3 business days for items to arrive.
Click here for instructions: http://www.nvcc.edu/library/request.htm.
(some items, such as reference books, may not be available for InterCampus
Loan. Check with your librarian for details.)
Can I borrow items or get articles from non-NOVA libraries (InterLibrary
Loan)?
While we request interlibrary loans for faculty, student requests are at
campus discretion. Please call your campus
library to see if InterLibrary Loan service can be provided for the
item you need.
Can I borrow a laptop?
Yes. Laptops are available for use at the Annandale Campus Libraryand the Medical Education Campus Library. Please call for more information.
Is wireless available in the NOVA Libraries?
Yes. Click on this link for operating system requirements and configuration manuals: http://www.nvcc.edu/wireless/index.htm.
Do I have to come to the library to do my research?
The libraries offer a great deal of information online, so you can access many resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can search the library catalog and access content from our databases (including e-books and articles from journals, magazines, and newspapers). See below for information on accessing the databases from home.
If you need assistance while off-campus, expert help is available by 24/7 live chat, phone, and email. Click here for a mobile version of the 24/7 live chat.
How do I use the databases from off campus?
Off campus access to most of our databases is only available to students, faculty, and staff of NOVA. For log in information, click here. For visitor information, see this section of the FAQ.
How can I find e-books on my topic?
The easiest way to find e-books on a particular topic is to do a search in the library's online catalog. You can tell which items are e-books by looking for 'Internet -- Books--Online access' in the Call Number column on your results list.
If you only want e-books (to exclude print books, DVDs, etc.), scroll down below the catalog's search box to 'E-resources' and select E-books.
To access an e-book from the results list, click on the link located on the far right under 'Ext Link'. If you are off campus, you will need to log in with your myNOVA username and password.
E-books that are available in the EBSCO e-book collection can be downloaded to an e-reader. How can you tell which e-books are EBSCO's? Once the book appears on the screen you'll see a blue ball that says EBSCO in the upper left corner. Simply click on 'Download This eBook (Offline)'.
I am not affiliated with NOVA. May I use the library?
Yes, members of the Northern Virginia community who are not affiliated with NOVA may use the NOVA libraries.
To check out books, bring a a photo ID with your current Northern Virginia address to the check-out desk in a NOVA campus library. You can obtain a Community Borrower card, which allows you to check out three items at a time.
To use a computer, check with your local campus library for availability and restrictions.
To use licensed library databases, community members must be on a NOVA campus. Off campus access to databases is limited to NOVA students, faculty, and staff.
Can I bring my children to the library?
Children younger than 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Children may not be brought into classrooms and labs (including Testing, Tutoring, the Open Computer Lab, and library classrooms).
How do I print or copy something in the library?
To print, you must have money loaded on a NOVACard or guest card.
Guest cards cost $1.00 and can be used by adding additional funds to the
card.
Printing & copying is ten cents per page when a NOVA Card is used, and 20 cents per page when a Guest card is used.
To purchase a guest card, or to add money to a NOVA Card or guest card, use the designated machine on your campus. The machines take cash only and do not give change. You may also visit your campus Business Office during hours of operation to add money to your NOVA Card or guest card with a credit or debit card.
Can I use my NOVA Card at George Mason University’s Libraries?
If you have a current, valid NOVACard, you can enjoy limited borrowing privileges
at GMU’s libraries. Be sure to take your NOVACard and a copy
of your registration for this semester with you. Check GMU's
Circulation Services page for more details in the "NoVa" section.
The "What are my responsibilities" section gives information on
overdue fines and lost book fees. If driving, park in GMU's Visitor
Lots.