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When is the library open?

Click here for library hours. We look forward to seeing you!

How do I find out about holiday hours or special closing times?

Special library hours are posted on the library web site, as well as on our doors. You may also call the Reference or Circulation desk for hours information. Those numbers are on the bottom of this page.

What if I want to use the library at 4 AM?

You can go to the library home page at any time of the day or night to see if the library owns a book or video, to search for periodical articles, or to ask a librarian a question.

To use the library resources from off-campus, you will be prompted to log in with your NovaConnect username and password. See the "Remote Access" instructions for more information.

Once you've logged in, you've got access to all the online resources the library has to offer, 24 – 7.

Can I get the books for my classes in the library?

In most cases, the library does not own the textbooks being used by every professor for every class. Normally, you will need to purchase the books for your classes in the BOOKSTORE, which is located in the Tyler Building. However, we may have copies for in-library use on Reserve (see next questions).

My professor put some books on Reserve. What does this mean and how can I get these books?

Reserve materials are kept behind the Circulation desk. Some Reserve materials can be checked out to be used at home, but most can be used only in the Library. To check out reserve materials, you MUST have a valid student ID.

Who decides whether the reserve items can be taken out of the library or not?

The professor. Even though the Reserve materials are kept in the library so you can have access to them, each professor makes his or her own decision as to whether the materials can be checked out of the library. Library staff cannot overrule a professor's decision.

How long can I borrow library materials?

Books may be checked out for three weeks. Videos and DVDs may be checked out for one week.

Can I renew my books online?

Yes! You can renew your books online, by telephone, or in person. Books that are overdue, have been renewed once before or requested by another patron cannot be renewed.

To renew your book online ...

Where can I get a student ID?

New students can obtain their college ID (NOVACARD) at the NOVACARD Office in Room 189 in the Bisdorf Building. Call (703) 933-5020 for their hours of operation. Returning students can update their ID for the current semester at the Circulation Desk. For more NOVACARD information, go to the NOVACARD web page.

You will need your NOVACARD in order to print from the Internet in the Library, Open Computer Center and Business Lab. You will get a student discount when you use your NOVACARD for printing and photocopying.

The Fitness Center in the Tyler Building also requires the NOVACARD.

Did you know you can also use your NOVACARD for student discounts at movie theaters and some stores? Another good reason to get yours!

How can I get a library card?

The NOVACARD is also the Library card for all students. Your card works at all NOVA's campuses and centers.

I am taking ESL classes. Are there books or videos especially for me?

The library has a collection of books and dvds suitable for ESL students. If you are learning English, you may want to have a look at the materials shelved near the Circulation desk. You will find information about grammar and spelling, about the TOEFL test, about American customs and traditions, and more.

Can I do word-processing in the library?

Yes. The library computers have MS Office, including Word, Excel, Access and Powerpoint.

Where else can I write papers on campus?

You can use the computers in the Open Computer Center in Room 155 or the Business Lab in room 427 of the Bisdorf Building to write papers. The Instructional Assistants in the OCC can also provide assistance in using MS Office and other software products. You may also visit the Academic Center of Excellence (ACE) in room 228.

How do I print from the computers?

In order to print, you must use either your NOVACARD or a Guest printing card. There are machines where you can put money on your NOVACARD or purchase a guest card in the Library Copier Room and the cafeteria. Printing with the NOVACARD costs $.10 per page and printing with the Guest Card costs $.20 per page. The Guest card can be re-used by adding value to it, and they are the same cards used in the Open Computer Center for printing.

For more NOVACARD information, go to the NOVACARD web page.

Can I use my wireless laptop in the library?

Yes. The library is one of several "wireless zones" on campus (others are in the cafeteria and Tyler Building). You can learn more about NOVA's wireless system, and how to configure your laptop to access this system, from the IT Help Desk's Wireless page.

You can also connect to the college network drops with a cable for your laptop; ask to borrow a cable at the Circulation Desk or use the wired carrels on the upper level.

Can I check my E-mail in the library?

Yes. You can check e-mail on any of the Library computers. There are additional computers available in the Open Computer Center in Room 155.

I need a Username and Password to log into NovaConnect, Blackboard, email, and some computers on campus. How do I find out what my logon information is?

To find out what your computer (LAN) logon information is, go to the IT Help Desk website.

To find out what your logon information is for NovaConnect, Blackboard, and email, go to the MyNova page and follow the instructions for looking up your username and setting your password.

I have to send a fax. Is there a fax machine in the library?

There is not a public fax machine on campus. The nearest place to try is:

FedEx Kinko's - Baileys Crossroads VA Skyline
3515C S Jefferson St
Baileys Crossroads, VA 22041-3106
Phone: (703) 379-0909

Where can I go if I want to study with a small group of classmates?

There are several group study rooms available on the main level of the library across from the Circulation Desk. Group Study rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

There are also several tables set up behind Cyber Space in the back right corner of the library that can be used for group study. While this area is designated for group talking, we do ask that you try to keep voices to a minimum and cell phones turned off. There are also tables and chairs set up at the ends of the hallways throughout the Bisdorf Building that may be used by small groups.

Can I talk to my best friend on my cell phone in the library?

Please do NOT use cell phones in the library. Cell phones ringing and people carrying on conversations are VERY annoying and distracting to your fellow students. Each semester people submit comments in the Suggestion Book complaining about cell-phone use in the library. The library staff do their best to remind people not to use cell phones in the library. Please be considerate of your fellow students and SWITCH OFF your cell phone.

We realize that some people feel it is important to keep in contact by means of the cell phone. If you have a pressing need to use your cell phone, please show consideration for your fellow students by keeping the ringer switched to "silent ring"; and please LEAVE THE LIBRARY to carry on conversations.

I am taking classes through the Extended Learning Institute (ELI). Can I watch the lectures in the library?

ELI videos are now available online. Go to the NOVA Television Center page for details.


Where can I make photocopies?

There are two photocopy machines in the Copier Room next to the circulation desk. You must use your student ID card (NOVACARD), or a guest print card to make photocopies. It costs $0.20 per page when you use the guest card. There is a student discount of $0.10 per page when you use your student NOVACARD. You can add value to your NOVACARD in the copier room or in the cafeteria near the ATM, or the Parking Office in room 189.

For more NOVACARD information, go to the NOVACARD web page.

What happens if a book or video is overdue?

If books or videos are kept longer than the loan period (i.e. three weeks for books, one week for videos/DVDs), the borrower's card will be blocked so that no more books can be checked out until the overdue items are returned to the library. Students who have overdue items will also not be allowed to register, get grades or order transcripts.

How can I get a book from another campus?

Books and videos from other NOVA campuses can be requested online in the Library Catalog. Click here for instructions. Please allow 2 or 3 days for the request to be filled and the item to arrive at the Alexandria Campus Library.

If I borrowed books from another campus, do I have to drive there to return them?

No! Materials from ANY NOVA campus can be returned to ANY campus.

How often does the library get new items?

The library receives new books, videos, DVDs, music CDs, and periodicals on a weekly basis throughout the year. New materials are displayed in the library Reading Room. Ask a librarian to make a request for purchase.