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 ...
- Open the Library Catalog
- Click on "My Account" then enter your NovaConnect ID and Password (faculty
and staff have a different logon -- contact the library for information).
You can also renew by phone or in-person:
- Telephone renewals at the Alexandria campus can be done when we are open by calling the circulation desk at 703-845-6231. Please do not leave renewal requests on the answering machine. You will be asked for the barcode number located on the back of your NOVACARD.
- In-person renewals can be done at the Circulation Desk. You only have to bring your NOVACARD to the desk; you do not have to bring the books you wish to renew.
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
and computer labs. 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.
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?
MyNova, Blackboard, and email logon: go to the
MyNova page and follow the instructions for looking up your username
and setting your password.
Computer logon: Use either your MyNova/Blackboard logon (select "DIRECTORY" as the domain) or your LAN logon (select "NVSTU" as the domain)
Is there wireless access on campus?
Yes. You can use the non-secure NOVA Guest network, or configure your laptop
for the secure network. Learn more about NOVA's wireless system, and how
to configure your laptop to access the secure network, 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.
Where can I do word processing on campus?
MS Office, including Word, Excel, Access and Powerpoint, is available on
computers in the library and the computer labs (Bisdorf rooms 155 and 428).
The Instructional Assistants in the Open
Computer Center in Room 155 of the Bisdorf Building can provide assistance
in using MS Office and other software products.
Where can I print on campus?
Pay printing is availble in the computer
labs in Bisdorf rooms 155 and 428, and in the library. 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.
Where can I check my email on campus?
Computers in the library and computer labs (Bisdorf rooms 155 and 428) have
internet access.
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 phone ringers 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.
I’m not a NOVA student. Can I use the library?
Yes, you can. Members of the community can:
- Borrow books and videos. Bring a photo ID with a current Northern Virginia address to the circulation desk in the library. We will create a Community Borrower card for you, which will allow you to check out three items at a time.
- Use library computers. Community members may sign up at the reference desk to use library computers for up to one hour per day, depending on availability. You must present an ID, and NOVA students have priority use of library computers.
- Print and photocopy. You will need to purchase a guest card for $1.00 in the photocopy room and then deposit cash to your account to pay for printing and photocopying at the rate of $.20 per page.
- Read and study.
Those younger than 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.