Frequently Asked Questions for MEC Library

• Faculty & Staff FAQs
• Nursing Student FAQs
• General FAQs

 

 

Faculty & Staff FAQs:

• How can I place items on reserve?
  To place an item on reserve, submit a completed reserves form to the library. If you have more than one item, use this form as well. For more information email Andrea McElhenny, or call (703) 822-6683.
  
  
• Can I schedule library instruction for my class?
  Yes! The librarians can tailor their instruction to meet the needs of your class. Instruction may be provided in the library classroom (for groups of around 27 or less) or your classroom (for larger groups). Call (703) 822-6684 to schedule a session, or email librarian Kathryn Willis.

If you are teaching via eNova, contact librarian Beth DeAngelo for online instruction.

• How do I create & post links to articles in library databases?
  For instructions, click here. (Note: some databases and e-book collections do not support the creation of links to individual articles or chapters.)

 

Nursing Student FAQs:

• I missed a day of clinicals. How do I access the TLC Medical Center Virtual Hospital materials?
  The written materials that accompany the software are available here for printing. The software is loaded on computers in the Open Computer Lab (Room 343, next door to the library) and must be used on campus during the lab's hours of operation.

• How can I find research guides for NUR? ("Nursing as a Profession" assignment, etc.)
  Visit our Research Guides page.

 

General FAQs:

• What types of resources are available at the MEC Library?
  The MEC Library's physical collection consists of primarily books, videotapes, dvds and journals on subjects related to nursing and allied health. In addition, the library provides access to online materials on these and many other subjects which are included in nearly 200 databases, approximately 10,000 full text magazines, newspapers and journals, multiple e-book collections, and over 750,000 reference books, reports, pamphlets and documents. We also have anatomical models for in-library use- just bring your NOVACard to check one out.
  
  The library maintains a number of items at the Circulation Desk which are reserved for the use of specific classes and has a small collection of popular books and magazines.

 

• How can I get help with my library research?
  On campus: Please come to the front desk in the library, room 341 on the third floor. Trained librarians and library staff are ready to answer any questions you may have.
  
  Off campus: Help is available via phone, email, or live chat. For more details, click here.

 

• Where can I study in MEC Library?
  MEC Library has a number of individual study carrels located throughout the library, a quiet study room, and two group study rooms that seat 2 to 6 students each; each is equipped witha large wall-mounted flat panel TV, laptop hook-up cable, DVD player, and computer. The library classroom is also used as a group overflow space and is open to groups and individuals whenever the classroom is not reserved for teaching or training purposes (the door may be shut while you are working so as to not disturb others in the library).
  
  
• What computer equipment/software is available?
  MEC Library has 46 computers for student use. The 20 computers located closest to the front desk do not require a logon. The 26 computers in the library classroom are also available to students whenever the classroom is not reserved for teaching or training, and can be accessed by entering a LAN ID (you can look up your LAN ID here). All library computers have Internet access and Microsoft Office. You can also use your laptop to access the wireless network. If you prefer to use a Mac, the Open Computer Lab next door has several available. The Open Computer Lab also has scanners and the specialized software used by the Nursing and Allied Health students.
  
  
• How do I print or make copies?
  All MEC Library computers are connected to a black & white printer and a color printer at the front of the library.
  To print or make copies, 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. To purchase a guest card, or to add money to a NOVA Card or guest card, use the machine located outside the library's main entrance. The machines take cash only and do not give change. You can also go to the MEC Business Office during their hours of operation and add money to your NOVACard using a credit card.
  Printing is ten cents per page when a NOVA Card is used (20 cents for color), and 20 cents per page when a Guest card is used (40 cents for color).
  There are two black & white copiers available: one inside the library, and one outside of the main entrance. Copies are 10 cents per page with NOVACard and 20 cents per page with a Guest card.

 

• What can be checked out?
  The library loans books, magazines and journals and audiovisual materials such as videotapes and dvds. Some heavily used or very expensive items are labelled "Reference" and must be used in the library. In addition, faculty place reserved items at the Circulation Desk for specific classes to use. It is up to the faculty member to decide whether reserve items can be loaned or must be used in the library.

 

• Who may borrow?
  Faculty, staff and students may borrow library materials, which circulate from any of the six NOVA libraries. Users in the college's service area also have limited checkout privileges.

NOVA Students, Faculty and Staff (with valid NOVACard)
Item Type	Loan Period	How Many
Books	3 weeks with one 3-week renewal	3 per subject with a maximum of 10 total
Magazines (Except current & bound issues)	1 week, no renewal	3 items
Reserves	Determined by instructor: In library use only or 1, 3, or 7 days	1 item
Audiovisual Materials (tapes, videos, etc.)	If not on reserve, 1 week No renewal	3 items

GMU Students (with validated GMU ID card)
Item Type	Loan Period	How Many
Books only (Subject area restrictions)	3 weeks No renewal	3 books

Community Patrons (Driver's license or DMV identification with Northern Virginia address)
Item Type	Loan Period	How Many
Books only (Subject area restrictions)	3 weeks No renewal	3 books 1 per subject

• What do I need to borrow materials?
  A NOVACard is required in order for NOVA students, faculty and staff to borrow library materials. It may be obtained in person from the Business Office

• As a NOVA student, can I borrow materials from George Mason University libraries?
  Yes. You must show a current NOVACard and proof of current enrollment. NOVA students do not have remote access to GMU's licensed electronic reources (databases, eBooks, etc.). For more details regarding the use of GMU libraries by NOVA students, visit http://infoguides.gmu.edu/circulation and scroll down to NoVa (Northern Virginia Community College).