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:
How do I access the Mosby's Nursing Skills videos online?
- Visit this link: http://www.nvcc.edu/tvcenter/studentInformation.HTM
- Click Log On.
- Sign in using your LAN ID/password. (to look them up, click here)
- Select N and then Nursing Videos.
Other 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 and over 750,000 reference books, reports, pamphlets and documents.
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. 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.
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 NVCC libraries. Users in the college's service area also have limited checkout privileges.
| NVCC 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 weekNo 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 |
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 |
3 books |
What do I need to borrow materials?
A NOVACARD is required in order for NVCC students, faculty and staff to borrow library materials. It may be obtained in person from the Business Office in Room 204.
Library cards are issued to GMU students at the Library Circulation Desk upon presentation of current registration at the university.
Community patrons' ID cards are issued at the Library Circulation Desk upon presentation of a current driver's license or DMV identification showing a local address.
Can I return my books to any NVCC campus library?
Yes! You can return your books to whichever campus is most convenient for you. Most campuses have an after-hours drop box, in case you can't make it while the library is open.
For information on other NVCC campus libraries, click here.
Can I renew books?
Books can be renewed once for one 3-week period, as long as no one else has requested them. DVDs and videos cannot be renewed. Renewals should be done prior to the due date.
There are three ways to renew:
- In person: Please bring your NOVACARD with you.
- Over the phone: Please have your EMPLID (student ID #) and NOVACARD barcode number ready.
Call the MEC Library at (703) 822-6684. - Online: Log in to your library account from the online library catalog. See instructions here.
How can I borrow/ return items from another campus library?
Students, staff and faculty may obtain materials from other NVCC campuses through intercampus loan, which generally takes about 2-3 business days. Click here for instructions: http://www.nvcc.edu/library/request.htm or call (703) 822-6684 for assistance.
Borrowed items can be returned to any NVCC campus library.
What about borrowing from other libraries?
Public libraries (Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria) permit direct borrowing with proof of current local address. The GMU libraries permit direct borrowing with currently valid NVCC ID cards.
Faculty may request interlibrary loans from libraries outside the Northern Virginia area through the Collection Management Librarian.
What do I do if I lose a book? Have a hold placed on my record?
Borrowers who lose library materials are required to pay a non-refundable replacement cost of the lost materials. Overdue materials that have not been returned will result in a hold being placed on the user's record. Users may not check out materials, obtain transcripts or register for classes until the hold is cleared. Library holds will be released when materials are returned or replacement costs are paid.
How much is the fine for overdue course reserve material?
The fine for overdue course reserve material is $1 per day per item, with a maximum fine of $40 per item. If a reserve item is lost, the borrower must pay the cost of the item plus accumulated overdue fees.
How can I print from a computer or make photocopies?
Printing: |
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| Method of payment: | You must use a NovaCard or Guest card. (Note: the machine you must use to buy a Guest card or to add money to your NovaCard takes CASH ONLY and does not give change. Those with a NOVACard may also add money to their cards using a credit or debit card in the MEC Business Office, Room 204, during their hours of operation) |
| Cost: |
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| Information: |
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How do I add money to my NovaCard? How do I get a Guest card?
Adding Money to Your NOVACard (student ID card):
If you have cash, you can use the machine located just outside the entrances to the library and Open Computer Lab to add money to your NovaCard. The machine accepts bills ONLY (no credit or debit cards). The library does not have a money drawer, so we regret that we are not able to give change.
To add money to your card using a credit or debit card, visit the MEC Business Office in Room 204 during their hours of operation.
Purchasing a Guest Card:
A Guest card costs 40 cents initially, but you may use it and add money to it over and over again. Use the machine located just outside the entrances to the library and Open Computer Lab (3rd floor). The machine accepts bills ONLY (no credit or debit cards). The library does not have a money drawer, so we regret that we are not able to give change.
For more information, click here.
Where can I create a Powerpoint or Word document?
Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Excel documents can be created on most computers in the library.
Where can my fellow students and I study together?
There are two group study rooms in the library. Click here for more information.
I can't study when it is noisy. Is there a quiet place I can go?
The Quiet Study Room in the back of the Library has individual carrells for quiet study.
Is wireless available in the library?
Yes. Wireless access is available for wireless capable laptops running Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. You will need to do the following things:
- Configure your laptop for use on the NVCC wireless network. Directions for configuring your laptop can be found here.
- Have your Student LAN ID to log into the wireless network. You can find your LAN ID here.
Can I eat and drink in the library? (Library etiquette)
- No eating is allowed in the library. This is because the crumbs and food residue attract pests that can damage library materials. Covered beverage containers are allowed.
- Please turn off all cell phones or place on vibrate and use outside of the library.
- Please observe quiet throughout the library so others can study.