Library Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can search the FAQs, browse them by subject, see collections of FAQs (i.e., different groupings of FAQs for different purposes/audiences), or browse the Very FAQs, below.

1. Is there a plan to provide more computers in the library?

The library has made ITS aware of the demand for additional computers in the library. We continue to work with ITS to address this need. We have developed a proposal to enhance the information technology infrastructure in the library. The proposal includes more desk top pc's and additional electric power/data communications ports. The library purchased additional laptops for the 2008/2009 academic year.  Update:  14 additional desktop  pc's were  installed on the 3rd floor during the Fall 2008 semester.

2. Are there public copiers in the Library?

There are three copiers on the main floor of the Library that accept ID Express; one is color and the other two are black and white. There is  one copier that accepts coin/cash at the end of the row of copiers.

There is one copier located on the third floor, on the lake-side, that accepts ID Express.

3. Do you have any tips for beginning a research project or paper?

 See the Library's Research & Writing page.

4. Does the library have copies of textbooks?

Unfortunately, the library does not have the budget to purchase the text for each course offered at the college. We only place material on library reserve when requested and/or provided by the instructor. The library cannot borrow required course textbooks via Interlibrary Loan. Sometimes a text used in a class is available in the library collection. Check the online catalog by author or title. To see what is on reserve for a course, search the online reserve system by your professor's last name and/or your course number. Please consult with the IC Bookstore for information on purchasing textbooks for your classes. 
FYI, the Language Center (3rd floor) has textbooks for Modern language courses, provided by the Dept. of Modern Languages & Literatures and available for use in the Center during its open hours.

Two services that may be of interest are:

Chegg is an online service that allows students to rent textbooks at a reduced price.

Campus Book Swap is an online bulletin board, helping students to buy and sell used textbooks.

5. Does the Library have Ithaca College yearbooks?

The College Archives has yearbooks for Ithaca College (the Cayugan) and the Ithaca Conservatory of Music, from the 1920s through 2005. Yearbooks have not been published since 2005.

6. How did the name of the Ithaca College sports teams become the Bombers?

The name of the Ithaca College sports teams is the Bombers. The history and origin of the name is obscure.  See this College Archives page for more information.

7. How do I access the library's databases and other services from outside the library?

For tips on accessing library resources and services from off-campus and residence halls, see the Library's Page on this topic.

If you are experiencing access problems see the technology tips webpage.

8. How do I find a journal article, book, or audio/video recording that is on reserve or electronic reserve for a course?

  1. Click on Reserves Tab top left of the Library's homepage.
  2. Search by instructor or course using the drop down menu. Click Search.
  3. Click on the title of the reading or audio track.
  4. Click on the electronic reserve link to view or listen on-line.
  5. Bring the call number & your IC ID to the Circulation Desk to check out a physical item.

9. How do I find an online general dictionary, encyclopedia, or thesaurus?

Check out our virtual reference desk

10. How do I get into my Novell account for the first time? How do I change my password?

Once your email account is activated, you can go to any networked computer and enter your email user name and the Last 6 digits of your College ID as the password. To change the password, press Control-Alt-Delete and select Change Password.

If the Novell log in fails, you will need to contact the ITS Help Desk.

11. How do I get online help from a reference librarian?

I.  Immediate Assistance:

II. Need help with your research?

III. Having technical difficulties?

IV. Find the your subject expert librarian 

V. Check our FAQs

12. How do I get permission to film or take photographs in the Library?

13. How do I receive a refund for money lost in a vending machine?

Go to the IC Services desk in the union (307B) fill out a form, and you will receive a refund.

14. How do I request a search for an item that should be available but is not on the shelf?

15. How long does it take to receive a journal article or book on interlibrary loan from another library?

Articles take anywhere from 1 day to 3 weeks depending on how obscure the item is and how many libraries own the journal title.

Books take anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks, for the same reasons.

For an idea of how many libraries own an item, do a search in the Worldcat database and click on the "Libraries world wide that own item" link.

16. I have the call number for a library resource, how do I find it in the library?

IC library resources are located as follows:

  • General Stacks - Call Number begins A-HA (4th floor)
  • General Stacks  - Call Number begins HB-Z, Oversize and Folio (5th floor)
  • Music Stacks and Music Reference - Call Number begins M (3rd floor)
  • Reference Stacks  - Call Number begins Ref. (Main Floor)
  • Archives - (5th Floor)
  • Multimedia - (3rd Floor)
  • Current Periodicals - (3rd Floor)
  • Bound Volumes of Periodicals - (4th Floor)
  • Microfiche, Microfilm, Ultrafiche (Main Floor)

IC Library Floor Maps  - note the Fifth floor is accessible via the elevator and the side staircases.

How to read a call number: The IC Guide  or the University System of Georgia Guide 

 

17. I need help formatting my research paper.

Chapter 4 in the MLA Handbook and Chapter 5 in the APA Publication Manual describe how to format a research paper and include visual examples.  Both books are available at the Research Help Desk on the Main Floor.

18. I need help with creating citations for my research paper.

 Please see the Writing and Citing guide for help with MLA, APA, and other formats.

19. Is color printing and laminating available on campus?

General Services, in the Public Safety/General Services Building (open M-F 8am-4 pm) provides these services. You can bring your file on a CD or flash drive, or e-mail the file to copyit@ithaca.edu. The files can also be printed while the you wait. General Services provides other services, as well.   They accept payment in cash, checks or ID Express.

20. What software is available on the library pc's and laptops?

The library pc's and laptops have the standard lab image for the College.  To find Campus locations for specialized such as Adobe's Indesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator see the College's specialized software list

21. Where are the Rod Serling scripts such as those for Twilight Zone, housed?

The College Archives houses Serling television scripts, movie screenplays, stage play scripts, films, published works, unproduced scripts, and secondary materials. Consult the Archives site for more information.

22. Where can I find help researching a public policy or social issue topic?

Try this Public Policy Research Guide.

23. Where can I find out if the library provides full-text access to a journal or newspaper?

 Click on the "Journal Titles" lnk in the top left corner of the Library's webpage.  You can search by exact title or keywords in the title.