Serials FAQ


Frequently Asked Questions


 
 
Can I check out journals?

Journals must be used in the library.  The only exception is for ELMS faculty, who may check out journals at the circulation desk. 
 
 

Where are the current journals/newspapers?

Current journals and most newspapers are located in the Reavis reading area on the first floor of the library. They are arranged alphabetically.  Please lift up the shelf to view all issues for a journal title.

The daily newspapers, (Union News, Boston Globe, New York Times, USA Today) are located at the reference desk. 


Where are the back issues of journals located?

Back issues of  journals are located on the third floor in alphabetical order. 
 
 

Where are the copiers located and what does it cost to make a copy?

The photocopy machines, on the first and third floors of the library, accept change and copy cards. The cost is 15 cents per page. 
 

Where do I get change for the copy machines?

Change may be requested from the Circulation Desk.

Where do I purchase copy cards for the copy machines?

To purchase copy cards please go to the Circulation Desk. 
 

How do I know which Journals the library owns?

The Serials Catalog lists all the holdings of the library in alphabetical order and by subject (i.e., education, nursing, etc.).  Most of the journals are also located in the Online Catalog.
 

How do I locate journals not owned by the library?

If the journal is not listed the Serials Catalog or in the Online Catalog, please check the Union List of Serials: Greater Springfield Massachusetts Area (online only) . It is arranged in alphabetical order. The library can request the article via Inter-Library Loan. Please leave ample time for Inter-Library Loan (between 10-14 days). 
 

How do I find journal articles?

The Elms College Alumnae Library has paper and electronic indexes available for research purposes. Paper index titles include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Humanities Index
  • Library Literature
  • New Testament Abstracts
  • Social Science Index
  • Social Work Abstracts

Electronic databases can be accessed when you visit the library or
on-line through the Library Website. Electronic index titles include, but are not limited to the following: 

  • Art Abstracts
  • ATLA Religion
  • Biography Resource Center w/Marquis Who's Who
  • Boston Globe
  • Business and Company Resource Center
  • CINAHL (Current Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature)
  • Contemporary Authors
  • Contemporary Literary Criticism
  • CQ Researcher
  • Criminal Justice Periodicals Index
  • Educator's Reference Desk (formerly AskEric)
  • ERIC
  • Expanded Academic Plus
  • General Business ASAP
  • General Reference Center Gold
  • Health Reference Center Academic
  • Marcive WebDOCS
  • MassBedrock {www.massbedrock.com}
  • MOCAT (Catalog of United States Government Publications){http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cgp/index.html}
  • Oxford English Dictionary (OED) {CD-ROM}
  • PsycArticles
  • PsycInfo
  • PubMed/Medline {http://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query}
  • Social Sciences Abstracts
 

Back runs of Serial Microforms (such as Business Week, Catholic Observer and Education Digest) are located on the third floor with the paper copy. 

Currently received microforms (such as: New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Time and U.S. News & World Report) are located in the Microform Room, which is located on the lower level of the Library across from the elevator. 
 

How do I photocopy microforms?

A microform reader/printer machine is located in the reference area of the library. If you require assistance kindly contact the Reference Librarian or the Circulation Desk. The cost is 10 cents per page. 
 

How do I locate missing pages or journal issues?

If you are unable to locate an individual article or a journal please complete a Missing Journals/Articles Form located at the Reference Desk, Circulation Desk and Serials Office. Please fill the form out completely and be sure to include your phone number so that any questions can be resolved quickly and efficiently. A search will be conducted for the item and you will be notified of results as soon as possible. 
 

How do I locate journals that may be at the bindery?

Journals are bound during the summer months and during January Intersession. Materials are out of the building for  5-6  weeks. Check the Online Catalog under "Serials title" to check for a title that is at the bindery. If not listed there, check at the Circulation Desk, or Serials Department.


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 This site  is maintained by the Alumnae Library Web Team
 Page created by: Debra J. Gomes and Elaine Pinkos
 Date created:  December 10, 1999 -  Last updated:  September 13, 2004