Greenfield Community College

Borrowing and Circulation

GCC Library cards Requesting books Who may borrow Lending period

Overdue material Recalling checked-out materials Non-circulating materials

GCC Library cards

Any resident of Massachusetts can request a GCC Library card by presenting a photo ID at the circulation desk. Current GCC students, faculty and staff may request a library card in person or online.

But where are all the books and how do I get one??

During the renovations of the Library's permanent home in the Core, most of our circulating collection is in storage off campus. During this time, you may request books from our collection through the GCC Library Catalog, and pick them up the following day. The Library has items in the following subject areas and categories in Room N401:

• Art (N)
• Photography (TR)
• Children's Literature (C. Lit)
• audiobooks (books on tape)
• the Opposing Viewpoints series
• books for those new to reading English
• videos (all subject areas)

For items in other subject areas, you will need a GCC Library Card to request books one day in advance in order to check them out:

1. Locate books you want in the GCC Library Catalog.
2. Use the REQUEST button to place a hold on each book you want.
3. Be sure to select GCC as your pick up location.
4. If you have not yet selected a PIN, follow the directions on the screen to do so. If you have selected a PIN in the past, but cannot remember it, ask a librarian for help.

Requests placed each day will be available for check out at the Library Circulation Desk after noon the following weekday. Books will be held for 7 days and then returned to the circulating collection if not picked up.

Need help learning how to place a request in the GCC catalog? Don't have a computer at home? Get help by visiting or calling the Circulation desk at 413-775-1837.

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Who may borrow

All currently enrolled students and members of the faculty and staff at GCC may borrow upon presentation of a GCC library card. Former students, alumni, and other citizens of the Commonwealth may borrow by filling out a registration card, producing acceptable identification and obtaining a library card. No material will be loaned without a library card. The library card must be presented when checking out library materials. Library cards are issued for a three year period.

Lending period

Books in the general collection circulate for four weeks and may be renewed by presenting the book's call number at the circulation desk. Books may also be renewed by telephone or online through the GCC Library Catalog. Online renewal requires access to the patron's library record which is available under the blue LOGIN button from the library catalog page.

Overdue material

There are no fines for overdue material, but borrowers must pay the replacement value of all unreturned material plus a 20% collection fee for each item sent to collection. One courtesy reminder is sent for overdue material before a bill for the replacement cost plus the service charge is rendered.

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Recalling checked-out materials

Print material

When print materials are needed by GCC affiliates (students, faculty, or staff), the GCC Library will recall items that are checked out to community members without a GCC affiliation. The Library will not recall items that are already checked out to or placed on hold by another GCC affiliate.

Visual material

Borrowing of visual materials (videos and DVDs) is limited to GCC faculty and Franklin County public school teachers. If another GCC faculty member requests a video or DVD that is currently checked out, the Library will contact the faculty member or teacher who has checked out the material and request that it be returned as soon as possible as a courtesy. The Library will not seek the return of visual material from a GCC faculty member for a Franklin County teacher.

Non-circulating materials

The following items may not be borrowed by library patrons:

• Videos and DVDs (may be borrowed by GCC Faculty and Franklin County public school teachers only)
• Microfilm and microfiche
• Periodicals, including newspapers
• Reserve materials. These may be used in the library. Request reserve materials at the circulation desk by course code.
• Reference materials (any book marked "Ref" in the call number)
• Rare books (any book marked "Rare" in the call number)
• MacLeish collection. This material is available for serious research by appointment.

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