Library FAQ

Library Access During Covid-19

This information was updated September 7th, 2022.

The library is open to the public. All students and employees are required to be fully vaccinated as of January 3, 2022. Visitors are not required to be vaccinated, however, unvaccinated visitors must wear a mask at all times.

Please see GCC’s Safety page for guidelines on visiting the campus, which also apply to the library.

Picking Up Library Materials

Library books or equipment can be picked up at GCC. You can come inside the library to pickup or request curbside delivery. Both options are available during our normal library hours. By picking up any library equipment, you agree to our policies and terms of use.

All GCC books and materials checked out during the fall semester are due December 23, 2022. Note that materials from other CWMARS libraries will have different due dates.

Books can be picked up and returned to any CWMARS location – let us know if you would like us to ship your book to another location. Laptops and any electronic library equipment must be picked up and returned to GCC. Hotspots can be picked up/dropped off at GCC or mailed (return postage is the responsibility of the patron).

If you do not pick up equipment within 2 weeks, it may be given to the next student in line.

Returning Library Materials

Library books or equipment can be returned at GCC. Before arriving please check that all the accessories with equipment are included (power cords, adapters, cases, lens caps, etc.).

You can come inside the library to return or request curbside return. Both options are available during our normal library hours. Books can also be returned to any CWMARS location. Laptops and any electronic library equipment must be returned to GCC. Hotspots can be dropped off at GCC or mailed (return postage is the responsibility of the patron).

All GCC books and materials checked out during the fall semester are due December 23, 2022. Note that materials from other CWMARS libraries will have different due dates.

Curbside Pickups and Returns

Please wait near the bus stop outside the main building during normal library hours. Upon arrival on campus, call 413-775-1837 or text 413-376-7706. You will be asked for your name and what you are expecting to pick up or return.

A librarian will come out to meet you. You will be asked to show a photo ID before being given materials. Returns do not require an ID.

Due Dates and Renewing Library Materials

All library materials, including laptops and hotspots, are checked out for the full semester to GCC students, faculty, and staff.

  • All GCC books and materials checked out during the fall semester are due December 23rd, 2022.
  • Note that materials from other CWMARS libraries will have different due dates.

If you have library materials from the last semester that you need to keep for the current semester, email . Upon confirmation of registration, you can keep the materials for the next semester.

The GCC library never charges overdue fines.

Books can also be returned to any CWMARS location. Laptops and any electronic library equipment must be returned to GCC. Hotspots can be dropped off at GCC or mailed (return postage is the responsibility of the patron).

Request a Laptop or Hotspot from the Technology Lending Library

The library has circulating laptops and wifi hotspots, as well as other equipment, available to help meet academic needs for registered students. Please place a hold on the equipment you require and regularly check your student email and phone for details on how and when to pickup. All equipment from the Technology Lending Library checks out for the full length of the semester.

Laptops

  1. Search the catalog for the type of laptop you need: Chromebook, Windows Laptop, or MacBook Pro. If you aren’t sure what type of laptop you need, be in touch with a librarian before placing a hold. We can help assess your needs, as well as what we have immediately available.
  2. Click the ‘Place Hold’ icon with the green check mark.
  3. Enter your library card number and password. For your GCC library card information, see this page on our website.
  4. Click ‘Log In’.
  5. On the following screen, pickup location needs to be ‘GCC Library’.
  6. Click ‘Submit’.
  7. Check your student email regularly for details on when/how to pickup a laptop. Details will be sent to your student email when your equipment is ready.

Hotspots

  1. Search the catalog for Wifi Hotspot.
  2. Click the ‘Place Hold’ icon with the green check mark.
  3. Enter your library card number and password. For your GCC library card information, see this page on our website.
  4. Click ‘Log In’.
  5. On the following screen, pickup location needs to be ‘GCC Library’.
  6. Click ‘Submit’.
  7. Check your student email regularly for details on when/how to pickup a hotspot. Details will be sent to your student email when your equipment is ready.

We recognize that a laptop or wifi hotspot alone may not solve all of the problems that have been caused by the pandemic. If you have an unsafe home environment, have lost your job, or are concerned about putting food on the table – please, please, please focus on taking care of basic needs, first, and be in touch with your faculty member and support services on campus.

Textbook Access

Many course textbooks are available for in person use in the library. A book scanner is available to make copies quickly. Stop by the front desk or email to see if we have your textbook available.

Research and Technology Assistance

Librarians are available to assist you in person or virtually during library hours and can answer questions about the any of the above items or regular research and technology concerns! Be in touch with us in whatever ways work best for you:

We can also schedule one-on-one meetings via Zoom, Google Meet, or Jitsi.

Hours

Librarians are available in person and virtually during regular library hours, as well as by appointment.

To schedule an appointment outside of regular hours, email us at or leave a voicemail at 413-775-1831. We will be in touch and can schedule to meet via phone, Zoom, Google Meet, Jitsi, or chat.

Library Cards

All of our library databases, as well as a large selection of ebooks, are available from anywhere with an internet connection with a GCC library card. All students are issued a library card after registering for classes. For your GCC library card information, see this page on our website.