***Returns are not currently being accepted. More details about how to return materials after May 29th is forthcoming.***

We will begin accepting the return of materials (any library materials you have – laptops, hotspots, books, telescopes, cameras, etc.) on Friday, May 15th. Materials can be returned between 9 am and 3 pm. Material will also be accepted for returns May 18-22 and May 26-29, from 9am-3pm.

If you are taking a Summer I class please be in touch with a librarian. Upon confirmation of registration you may keep the equipment for the duration of Summer I. Please be mindful of other student’s needs for equipment as Summer I starts May 20.

Item returns will be accepted on the ground floor of the South End of the main building by the Sloan Theater, S01, following social distancing norms.  Please wear a mask.

Before arriving please check that all the accessories with equipment are included (power cords, adapters, cases, lens caps, telescopes, etc.)  If there are any problems with equipment please advise the person checking in the equipment.

The pedestrian route will be One Way. Upon entering the building there will be a table by the Sloan Theater to put your items.  You may be asked to wait while the item is checked for accessories accompanying the item.  Continuing in the same direction, down the hall and out the doors on the other side of the Sloan Theater.

There will be no other access to the building at this time.

Please note that we never charge overdue fines. We just want the materials back so that we can lend them to another student in need. If you are unable to make it to campus during these times, please let a library staff member know.

The library has circulating laptops and wifi hotspots, as well as other equipment, available to help meet academic needs. Please place a hold on the equipment you require (instructions below) and regularly check your student email and phone for details on how and when to pickup.

Laptops

• Search the catalog for the type of laptop you need: Chromebook, Windows Laptop, or MacBook Pro. To place a hold:
  • 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.
  • Follow the link above, which will bring you to the library catalog.
  • Click ‘Place Hold’.
  • Enter your library card number. This number is 14 digits with no spaces, and is directly below the barcode on your student ID or library card.
    • If you do not have a GCC library card, or have lost it, please apply online on our website. We will create a card for you ASAP during our open hours.
  • Enter your password, which will be your last name in all CAPS unless you’ve changed it.
  • Click ‘Log In’
  • On the following screen, pickup location needs to be ‘GCC Library’. You can choose how you’d like to be notified.
  • Click submit.
  • Check your student email regularly for details on when/how to pickup a laptop.

Hotspots

Many companies are making free internet available or allowing for unlimited data on cellular plans for a limited amount of time due to the COVID-19 crisis. For details, see our handout on internet access. A librarian is happy to walk through this with you but you may be able to help yourself for immediate internet access.

• If none of these options work for you, place a hold on a library hotspot. Search the catalog for wifi hotspot. To place a hold:
  • Click the link above.
  • Click ‘Place Hold’.
  • Enter your library card number. This number is 14 digits with no spaces, and is directly below the barcode on your student ID or library card.
    • If you do not have a GCC library card, or have lost it, please apply online on our website. We will create a card for you ASAP during our open hours.
  • Enter your password, which will be your last name in all CAPS unless you’ve changed it.
  • Click ‘Log In’
  • On the following screen, pickup location needs to be ‘GCC Library’. You can choose how you’d like to be notified.
  • Click submit.
  • Check your student email/phone messages regularly for details about when/how to pickup a hotspot.

We recognize that a laptop or wifi hotspot alone may not solve all of the problems that closing the campus poses. 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.

Many companies are making free internet available or allowing for unlimited data on cellular plans for a limited amount of time due to the COVID-19 crisis. For details, see our handout on internet access. A librarian is happy to walk through this with you but you may be able to help yourself for immediate internet access.

• If none of these options work for you, place a hold on a library hotspot. Search the catalog for wifi hotspot. To place a hold:
  • Click the link above.
  • Click ‘Place Hold’.
  • Enter your library card number. This number is 14 digits with no spaces, and is directly below the barcode on your student ID or library card.
    • If you do not have a GCC library card, or have lost it, please apply online on our website. We will create a card for you ASAP during our open hours.
  • Enter your password, which will be your last name in all CAPS unless you’ve changed it.
  • Click ‘Log In’
  • On the following screen, pickup location needs to be ‘GCC Library’. You can choose how you’d like to be notified.
  • Click submit.

We know that many students depend on library textbooks to do their required course reading. Many publishing companies have made e-textbooks freely available for a limited time. We made a list of all coursebooks on reserve that you can access for free online – see this document!

• Vital Source: https://get.vitalsource.com/vitalsource-helps
  • We have found many GCC reserves textbooks through this source.
  • You will need to make an account in order to access the ebooks. Directions on how to do so: https://support.vitalsource.com/hc/en-us/articles/360020563694-Create-an-Account
• RedShelf: https://studentresponse.redshelf.com/
  • You will also need to create an account to use this service.

If you do not have access to a textbook and these services do not work for you, please let your faculty member or a librarian know and we can help you.

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

• Chat: https://www.gcc.mass.edu/library/ask/
  • Please note that our chat service has a screenshare functionality that requires no login or additional software. It can be helpful when troubleshooting technology or running a database search.
• Text: (413) 376-7706
• Call: (413) 775-1830
• Email: reference@gcc.mass.edu

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

We are closed to in person visitors for the foreseeable future. Librarians will be available for online and phone support from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

Beginning June 1, hours will be Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, and by appointment for the summer.

To schedule an appointment outside of regular hours, email us at reference@gcc.mass.edu 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.

For exceptions, visit our hours page.

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. If you do not have a GCC library card, you can apply for one on our website (https://www.gcc.mass.edu/library/cards/). We will be making cards daily and your library barcode will be emailed to you so that you may access these resources.