{"id":502474,"date":"2020-03-16T10:52:44","date_gmt":"2020-03-16T14:52:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/library\/?page_id=502474"},"modified":"2026-08-28T09:12:20","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T13:12:20","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/library\/about\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"callout\"><i class=\"fas fa-circle-info\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><div class=\"callout-content\"> <strong>Can't find an answer? Get in touch!<\/strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"mailto:library@gcc.mass.edu\">library@gcc.mass.edu<\/a><br \/>\n(413) 775-1831 <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-accordion su-u-trim gcc\">\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-default su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span>Getting Started &amp; Access<\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<p><strong>How do I get a library card?<br \/>\n<\/strong>All registered students are automatically issued an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/library\/about\/library-cards\/\">electronic library card<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can alumni and community members use the library?<\/strong><br \/>\nYes! the library is open to everyone. Visitors are welcome to use the library space, public computers and print collection during open hours. As a member of the C\/WMARS network, we also allow C\/WMARS cardholders to borrow physical items from our general collection. Technology is not part of the general collection and is not available for borrowing by C\/W MARS cardholders.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I log in to library databases from off-campus?<br \/>\n<\/strong>Current GCC students, staff, and faculty can access databases off-campus by logging in with their <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/library\/about\/library-cards\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1035\" data-end=\"1109\">GCC library card<\/a> when prompted. Due to vendor licensing restrictions, off-campus database access is not available to alumni or community members. All visitors can access library databases while on campus.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-default su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span>Borrowing &amp; Materials<\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<p><strong>How long can I check out books and technology items?<\/strong><br \/>\nBooks from our <a href=\"https:\/\/gcc.cwmars.org\/\">general print collection<\/a> and most items from our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/library\/technology\/\">Technology Lending Library<\/a> are checked out for the full semester to current GCC students, faculty and staff. Alumni and community patrons can borrow items from the general print collection for four weeks. The GCC library does not charge overdue fines.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I pick up library materials?<br \/>\n<\/strong>Books and technology can be picked up in person inside the library during <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/library\/about\/hours-location\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"860\" data-end=\"942\">regular operating hours<\/a>. Books can also be sent to any <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cwmars.org\/libraries\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"974\" data-end=\"1035\">C\/W MARS library location<\/a> for pickup &#8211; just provide the preferred location when requesting the item.<\/p>\n<p><strong><strong>How do I return library materials?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Books:<\/strong> Drop them off inside the library, place them in the book drop at our North Entrance, or return them to any C\/WMARS partner library.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Technology:<\/strong> All laptops, hotspots, and electronic equipment must be returned directly to a GCC librarian at the front desk. Please ensure all accessories (power cords, adapters, cases, caps, etc.) are included before returning technology items.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What are Course Reserves and how do I access them?<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Course Reserves are available at the library\u2019s front desk for short-term, in-library use.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Check availability:<\/strong> Search the <a href=\"https:\/\/gcc.cwmars.org\/?browseCategory=greenfieldcommunitycolleg_course_reserves\">Course Reserves<\/a> section of our catalog, stop by the library\u2019s front desk or email library@gcc.mass.edu to find out if a course textbook or other required materials are on reserve.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check-out limit:<\/strong> Course reserves can be checked out for up to two hours at a time and must be used in the library.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-default su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span>Technology &amp; Printing<\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<p><strong>How do I print in the library?<br \/>\n<\/strong>Printing is free for all library visitors! You can print in two ways:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Desktop computers:<\/strong> Send your document to print directly from any library workstation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Personal devices (wireless):<\/strong> Students can print wirelessly from Windows, Apple, or Android devices. Step-by-step setup instructions are posted next to the printers. If you need help connecting, please ask a staff member at the front desk.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Sustainability note: Please help us conserve resources by printing only what you need.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Does the library have a copier or scanner?<br \/>\n<\/strong>Yes! Located in the library lobby, we have:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Multi-function printer\/copier\/scanner:<\/strong> Features an automatic document feeder for quick batch scanning and copying.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Overhead book scanner:<\/strong> High-quality scanner designed to capture bound pages and textbooks easily without damaging spines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"3,0,0\"><strong>Can I borrow laptops, chargers, or hot spots?<br \/>\n<\/strong>Yes! However, take-home technology is available exclusively to <em>current GCC students who are enrolled in classes and have a library card account in good standing<\/em>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"3,0,0\"><strong>Available tech:<\/strong> Laptops, hotspots, chargers, and other electronic accessories are available through our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/library\/technology\/\">Technology Lending Library<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"3,0,0\"><strong>Loan period:<\/strong> Approved items can be checked out for the entire semester.<\/li>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"3,0,0\"><strong>Pick-up &amp; return:<\/strong> Equipment must be picked up in person at GCC and returned directly to us with all original accessories included.<\/li>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"3,0,0\"><strong>Holds\/reservations:<\/strong> Items can be reserved for upcoming semesters provided the student is enrolled in classes for that semester and meets the other requirements listed above. Items can be placed on hold up to one week before the earliest class start date. For more information, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/library\/technology\/\">Technology page<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What assistive technology is available for public use?<\/strong><br \/>\nIn the library, we have two computers with large-print displays and high contrast keyboards. We also have two assistive mouses available for short loans (two hours). One is a trackball mouse with large buttons, the other is an upright mouse.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I connect to campus Wi-Fi?<br \/>\n<\/strong>Campus Wi-Fi is open to students, staff, faculty and campus visitors. To connect:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Select network:<\/strong> Open your device&#8217;s Wi-Fi settings and select GCC Personal.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Connect:<\/strong> Tap or click to join the network.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Accept terms:<\/strong> Open a web browser (if the sign-in screen doesn&#8217;t pop up automatically) and accept the Terms &amp; Conditions prompt.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-default su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span>Research &amp; Technology Support<\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<p><strong>How do I get help from a librarian with research or citations?<br \/>\n<\/strong>Our librarians are happy to provide research and citation support. You can come to the library desk, call, or email for help. You can also schedule an appointment with a librarian for more in-depth support or to have citations reviewed in a final draft.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"568\" data-end=\"783\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1bchdz\" data-start=\"568\" data-end=\"674\">Explore the <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/library\/citations\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"584\" data-end=\"645\">citation page<\/a> for APA and MLA resources.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1ko1p02\" data-start=\"675\" data-end=\"783\">Visit the <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/library\/databases\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"689\" data-end=\"751\">databases page<\/a> to get started with research.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"785\" data-end=\"1156\"><strong data-start=\"785\" data-end=\"848\">What kind of technology support can I get from the library?<\/strong><br data-start=\"848\" data-end=\"851\" \/>The library can help with a variety of technology needs, including the basics of email, Google tools (Drive, Docs, etc.), Moodle, printing, and using library technology available for lending. Some technology issues may require IT support. If needed, library staff can help connect you with IT.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-default su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span>Study Spaces<\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<p><strong>What study spaces does the library offer?<br \/>\n<\/strong>The library offers a variety of study spaces:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Lobby:<\/strong> A casual, active space with public computers, the main printer and book scanner, comfortable seating, a table, and a play area.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Solarium:<\/strong> A bright, open space with tables and comfortable chairs. It is often quiet but is not a designated quiet space. Public computers are available along the north wall.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nooks:<\/strong> Five semi-enclosed study pods along the north wall, behind the stacks. Each has two seats, a table, a whiteboard wall, and power outlets. Nooks provide some noise reduction but have no doors.<\/li>\n<li><strong>South Side:<\/strong> Study carrels across from the study rooms. Some have public computers, while others are available for personal devices. This is a designated quiet space.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Private study rooms:<\/strong> Located along the front of the library, these rooms have large windows, computers, and whiteboards. Rooms vary in size and can accommodate individuals or groups. Signs indicate whether a room is open to sharing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Classroom:<\/strong> When not reserved for an event, the classroom is available as an open study space. Check the whiteboard outside the room for reservations. Groups may use the space, but the door must remain open and the room must remain available to other students. Public computers are available.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>How can I book a quiet study room or group space?<br \/>\n<\/strong>Study rooms cannot currently be reserved.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-default su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span>Accessibility<\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<p><strong>What accessibility resources are available at the library?<\/strong><br \/>\nThe library offers the following <strong data-start=\"419\" data-end=\"469\">assistive technology, equipment, and resources<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Read&amp;Write Gold:<\/strong> Screen reading and dictation software is available on every library computer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Accessible keyboards and mice:<\/strong> Large-print, high-contrast keyboards and assistive mice are available at the front desk.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Built-in accessibility features:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/enable\/default.aspx\">Windows<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\/accessibility\/\">Mac<\/a> accessibility tools, including screen magnification and color adjustments, are available on all library computers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Scanners:<\/strong> Available for public use in the library lobby.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Adjustable-height desks:<\/strong> Available in Study Rooms A, B, and C.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Free earplugs:<\/strong> Available at the front desk and in the Solarium.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Librarians are trained to use the software and hardware listed above and are happy to provide assistance. If an accommodation you need is not listed here, please contact <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/ds\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1335\" data-end=\"1402\">Disability &amp; Accessibility Services<\/a>. Have a suggestion for making the library more accessible? Contact <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"mailto:library@gcc.mass.edu\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1474\" data-end=\"1525\">library@gcc.mass.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":506923,"parent":507178,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-502474","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/502474","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=502474"}],"version-history":[{"count":61,"href":"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/502474\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":507171,"href":"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/502474\/revisions\/507171"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/507178"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/506923"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=502474"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}