Finding & Borrowing Books a guide for distance learners

How to Find Books at MCC Libraries

• To locate books on your topic held at MCC's Leroy V. Good and Damon City Campus Libraries first search the MCC Library Catalog. You can search the MCC Library Catalog by keyword, subject, author, or title.

• If you are unable to locate books on your topic after searching the MCC Library Catalog, please contact MCC's Reference/Distance Learning Librarian, Pam Czaja, at (585) 292-2308 or by e-mail pczaja@monroecc.edu for further assistance.

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How to Borrow Books from MCC Libraries

• Distance Learning students must first complete the Distance Learner Library Registration Form before any requests to borrow MCC Library Books can be processed.

• Once you have received confirmation of your registration for library services, you can request books available from the circulating collection of MCC Libraries by completing the Distance Learner Book Delivery Request Form. Books are shipped via U.S. Mail to the address provided by the requestor.

• Distance Learning students may borrow up to 15 books per course each semester. MCC Libraries will only loan books applicable to the subject matter of the online course(s) a student is enrolled in.

• Books will be loaned to students for 21 days. Loaned books must be received back in the Library by the date the item is due. A return address label will be provided for mailing. We recommend saving the original package to use for returning books, and insuring the package.

• Renews - If you need the book beyond the due date, please contact the Library Circulation/Reserve desk at (585) 292-BOOK (2665) to renew it.

• Holds on Books: Distance Learning students can request a book be placed "on hold" either by telephoning the Library Circulation Desk (585) 292-BOOK (2665) or by e-mailing MCC's Reference/Distance Learning Librarian, Pam Czaja at pczaja@monroecc.edu.

• Blocking from Borrowing: All patrons are blocked from borrowing or receiving articles from Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery when they accrue $5.00 in fines or have lost items. All patrons are blocked from borrowing when 1 item is overdue. The Library sends out 2 overdue notices.

• Replacement Costs: Students are billed for replacement costs when materials become "Missing Overdue." Accounts are forwarded to the Bursar and a Collection Agency for action. The following replacement costs will be charged: Books: $35.00 per item minimum, plus $5.00 processing fee, plus accrued fines.

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Other Options for Locating Books on Your Topic

1. Electronic Books - NetLibrary offers complete e-books online. Electronic books can only be read one at a time, just like in the Library. In order to access the MCC NetLibrary electronic book collection, you must first set up a NetLibrary account.

2. SUNY Open Access - As a registered SUNY student you are eligible to borrow books from SUNY two and four year college and university libraries through the SUNY Open Access program. You will need to present a Valid MCC Photo ID card and Proof of Registration to check out books. You are subject to such rules and regulations, including fines and fees, as established by the campus you are borrowing the books from. To check for books held by other SUNY Libraries search the SUNY Union Catalog.

3. Area Public, College & University Libraries - Students often need to visit other libraries, sometimes more than once, to locate essential resources for their coursework.

   Most college and university libraries are open to the public, for reading or copying book chapters and journal articles, and for using reference resources. Some colleges and universities offer special borrowing privileges for state or area residents. These services may be available at no cost or for a moderate fee. Information about borrowing privileges may be obtained by telephoning each library's Circulation department or by visiting the library's web page.

   You may also want to visit your local public library to see what resources they have in their collection to help you with your assignments. Due to time constraints and borrowing restrictions, MCC Libraries will not order books (Interlibrary Loan) from other libraries for distance learning students who are strictly off campus. However, your local public library may be able to help you acquire the books you need through their Interlibrary Loan service.
    

4. National Academies Press (NAP) - Free online books on a wide range of topics in science, engineering, and health, capturing the most authoritative views on important issues in science and health policy. Use the "Discovery Engine" search feature on the NAP site to find books on a topic to read directly online. Go to The National Academies Press.

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