Library FAQs
- How do I know if SLC has a book/video I am interested in?
- How do I know what periodicals SLC subscribes to?
- Can I use the SLC databases off-campus?
- What do I do if I am having trouble getting started researching a project/using an online database?
- I'm having trouble with my email/network password/Ethernet access in my dorm room/computer who do I talk to?
- Can I suggest that the library purchase a book/video/journal?
- How do I know what books I have checked out?
- What is the "shopping cart" feature in the library catalog?
- Where can I find a list of new library books/videos?
- What do I do if SLC does not have a book/journal that I need to use?
- Who do I talk to about Library fines?
- What do I do if someone has a book checked out that I need to use?
- Where can I find information about Library Reserves?
- Can I check out a book whose cover is on display?
- I looked up a book in the catalog and it said "no holdings information available." What do I do?
- Where are periodicals kept?
- Does the Sarah Lawrence library have a collection of Government Documents?
- When was the library built?
- Where can I find a description of the artwork in the library?
How do I know if SLC has a book/video I am interested in?
- Check the library catalog.
How do I know what periodicals SLC subscribes to?
- For periodicals in print check the library catalog. For online periodicals check the list of online periodicals. An increasing number of online periodicals are also included in the library catalog.
Can I use the SLC databases off-campus?
- If you have a current SLC network username and password you can! If you are having trouble, email reference@slc.edu or at x2225.
What do I do if I am having trouble getting started researching a project/using an online database?
- Sign up for a research consultation with a reference librarian.
I'm having trouble with my email, network password, computer who do I talk to?
- Contact the Help Desk at hd@slc.edu or x2460.
Can I suggest that the library purchase a book/video/journal?
- Yes SLC students, faculty and staff members can fill out the Request an Item form. For more information about library acquisitions please read the Acquisitions Guidelines.
How do I know what books I have checked out?
- You can check your library account by logging on the library catalog homepage. Enter your barcode number (long number on the back of your card SLC card – do not include the A’s) as the user name and your password (the default is your last name in lowercase letters).
What is the "shopping cart" feature in the library catalog?
- The "shopping cart" feature is like the shopping cart in Amazon.com. It allows you to save catalog records for later use. For example, you can use it to store the results while you do a series of searches so that you can print out or email one list at the end.
Where can I find a list of new library books/videos?
- You can view lists of the library’s recent acquisitions on the basic search screen of the library catalog under the search box.
What do I do if SLC does not have a book/journal that I need to use?
- SLC offers interlibrary loan services to SLC students and faculty. To request an item via ILL vist our Interlibrary Loan Request Form page.
Who do I talk to about Library fines?
- Janet Alexander, Head Access Services. Contact her at x2432 or alexand@slc.edu. For information about circulation policies go to the Circulation Policies page.
What do I do if someone has a book checked out that I need to use?
- You may recall the book by clicking “recall an item” on the left-hand side of the library catalog page. Fill out and submit the form and you will be contacted when the book arrives at the library for you to pick up.
Where can I find information about Library Reserves?
- Go to the Library Reserves page.
Can I check out a book whose cover is on display?
- Yes, check the Library Catalog.
I looked up a book in the catalog and it said "no holdings information available." What do I do?
- You must speak with a library staff member during regular business hours: 9AM-5PM, Monday-Friday.
- Current periodicals are on the main level in alphabetical order. Some shelving lifts up and the periodicals are stacked; otherwise they are in plain sight. Back issues (often bound volumes) are on the lower level in call number order. Periodicals on microfilm/microfiche are kept in cabinets on the lower level near the SLC Archives.
Does the Sarah Lawrence library have a collection of Government Documents?
- Yes. Sarah Lawrence is a "Federal Depository Library" and houses a varied collection of government documents. For more information about the collection, go to the Government Documents page.
- The Esther Raushenbush Library was built in 1974 and was honored by the American Institute of Architects for its outstanding design.
Where can I find a description of the artwork in the library?
- At the information desk on the main level of the library.