Library
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Frequently Asked Questions
Hours & Access
- When are the Library and Information Commons open?
The Library's hours are posted here on the Library website.Find out more... - How do I access journals and research databases from off-campus?
You can log into the Library's subscription databases using your Simmons username and password (the same log in information you use for webmail). - How do I book a group study room?
Group Study Rooms can be booked for up to three hours from the library catalog. Find out more...
Finding Materials
- How do I find books?
The first place to look for a book is in the Simmons Library catalog. You can search by title, author, subject, keyword, or call number. If the book isn't available at Simmons, you can find it at nearest library using WorldCat. For more detailed information on finding books in the library, visit our Finding Books page. - How do I find articles?
You can find articles for your research using our electronic databases. Many articles are available online in their entirety. Our Finding Articles page can provide you with more detailed information about using databases and finding articles, and our reference librarians are always happy to help you find what you need. - Where do I find course reserves?
You can find course reserves using the course number or your professor's name. Go to the Library Catalog and click the link in the left-hand menu that says Course Reserves. Reserve items will either be available in print at the Circulation desk or online. If the item is available in print only, write down the call number and bring it to the Circulation desk. They will check the item out to you for the allotted time. If you're off campus, you'll have to log in to access articles electronically. Find out more... - How can I find full text articles online?
When you've found an article you'd like to read in one of our electronic databases, look for the orange Article Now icon. If the full text is available, you'll see a list of links where it can be found. If it's not available full text online, you'll be given the option to order it through Interlibrary Loan or to find it in a local library. If you have the citation, you can search for it right away from the Article Now page. - How long can I check out materials?
Loan periods vary; please check our Loan Periods page for more information. Most books are available to students for 28 days, and periodicals do not circulate.
Get Research Help
- How do I get help from a Librarian?
Our librarians are always happy to help you with your research. Reference librarians are available at the Reference desk for drop-in help, and we are also available via chat, email, or phone (617.521.2780). You can make an appointment with a subject librarian for more in-depth help. - How do I know which database to use to find articles?
Simmons subscribes to over 120 electronic databases, which together provide citations to articles in approximately 19,000 journals. It can be overwhelming! A good place to start your research is in our Research Guides. You can find resources by subject, and the guides will direct you to the best databases for your particular needs. You can find more information in our Finding Articles page. - How do I create a bibliography?
The Writing Center offers assistance for students who have to write research papers. You can contact them for an appointment at 617-521-2474. Their website offers some information on documentation styles if you need a quick refresher. - How do I use RefWorks to manage my research?
Simmons offers access to RefWorks to help you manage citations and research information. RefWorks can automatically create and format bibliographies, works cited lists, and in-text references for a number of different styles. For more information on using RefWorks, visit our RefWorks and Write N Cite page. - What is the Simmons policy on copyright?
As a community of scholars, Simmons College subscribes to the belief that intellectual property rights should be respected and honored, and that fair and appropriate use of copyrighted materials is both a legal and an ethical obligation that all members of the Simmons community should observe. Please read the full Copyright Policy, available through the Technology office.
Equipment & Technology
- How do I use photocopiers?
The photocopiers take cash and Fenway cards, but photocopies are not included in the free prints you receive from the Library each semester. To use your Fenway card to photocopy, you will need to ensure there is enough money in your Fenway card account. Find out more... - How do I add money to my Fenway card?
You can add money to your Fenway card account online, or by visiting the campus card office. - Can I use a cell phone in the Library?
In order to promote a quiet and productive research and study environment, we ask that you do not conduct cell phone conversations in the Library and Information Commons. All cell phone conversations must be conducted in Cell Phone Zones:- In the Level 1 lobby outside the Library entrance
- On the ground floor lobby
- How do I print?
Students, faculty, and staff are allotted a print quota of 350 free pages at the beginning of each semester. Use your Fenway card to print in the Library at the pay-for-print stations in the Information Commons. If you run out of free pages, you can print using your Fenway cards by adding money to your Fenway card account. Find out more... - What is the Simmons Acceptable Use Policy for technology?
Simmons's technology (computer and network) resources are intended for educational, scholarly and college business uses. An Acceptable Use Policy is available through the Technology office. - How do I search the Library catalog from my browser?
We offer several easy ways to search the Library catalog from your browser, including a LibX tool bar and a Quick Search plug in. Find out more...
For Faculty
- How can I request a book for the Library to buy?
You can request books for the Library to buy via our online form. - How do I put an item on reserve?
You can request items to be placed on Reserve using our online Reserve form or by printing a form and submitting it to the Circulation desk staff. Please read our Reserves overview to find out more about the Reserve process and our policies. - How do I book a video or DVD for a classroom showing?
You can select the item that you'd like to book in the online catalog, and book it right in the catalog for a specified date and time. If you are booking several items, the most efficient way to proceed is to go to the Account Login link in the left sidebar of the library catalog and log in using your Simmons email username and password. By logging in first, you can book several items without having to repeatedly log in. Find out more... - How do I book a video or DVD for out-of-classroom showing?
Use the Media Retrieval System offered by Media Services to book media for out-of-classroom showing.
Page updated: May 20, 2009
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