Library

## Welcome!

Welcome to Simon's Rock, and welcome to the Alumni Library! Our friendly librarians are here to help you navigate the wide world of academic research with aplomb. You can learn more about us on our staff bio pages **here** (https://simons-rock.edu/student-life/campus-experience/alumni-library/ask-a-librarian.php).

#### Library Hours

The library is open for use by current Simon's Rock students and employees. Masks are required at all times in the library.

Monday-Friday: 8:30am-12:00am

Saturday: 12:00pm-10:00pm

Sunday: 12:00pm-12:00am

#### Contact Us

Ask a Librarian: library@simons-rock.edu OR 413-528-7370

## Where am I?

The main lobby of the library is bounded by two desks: **Circulation and Reserve** for checking out and returning materials and accessing materials placed on reserve, and **Reference** for seeking assistance from our library staff. This area also hosts our new book shelves for browsing.

The **Reference Room** houses our collections of dictionaries, encyclopedias, field guides, maps & atlases, and other reference materials. Alumni theses, single plays, and scores are also located in this quiet study area. The **Archives Reading Room** is located within the Reference Room, and may be used to consult items held in our archives.

The **Stacks Rooms** (indicated by "call letters") house our general collection, organized by Library of Congress call number. These areas may also be used for quiet study and browsing.

The **Learning Commons** (often incorrectly referred to as "the Loud Section") is available for group work, and houses our periodicals, leisure reading, and media collections.

The **Atrium** houses the **Win Commons** and the **Library Lab**, as well as a lockable, wheelchair-accessible restroom with stall, and an open restroom with stalls.

The lower level of the Alumni Library houses further **Stacks Rooms** as well as **Oversize Books** and a lockable restroom with a stall.

## Glossary

You may hear us librarians (or your classmates and professors) throw around some words you may not know. Not to worry! We've crafted a quick glossary of common (but not necessarily common knowledge!) terms to help you navigate the library.

* **catalog** - a searchable register of all of the physical materials held within the library, primarily books, but also including periodicals and media; you may access the online catalog **here** (http://simonsrock.ipac.dynixasp.com/ipac20/ipac.jsp?profile=) or by visiting the library homepage and selecting "Search the Library Catalog."
* **stacks** - the rooms that hold the library's physical monographs; *open* stacks are browsable by all patrons, *closed* stacks are restricted to librarian access only
* **database** - a searchable electronic catalog or index of published items, including eBooks, journal articles, and primary source documents; all databases provide citation information for the items they index, while some provide abstracts, and others provide full-text access; often databases are subject-specific and index materials only in a specific discipline (e.g., psychology).
* **monograph** - a publication that is complete in one volume or a finite number of volumes; with very few exceptions, the books in the stacks are monographs
* **serial** - a publication that recurs at regular intervals under the same title, with no definitive end; the Learning Commons houses our collection of physical serial publications, while others are available electronically through our databases
* **call number** - a unique identifier ascribed to physical monographs that act as an "address" for its location in the stacks; we utilize the **Library of Congress Classification** (https://www.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/lcco/), which classifies materials based on subject, meaning that books covering similar subject matter will be shelved in proximity
* **subject heading** - a term or combination of terms applied to a library item that encapsulates the topic or topics treated within; these headings are part of a *controlled vocabulary*, meaning the terms are predetermined and limited
* **ILL (interlibrary loan)** - a service by which you may request materials held by other libraries that the Alumni Library does not hold; you can search for materials in other libraries via **WorldCat** (https://www.worldcat.org/), and you may make an ILL request via **this form**. (https://simons-rock.edu/student-life/campus-experience/alumni-library/interlibrary-loan-request.php)

## Library Accessibility

We are committed to making our collections, services, spaces, and events as accessible as we can and to providing reasonable accommodations whenever possible. Any request or feedback related to accessibility can be submitted via the **Library Accessibility Request Form (**https://simons-rock.libwizard.com/f/accessibility), emailed to library@simons-rock.edu, or made in person at the library. All requests and accommodations are confidential.

Accessibility requests may include, but are not limited to:

* Retrieving any item from the stacks.
* Scanning and reformatting selections from books and periodicals in the Library’s collections to accessible digital files for individual use.
* Converting or reformatting inaccessible digital content from subscription databases for individual use.
* Borrowing an accessible version of an item if we cannot make it accessible ourselves.
* Making large print copies of library handouts.
* Accommodation requests for events.
* Providing a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) for the vendors from which we license digital content.

Accessibility measures currently in place:

* All library services are delivered on the main level of the library.
* All events are held in accessible spaces.
* All virtual library events include live transcription.
* An accessible restroom is available on the main floor of the library.
* The Simon’s Rock Archives reading room on the library’s main floor provides an accessible space for the use of items from the Archives’ collections and non-circulating items from the Library’s collections.
* Senior carrels on the library’s main floor are assigned first to those who need an accessible space.
* Printed instructional handouts are available as accessible digital files on the library’s website.
* Many DVDs in the library’s collection have closed captioning and/or subtitles.
* Most digital content from subscription databases is in accessible formats.
* Signage is rendered in accessible fonts and sizes.
* Recognizing the Library’s entrance doors are not easily accessible to all, we have installed doorbells so that we can provide immediate assistance.

In case of emergency:

* The library has 10 emergency exits, of which two are wheelchair accessible. Three additional emergency exits are designated as areas of rescue assistance and emergency personnel have been notified of the locations.
* Fire alarms have both auditory and visual signals.

## Services

The library aims to support teaching and learning at Simon’s Rock, responding to the needs of our students by engaging with students and faculty through individual, in-depth services; teaching students to be proficient, ethical information seekers; facilitating equitable access to information resources; and providing welcoming spaces for intellectual discovery.

**Please see our Library Service Updates for COVID-19.**

### Circulation and Reserves

The main desk at the library is where you can check out, renew, and return items from the collection. For detailed information about loan and renewal periods and other circulation privileges, see our Borrowing Policy.

At faculty request, we place books, DVDs, and other items on reserve in the library. Reserves can be checked out for four hours from the Circulation Desk. You can search for items on reserve in the Library Catalog. Electronic course materials are available via Moodle.

### Interlibrary Loan

While we do all we can to make extensive research resources available to our students and faculty, you will probably not find every book and article you need in our collections and online resources. Interlibrary Loan (ILL) gives you to access materials from libraries across the country and around the world. Submit your request online and we’ll get it for you. Renewal of an ILL item can be requested, but is granted at the discretion of the lending library.

Questions? Contact ill@simons-rock.edu or call 413-528-7361.

### Workshops

We want to make sure students have the skills required to find, analyze, and use information effectively and ethically, so we offer a variety of workshops to help develop those skills. From ‘proofreading parties’ to 30 minute clinics and lunchtime Tech Tools sessions, we try to fit our offerings to your needs.

## Self-Service

We’re always willing to help, but there are some things you can do on your own:

* **Open stacks:** most books are on open shelving in the library, just find a call number and go get what you need! Current print periodicals (up to about one year old) are also on the shelf for easy access.
* **Photocopying:** no charge for students; 10 cents per page for all others.
* **Scanning:** the photocopier in the library can scan in color or black and white and email the file(s) directly to you at no charge.
* **Printing:** there is no charge for students to print at the two print release stations in the library; print from anywhere on campus and release your jobs here; request additional pages for your account by contacting ITS at its@simons-rock.edu.
* **My Library Account:** Simon's Rock students, faculty, and staff can log in to their library account to renew items or place holds on items checked out to another borrower. All you need is the library barcode number on your Simon’s Rock ID card.

## Library Code of Conduct

In keeping with the Library’s mission, we strive to provide our users with collections and services that fulfill their information needs. To achieve this goal, we expect behavior that enables all Library users to enjoy a safe Library environment that contributes to academic excellence, research, reading, and study. All Library users are expected to demonstrate respect, consideration, and courtesy to others through their behavior in the Library. This Code supplements the Code of Student Conduct [see Student Handbooks].

We welcome:

* Consultation with Library staff.
* Participation in instructional sessions.
* Quiet study, research, reading, and reflection.
* Group study and research, in appropriate areas and at suitable volume.
* Appropriate use of the Library’s print and electronic collections.
* Appropriate use of the Library’s computing resources [see also ITS Acceptable Use Policy and Appropriate Use of Electronic Resources].
* Other academic use of the Library’s collections and facilities.

Individuals engaging in activities and behaviors that are not in accordance with those outlined above, or with those specified in other Library policies will be asked to stop immediately. If the individual continues the activity/behavior or has to be asked to stop repeatedly, they may be asked to leave the premises and will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs and the Dean of Students and/or Campus Safety.

Proposed: 7.23.2010/Adopted: 10.18.2010/Revised: 7.18.2019

### Censorship and Academic Freedom

The Alumni Library serves to support the academic mission of the College and to provide access to materials that promote open discourse within that context.  It is the policy of the library to add items to our collections with regard to this mission.  Decisions are based upon academic efficacy, as well as the principles of scholarship, academic freedom, and freedom of speech and expression.

The staff makes every effort to find accommodations for our patrons when necessary. However, it is our policy to refrain from censoring or removing items from our collections that are there to serve the academic mission of the College.

Adopted: 8.25.2009/Revised: 8.30.2010

Related Resources:

* ALA Library Bill of Rights
* ALA Freedom to Read Statement

### Appropriate Use of Electronic Resources

Most electronic resources are governed by license agreements that limit use to the Simon’s Rock community. Each user is responsible for ensuring that he or she uses these products only for non-commercial, educational, scholarly or research use without systematically downloading, distributing, or retaining indefinitely substantial portions of information. The use of software such as scripts, agents, or robots, is prohibited and may result in loss of access to these resources for the individual or the entire Simon’s Rock community.

The licensed electronic resources made available by the Alumni Library to the Simon’s Rock community are for the personal, research, scholarly, or instructional activities of current faculty, staff, students and other authorized users. Copyright Law (including the protections of Fair Use) and contractual license agreements govern the access, use, and reproduction of these resources. Permitted actions generally include: downloading, temporarily storing, or printing discrete reasonable portions of the materials. Prohibited actions generally include: sharing of passwords or authorized access codes, systematic downloading of significant portions of the materials, posting copyrighted materials on a publicly accessible website, or commercial exploitation of the licensed information.

Please Be Aware:

* Sharing an access password with unauthorized users - including family, friends, co-workers, or any other unauthorized user - is prohibited.
* Downloading entire issues of electronic journals, multiple sequential chapters in online books, or attempting to create large databases from bibliographic files, is generally prohibited by license agreements. Systematic downloading of content - manually or with specialized software - is detectable by information providers and may result in loss of that information service to the individual, the relevant computer addresses, or the entire Simon’s Rock community.
* Engaging in actions intended to circumvent or defeat access control mechanisms of the Library or information provider is prohibited.
* Sharing proprietary or client software connected to information resources, such as that used to analyze spatial data or search and retrieve texts, is also prohibited under the terms of academic licenses.
* Each licensed product may have more specific or additional permissions or prohibitions. In many instances, walk-in users (individuals who are physically present in the Alumni Library and who are not Simon’s Rock faculty, students, and staff) are restricted in the amount of material they may download or print by the specific agreement for a license.

Inappropriate use of electronic resources will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs and the Dean of Students.

Proposed: 7.23.2010/Adopted: 11.1.2010

### Food and Beverages Policy

The Alumni Library strives to create an environment conducive to reading, study, research, consultation, and quiet collaboration. All Library patrons and employees are expected to respect their fellow Library users, as indicated in the Library’s Code of Conduct.

Certain food and drink items are allowed in the Alumni Library, if consumed responsibly.  Patrons are expected to clean up after themselves, discard trash and recyclables in appropriate containers, and notify staff *immediately* of any spills.

* Small snacks (such as a piece of fruit or granola bar) are allowed in the Library, if consumed responsibly. **No meals or parties. Food may not be delivered to the Library from restaurants or other food vendors.**
* Beverages in closed containers (such as covered cups and bottles with caps) are allowed in the Library, if consumed responsibly.

Food/beverage preparation equipment of any kind is not allowed in the Alumni Library. This includes but is not limited to electric kettles, coffee makers, and other appliances.

This policy is intended to preserve Library materials, computer equipment, and furnishings as well as to maintain a pleasant, comfortable and sanitary environment for everyone.

Proposed: 7.23.2010/Adopted:  10.18.2010/Revised: 01.04.2011

### Privacy and Confidentiality

The Alumni Library at Bard College at Simon’s Rock respects the right of privacy of all patrons regarding the use of the Library. We endeavor to protect your privacy to the maximum extent possible. Your use of Library resources, including access to commercial databases, the library catalog, the Internet, print collections, reference requests, interlibrary loan requests, etc., will be treated with the same confidentiality as if the request had come to a public library, as follows:

“That part of the records of a public library which reveals the identity and intellectual pursuits of a person using such library shall not be a public record as defined by clause Twenty-sixth of section seven of chapter four. Library authorities may disclose or exchange information relating to library users for the purposes of inter-library cooperation and coordination, including but not limited to, the purposes of facilitating the sharing of resources among library jurisdictions…” The General Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 78, Section 7

The Library also observes all Federal, State, and Simon’s Rock privacy and confidentiality policies, including:

* Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)
* Massachusetts 201 CMR 17.00: Standards for the Protection of Personal Information of Residents of the Commonwealth
* Student Handbook, Privacy Statement
* ITS Acceptable Use Policy

Proposed: 7.23.2010/Adopted: 11.1.2010

## Loan Periods and Privileges

**Reserve Items**

* Items on reserve may leave the Library; they are due at closing.
* Items on reserve are loaned for 4 hours, regardless of their usual borrowing period.
* If an Alumnus or Community Borrower is enrolled in a course, he or she may borrow reserve material *for that class only*.

**Renewals**

* Students, Faculty, and Staff receive 2 renewal periods equal to the original loan period;
* Alumni and Community Borrowers may renew once for a period equal to the original loan period;
* Online renewal is available within the loan period, overdue items must be brought to the Library in person for renewal; no phone or email renewal requests;
* Items on reserve may not be renewed;
* Request renewals of interlibrary loan materials in advance using our ILL Renewal Form.

**Overdue Items**

* Items that are not returned or renewed by the due date (or time, in the case of reserve materials) are overdue;
* Overdue items may be renewed at the discretion of Library staff, but the item(s) must be brought to the Library in person;
* The Library issues overdue notices by email or mail;
* Items more than 60 days overdue are considered lost and the borrower will be charged a $50 lost item fee.

**Lost/Damaged Items**

* The borrower will be charged a $50 fee for each item that is damaged or lost.

**Loans During Breaks**

* **Students**: All items are due at the end of each semester.
	+ This does not apply to seniors, who receive a longer loan period for books.
	+ Students may request to borrow a limited number of items over fall breaks, intersession, and spring break by speaking to a full-time Library staff member.
	+ In the summer, students who live locally (on campus or off campus) may borrow books as usual.
	+ Rising seniors can request to borrow books over the summer as part of their thesis work by speaking to a full-time Library staff member.
	+ Any item borrowed by a student during breaks, intersession, or over the summer are subject to the same requirements as at other times. Students are responsible for any item they borrow, regardless of the time of year.
* **Faculty, Staff, and Community Borrowers**: may borrow materials as usual during breaks and over the summer.

Revised: 8.20.2021

### Community Borrowers

We are pleased to welcome members of the local community to the Alumni Library. If you're interested in making use of the facility and resources of the Alumni Library, you must register as a Community Borrower or Youth Community Borrower. A staff member will be happy to assist you. There is a one-time charge of $5.00 to obtain a card. Photo I.D. and/or proof of local residence is required.

Eligibility: Adults (18 or over) living in the region are eligible to become Community Borrowers. High school students from local institutions must have a current Youth Community Borrower Application on file to receive borrowing privileges.

* Community Borrower Application
* Youth Community Borrower Applications

The Alumni Library is a safe space for students of Bard College at Simon's Rock and Bard Academy to study, work, and socialize. Community Borrowers will refrain from engaging with students in any way other than library transactions conducted at the Circulation Desk so as to respect their space and privacy. Unwarranted engagement with students will prompt revocation of library privileges and being banned from campus.

For security purposes, you must sign in at the Circulation Desk each time you arrive.

Community Borrowers may make casual use of the facilities, equipment, and resources in the public areas of the Library until 9 p.m. providing that they abide by the Library Code of Conduct and that their use does not infringe upon the rights of the Simon’s Rock community.

* During the academic year, Simon’s Rock students, faculty, and staff will be given priority and Community Borrowers are expected to limit their use of the facility and resources to no more than 2 hours per day.
* Community Borrowers may check out up to 10 books and/or musical scores at a time for a period of 4 weeks. Books and scores may be renewed once for an additional 4 weeks; bring items to the library in person to request renewals.
* Community Borrowers may check out up to 7 media (CD, DVD) items at a time for a period of 7 days.
* Periodicals do not circulate.
* Any item more than 60 days overdue is considered lost. A $50 lost item fee will be charged and borrowing privileges may be suspended.
* For interlibrary loan requests, please visit your local public library.
* Photocopying and printing is 10 cents per page.
* Wireless internet access is available for Community Borrower use - ask a staff member for the password to the Library Guest network.
* Off campus access to licensed electronic Library resources is available only to current Simon’s Rock students, faculty, and staff.

Proposed: 11.29.2010/Adopted:  11.29.2010/Revised: 7.19.19

### Visiting Researchers

* Visiting Researcher Application

The Alumni Library welcomes visiting researchers – adults (over 18) with a specific research project from outside the region who would like to make more than casual use of the library facility and resources. Visiting Researchers may make use of the facilities, equipment, and resources in the public areas of the Library until 9 p.m., providing that they abide by the Library Code of Conduct and that their use does not infringe upon the rights of the Simon’s Rock community. Applications are accepted throughout the year. A photo ID must be presented along with the application. Visiting Researcher privileges and obligations are as follows:

* During the academic year, Simon’s Rock students, faculty, and staff will be given priority and Visiting Researchers are expected to limit their use of the facility and resources to 2 hours per day.
* Visiting Researchers may check out up to 10 books and/or musical scores at a time for a period of 4 weeks. Books and scores may be renewed once for an additional 4 weeks; bring items to the library in person to request renewals.
* Visiting Researchers may check out up to 7 media (CD, DVD, VHS) items at a time for a period of 7 days.
* Periodicals do not circulate.
* Any item more than 60 days overdue is considered lost. A $50 lost item fee will be charged and borrowing privileges may be suspended.
* For interlibrary loan requests, please visit your local public library.
* Photocopying and printing is 10 cents per page.
* Wireless internet access is available for Visiting Researcher use - ask a staff member for the password to the Library Guest network.
* Off campus access to licensed electronic Library resources is available only to current Simon’s Rock students, faculty, and staff.

The Alumni Library is a safe space for students of Bard College at Simon's Rock and Bard Academy to study, work, and socialize. Community Borrowers will refrain from engaging with students in any way other than library transactions conducted at the Circulation Desk so as to respect their space and privacy. Unwarranted engagement with students will prompt revocation of library privileges and being banned from campus.

For security purposes, please check in at the front desk when you arrive.

### Flyers and Posters

The Alumni Library provides areas in both vestibules for hanging flyers, posters, and other appropriate information to be shared with the Simon’s Rock community.

Guidelines:

* Post only one copy in each vestibule;
* Remove others’ posters/flyers only after the event has passed;
* Tacks only, no tape;
* Posters/flyers should be approved by a Library staff member prior to posting;
* No anonymous postings (as per the Student Handbook, “Freedom of Communication of Ideas”);
* No commercial, “for sale,” or “for rent” postings in the Library, these items may be posted in the Hall College Center or at the Dining Hall.

These areas are the only approved locations for hanging flyers, posters, and other materials in the Library. Library staff will remove materials that are posted in other areas of the building. Offensive or inappropriate materials will be removed and discarded regardless of the location posted.

From time to time, Library staff may post library-related signage in other areas of the building.

Proposed: 11.29.2010

Adopted: 11.29.2010

## Public Spaces & Unattended Belongings

The Alumni Library strives to create an environment conducive to reading, study, research, consultation, and quiet collaboration. All Library patrons and employees are expected to respect their fellow Library users, as indicated in the Library’s Code of Conduct.

The public spaces in the Library are meant to be used by individuals or groups on a transient basis only. Doing otherwise unfairly limits the availability of spaces and furniture for the use of others and violates the Library’s Code of Conduct.

Library patrons may not leave personal or Library items overnight and may not reserve a space in the library for their own use (see study carrels and cubbies below). Items left overnight in the Library on tables, in unassigned study carrels, in unassigned storage cubbies, or in other areas will be collected each morning.  Library items will be checked in and returned to the stacks.  All other items will be placed in lost and found. Study carrels are available to seniors on a lottery basis and cubbies are available for all other students to be reserved for the purpose of storing items for up to an entire semester. Please see a Library staff member to arrange to have a cubby assigned to you.

Personal belongings should never be left unattended. The Alumni Library is not responsible for the security of personal items (laptops, backpacks, coats, or other belongings) left unattended in the building, including those left at study carrels or in cubbies. Unattended belongings are not to be used to reserve tables, rooms, computer workstations, or other study spaces. Unattended items may be collected and placed in lost and found.

If you have any questions, please speak to a Library staff member or contact us at [[1]] or 413-528-7370.

Proposed: 12.8.2010

Adopted: 12.8.2010

## Quiet Study

The Alumni Library strives to create an environment conducive to reading, study, research, consultation, and quiet collaboration. All Library patrons and employees are expected to respect their fellow Library users, as indicated in the Library’s Code of Conduct.

Quiet is an essential part of the academic needs of students, so certain areas of the Alumni Library are designated for quiet study. The Library is the only place on campus where there are designated quiet study spaces, so we ask that you respect others’ need for a quiet environment. When having a conversation, please take it to an area where others will not be disturbed. Likewise, if you need to work in a group, find an area where your work will not disturb others.

* **Quiet Study Only:** all areas of the book stacks are quiet study areas. No group work or conversation.
* **Minimal Noise:** the Reference Room is an appropriate location for limited group discussion and group study. Keep conversation quiet.
* **Group Study:** normal conversation is allowed in the Learning Commons and the lobby.

In all areas of the Library:

* **Viewing and Listening:** You can listen to music and watch TV and films in the Media Room at a reasonable volume. Priority use of the Media Room is for using media on Reserve. Otherwise, if you would like to listen to music, view a film, etc. on a computer or other device, you must use headphones.
* **Cell Phones and Internet Telephony:** Turn off or quiet the ring tone on your cell phone. Because the library is a study space, the sound of ringing phones disturbs academic work. Keep phone conversations short or move to an area where you will not disturb others.

If you have any questions, please speak to a Library staff member or contact us at [[2]] or 413-528-7370.

Proposed: 12.20.2010

Adopted: 1.4.2011

Updated: 11.30.2011

## Carrels and Cubbies

The Alumni Library strives to create an environment conducive to reading, study, research, consultation, and quiet collaboration. All Library patrons and employees are expected to respect their fellow Library users, as indicated in the Library’s Code of Conduct.

Seniors may apply for reserved use of a study carrel for **one semester** in their senior year. Carrels are assigned by lottery to those seniors who apply in the fall and spring semesters. All other students may request the use of a cubby.

Rules for the use of carrels and cubbies:

* Carrels are intended as dedicated study space and cubbies are intended for storage of research and academic materials. Neither is intended as a surrogate living space. Limit use of your carrel/cubby to appropriate materials such as books, papers, and limited quantities of office supplies.
* Every library-owned item in your carrel/cubby must be checked out to you. Items that are not checked out will be removed and reshelved in the appropriate location in the stacks.
* You may not stockpile library-owned items that do not leave the library in your carrel/cubby. This includes items such as reference books, theses, periodicals, newspapers, and reserve materials. These items will be removed and reshelved.
* Food and beverages are allowed at your carrel as long as:
	+ Food and beverage items are allowed in the library, consistent with the Library’s Food and Beverage Policy;
	+ You clean up after yourself, removing and discarding leftover food, cups, wrappers, and other containers in appropriate recycling or trash receptacles.
* You may not leave or store food or beverages in carrels or cubbies.
* Please keep your carrel/cubby neat. It is important that the Library has an organized look so as to be inviting to everyone.
* Limit yourself and your belongings to the area inside your carrel/cubby.

Library staff will make spot checks of carrels and cubbies from time to time. Failure to follow the above rules may result in loss of carrel/cubby privileges.

The Library is not responsible for unattended personal belongings left in carrels/cubbies. Please see the Library’s Public Spaces & Unattended Belongings Policy.

If you have any questions, please speak to a Library staff member or contact us at [[3]] or 413-528-7370.

Proposed: 12.20.2010

Adopted: 01.04.2011

## Senior Carrel Distribution

Seniors may apply for reserved use of a study carrel for **one semester** in their senior year. Because there are a limited number of carrels, they are distributed to those seniors who apply in the fall and spring semesters. Here’s how it works:

* You will receive an email informing you when carrel distribution will take place. Beginning at that date and time and continuing until they are gone, every senior interested in a carrel for that semester should come to the library to choose their carrel. It is on a first come, first served basis. **Students with accessibility needs have priority selection of upstairs carrels.**
* If you have a thesis project that does not require a carrel in the library, please be considerate of your fellow seniors and forego the opportunity.
* If you cannot come in person, you may send a representative to stand in for you. Sharing of carrels is permitted and encouraged!
* Each senior is entitled to a carrel for **one semester only**. There are distribution days in both the Fall and Spring semesters.
* Please walk around the library before the distribution date and pick a first, second, and third choice of carrel (they’re numbered). This will make the whole process faster and easier on the day of distribution.

**Here’s what we expect of you:**

* Carrels are intended as dedicated study space and may be used for storage of research and academic materials. They are not surrogate living space. Limit use of your carrel to appropriate materials such as books, papers, and limited quantities of office supplies.
* Every library-owned item in your carrel must be checked out to you. Items that are not checked out will be removed and re-shelved.
* You may not stockpile library-owned items that do not leave the library in your carrel. This includes reference books, theses, periodicals, newspapers, reserve materials, etc. These items will be removed and re-shelved.
* You may not leave or store food or beverages in carrels.
* Please keep your carrel neat and clean.
* Limit yourself and your belongings to the area inside your carrel.
* At the end of the semester, it is your responsibility to clean out your carrel.

Library staff will make spot checks of carrels from time to time. Failure to follow the above rules may result in loss of carrel privileges. The Library is not responsible for unattended personal belongings left in carrels. If you have any questions, please contact KellyAnne McGuire in the library.

## Electronic Resources

In addition to the collections held in the library, we also make extensive resources available to students and faculty online. When you’re on campus, the process is completely invisible. If you’re off campus, though—anywhere in the world with an internet connection—you can still access all the library’s electronic resources. You just click a link on the library’s website, log in with your Simon’s Rock username and password, and everything works just as it would on campus. To use the library’s electronic resources, Search Everything or browse our alphabetical and subject lists of online resources.

#### Boston Public Library

The Boston Public Library makes available many of its electronic resources to anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in the state of Massachusetts through their eCard program. This includes thousands more electronic periodicals and e-books as well as more streaming video and music.

Questions? Contact us: [[4]] or 413-528-7370.

## Specialized Collections

Among the library’s collections are some specialized resources.

#### Senior Theses

The senior thesis is not just an academic requirement for a Simon’s Rock Bachelor of Arts, it is work that adds to the world’s storehouse of knowledge. The library retains a print copy of every thesis submitted by seniors, housed in the Reference Room. All completed theses in the collection are included on our thesis list. Theses do not circulate. Senior thesis proposals beginning in academic year 1998-1999 as well as theses beginning in 2011 are online, but full text of theses and proposals is only available to current students and employees.

* Resources for current seniors

#### Simon's Rock Authors

The library collects as many alumni publications as possible, as well as books, CDs, and other items by faculty, staff, and other Simon’s Rock-affiliated people. While we can’t hope to be comprehensive, we try to be representative. These items are shelved in closed stacks, but you can find them in the library’s catalog by searching for “Simon's Rock Authors” and request them at the circulation desk.

#### Simon's Rock Archives

A storehouse of all things related to Simon’s Rock from the earliest days to the present, the Archives are located in the library in the closed stacks area. The Archives are open by appointment. If you would like to visit, need help locating materials, have any questions, or have materials you think should be preserved, please contact us at [[5]].

#### Du Bois Collection

Inspired by W.E.B. Du Bois, The Du Bois Collection is a selection of books that cover the African American experience from a variety of perspectives, including history, culture, society, religion, art, and more. The items in the collection are part of the Alumni Library's circulating collection and can be found intershelved with the general collection in the stacks. You’ll notice these books in the collection by the Du Bois spine label.

#### The Library of Things

The Library of Things is a collection of fun and useful non-book items that circulate to students and employees for 24 hours at a time. An evolution of the library’s existing lending model, this collection expands the range of items that the library circulates beyond the boundaries of traditional library materials to meet the diverse needs of our campus community.

#### Writers on Writing

Simon’s Rock has a demonstrated commitment to centering the act and art of writing in its pedagogical approach, evidenced most clearly by the Writing & Thinking workshops required of all incoming students. The library has created a collection of materials that go beyond “how-to” style- or guidebooks targeting specific high-school or college level writing forms, such as essays, reports, or term papers. Rather than retreading this already well-trod ground, we seek to collect items *by* eminent and esteemed writers *on* the art and craft of writing, broadly defined.The Writers on Writing collection both echoes and supports our commitment to writing-as-thinking, in hopes that students will mine these resources for guidance and inspiration in their curricular and extracurricular writing. This is a browseable collection that can be found in the library commons.

#### Krainis Collection of Early Music Scores

A gift from Bernard Krainis—noted recorder player and a founding member of New York Pro Musica Antiqua and the Aston Magna Foundation for Music, two pioneering ensembles for the performance of early music on period instruments—the Krainis Collection consists of about two hundred scores, all representative of music from the Baroque period and earlier. This collection is located in the Reference Room adjacent to the library’s general collection of music scores and can be found in the library’s catalog by searching for “Krainis Collection.”

#### Single Plays

This collection of several hundred plays published as single volumes supports the stage actors and directors among our faculty and students. You can browse them in the Reference Room or you can set a Single Play limit on your search in the library catalog.

#### Artist Books

This small but unique collection is made up of limited edition books by artists in a variety of interesting formats. Included among them are two limited edition books by Simon’s Rock alumni. Many of the books feature original prints and some are examples of printing onto unusual media. There is a record for each artist book in the library catalog, but they are in closed stacks and are non-circulating.

#### Social Movement Pamphlets

A collection of about 80 pamphlets from the 1920s-1950s related to communism, socialism, and labor in the U.S. There is a record for each pamphlet in the library catalog, but due to the physical nature of the material—they're relatively fragile and some are in poor condition—they're housed in Closed Stacks and are non-circulating.

#### International Society of Copier Artists Quarterly

A gift from Louise Neaderland, the founder and director of the International Society of Copier Artists, the *Quarterly* presents the copier as an artistic tool, regularly compiling examples of this work as an assemblage of prints and artist books. You can find out more information from the finding aid and artists' names index. The Quarterly is housed in Closed Stacks and is non-circulating.

Sponsor a Book

**To sponsor a book, go to https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/15570/donations/new to make a donation.**

**The minimum donation per book is $30, which you will manually enter. (You can use one transaction for multiple books.)**

**Choose "Sponsor a Book" in the Designation drop-down menu.**

**Use the "In Honor of" or "In Memory of" field to write what you'd like on the bookplate.**

**We will send you a letter letting you know which book your bookplate has been put in.**

Sponsor a Book is a fundraiser the Alumni Library holds to allow our wider community to sponsor titles that we're adding to the collection. When someone sponsors a book, it enables us to purchase additional items for the collection, thus extending our purchasing power. The sponsor has the opportunity to honor a student, friend, or loved one with a bookplate that is customized with their dedication.

No, not every book we purchase for the Library's collection is sponsored. We select a few that we think would be of particular interest.