About the Library
Using the Library
Researching Topics and Citing Sources
Finding and borrowing books, videos, etc.
Textbooks and Reserve Materials
Magazine, Journal, Newspaper Articles
Services
Who is John F. Prince?
Dr. Prince was the first administrative dean of the college. As Executive Director of the State Community College Board, he worked enthusiastically in the formation of the Maricopa County Junior College District (now the Maricopa County Community College District). His portrait is on the wall near the Circulation Desk at the West end of the Library Media Center.
How can I get some basic instruction about using the library?
The Library Media Center home page has a link to GO!Gauchos, an information literacy and library tutorial to show you how to use library resources. The information below may help also. Of course, you can always ask the librarians at the Information/Reference Desk for assistance to help you locate resources and services.
The Library Media Center is the only "library" on campus. Other departments may house their own small department collections in labs or elsewhere, but these are not part of the GCC Library Media Center.
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How do I get a library card?
Students:
Your student picture identification card is your library card. Get your picture ID cards at the Enrollment Center (EC) when you register. Your card is good at all MCCD libraries. Note that your library card number is the 13 digit barcode number on the reverse side of your card. The card, once validated for the semester, allows you to check out books, reserve readings and periodicals from the Circulation Desk, and to use the electronic interlibary loan system on the catalog to obtain books from other campuses. You may check out materials with any current photo ID, however.
Community Borrowers:
Ask at the Circulation Desk in the Library for a card. You will need to provide some identification in order to obtain a card. There are some limitations on the use of the card. The card does not enable you to use the computers in the Computer Commons area of the Library Media Center.
How do I access my library account? What can I do there?
To access your library account, click on the link below or click on the "My Account" tab in the library catalog.
From the Library Account page you can review checked-out materials and requested items, fine information, and personal information such as phone and address. Additionally, you can renew books and make changes to your email address and library PIN.
Access your library account. Requires your borrower barcode and library pin.
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How do I validate my library card?
Present your student ID at the Circulation Desk. Once your card is validated, it is good for the semester, and allows you to borrow library materials. You can use your validated card to use the electronic interlibrary loan service on our catalog to borrow items from other Maricopa Community College libraries or borrow materials directly from those libraries if you prefer to go to them personally. Validating your student ID card in the library system is not the same as activating your eGCC account; these are two separate systems.
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How do I learn basic library terminology?
You can get most of the common 'library lingo' from one of our LMC Guide: Library Terminology.
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How can I get on the computers in the Computer Commons?
Use of these computers is restricted to GCC students. You will need to activate your eGCC account, enter the username and password assigned to you (see below).
Quick look up terminals are located near the Information/Reference Desk that can be used by any patron without an eGCC account. These workstations are NOT connected to a printer.
The Computer Commons operates on the same schedule as the rest of the LMC, and is staffed by GCC computer technicians. There is no charge for printing.
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Can I access your databases from home?
Yes, but you will need to have your eGCC account activated. When you try to open the databases, you will be prompted to enter your eGCC username and password to gain access.
See the list of databases
available through the LMC @ GCC.
Also, set your browser to accept "cookies". Some databases can only be accessed from on-campus; these are noted in the database list.
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Do you have wireless access?
Yes, the LMC and campus has wireless access. More information is available from the campus Wireless Access page.
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Do you have laptop computers I can use? Are there data ports I can use with your laptop or my own?
Yes we do have laptop computers. You can borrow them at the Media Services Desk. They are to be used only in the library. There is a four (4) hour time limit.
You can use your own laptop computers in the library via our password protected wireless network, but we do not have active data ports available. You will need to activate your network or eGCC account to access the network.
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What is the eGCC account and how do I activate it?
The eGCC account is available to students enrolled at GCC. The account provides access to software for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, communications (e-mail), and accessing the library databases. To use it, activate your account at terminals in the LMC, HT1 and HT2 - scan your student id (barcode) on the reverse of the card. Your username will be displayed; your default password is your social security number or the number you used for registration. When you log in to a workstation you will be prompted change your password. More information is available at the Student HelpDesk page.
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Is there someplace on campus where I can use the computers when the library is closed?
The High Tech Centers have extended hours during the week and weekends. Check their posted hours for times.
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How do I begin my research in the library?
A good place to begin is at the Information/Reference Desk. Really. Rather than leap into the catalog or databases, consult with the reference librarians about your assignment. The librarians often can suggest appropriate research tools to help make your research more efficient and effective. More information about contacting librarians: Ask a Librarian
Of course, where you begin your research depends upon what you need to know or what information you already have. It is important that you clearly understand your assignment. Depending on your topic, you may need to use a variety of books, articles, web sites, etc., or maybe just one source will be enough. You can save some time by getting some advice before you start.
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How do I select a topic for research?
If your topic has not been assigned to you, and you're not sure about a topic, there are several resources that can help you focus on a subject.
10,000 Ideas for Term Papers, Projects, Reports and Speeches by Kathryn Lamm is a good source for potential topics in a wide range of subject areas. A symbol is included with each topic to give you an idea about the level of research and resources required to write about it. The latest edition of this book is available at the Information/Reference Desk.
CQ Researcher is an excellent source for contemporary topics. Each issue provides an overview of the subject, chronology, issues involved, and relevant resources. This is available both electronically (see our Articles & Databases page) and in paper (on our Contemporary Issues table between the Information Desk and the Computer Commons).
Issues & Controversies is similar to CQ Researcher, and, likewise It is available both electronically (see our Articles & Databases page) and in paper (on our Contemporary Issues table between the Information Desk and the Computer Commons.
Pro/Con Resources & Contemporary Issues: Use this linked page to browse the LMC print collection of books that address contemporary issues in a pro/con and topic overview format.
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How do I write a citation for "this" in MLA / APA format? (book, article, document, etc.)
Preparing citations in the proper format for your "Works Cited" page can often be challenging. You first need to determine what style manual your instructor has requested that you use. Common style manuals are MLA (Modern Language Association), APA (American Psychological Association), and Turabian, and each provide guides to citing numerous types of publications, including web sites. The current editions of these guides are kept at the Reference Desk. We also have handouts to help you with typical citation formats, see the
LMC Citation Guides.
The GCC English Department has a guide to MLA style formats that are acceptable for English 101/102 classes.
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How can I locate books in the library?
The Library Media Center uses the Library of Congress Classification System to organize its collection by subject category. This is the most common system used in academic libraries. The Dewey Decimal system is most frequently used in school and public libraries. Our guide, Library of Congress Classification System, provides an overview of the system and how to read call numbers and locate the books on the shelves.
Our circulating book shelves (or "stacks") are on both north and south sides of our Computer Commons area; the reference books are housed in the low shelves near the Information/Reference Desk at the west end of the building. The books are shelved with the A-N classification range on the north side of the building, the N-Z range on the south side. The Juvenile and Oversize collections are shelved at the end of the Z classification area. The General or circulating collection is housed in "open" stacks; some media (DVDs, VHS tapes), back issues of periodicals and reserve materials are in "closed" stacks - you have to request these items. Also, a "Leisure Reading" collection is located at the west end of the General collection stacks, and you can browse here for recent fiction and non-fiction titles.
The best way to locate books is to use the online catalog on our home page - "Locate Books & Media". Books on a subject will be shelved together, generally, so you can browse. However, it is best to use the catalog since there are some idiosyncracies in the system that result in apparently similar books having slightly different call numbers. It is important to note that, unlike the Dewey system, there is no separate section for biographies and fiction is not arranged alphabetically by the author's last name.
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How can I use the catalog?
Go to the library's home page and click on "Locate Books & Media". This takes you to the online catalog. The catalog is a "combined" catalog for all the Maricopa Community College libraries so you can access the collections of other community college libraries by changing the search default (Glendale) to "Maricopa Community College Libraries" on the search page.
It is also "combined" in the sense that it includes all types of formats - books, videos, dvds, audio recordings, etc. The search default is to the GCC Library and all types of formats, but you can restrict your searching to a particular campus, language, or format (books, audio-visual, etc.) if you prefer.
Click on HELP for instructions on using the catalog. This will show you how to search by author, title, subject, or keyword and how to customize your inquiry (if you wish) to restrict your search to specific locations, media, dates, or language.
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Does the library have e-books?
Yes. The MCCCD libraries have a subscription to eBrary, a collection of thousands of books in electronic format.You can locate them by:
(1) selecting the "e-books" tab on the catalog search page, or
(2) searching in the catalog as usual - eBrary books will be included in your results.
Select "Glendale Community College access." Then search by simple, advanced, or browse - if necessary, use the "Search Tips" to improve your results. Download the free eBrary software to have full access to the books, and set up an account with eBrary to "borrow" the books. A nice feature is that you can highlight passages and return to them later. GCC also subscribes to netLibrary for additional titles, and this collection can be accessed from the catlaog/e-books page also. You will need to establish and account to access the full-texts of these titles.
Does the library have audio books?
Yes, we have some. Some of the more popular non-fiction and fiction titles are located in the Lesiure Reading area of the collection - the shelves near the photocopiers at the beginning of the "A" classification ranges.
Search the catalog using the term "audiobook" or "sound recording" to locate this material in our collection.
How many books can I borrow and for how long?
The limit is 20 books at one time, and only 3 on an individual subject. Loan periods vary by item or collection types. Please see our Circulation Services page has information about loan periods and policies for all types of library materials.
Can I renew my books online?
Yes. Open the "My Account" tab on the Catalog page and enter your borrower number and pin number. The borrower number is the barcode on the back of your student ID card, and the pin number is the last four digits of your telephone number that is in the library system. [Note: If you have changed phone numbers, and not notified us, you may be denied access].
Click on "Login" the click on "Items Out" to see the books currently charged to your account. Check the ones you want to renew and click on "Renew." If you are not allowed to renew the books, it usually is because they are overdue or you have already exceeded the number of renewals allowed - currently that is one (1).
If you experience problems using the online renewal, contact the 623.845.3109, the LMC Access Services/Circulation department.
How do I get books from other libraries? Periodical articles?
If the books are in the libraries of the Maricopa Community College District...
You can request them electroncially by using the "Request Title" link on the full record page of the item (the page where the bibliographic data on the item and campus holdings information is provided). Your student ID will have to be validated in the library system in order for your request to be processed. Books obtained from other district libraries will normally arrive within 5 days, and we will telephone you to let you know that the book has arrived. You can pick them up at the LMC's Circulation Desk (623.845.3109). Since we notify you by telephone, it is important that we have your correct number in our system, and, so, if you have moved recently, contact the Circulation Desk to ensure we have an accurate number for you.
If the book is NOT in the district libraries...
Submit your book request by first clicking on Books & Media from the LMC home page. Then click on the Interlibrary Loan tab. If you have not created an InterLibrary Loan account, you will need to do this before submitting your book request.
You will need to provide as much information about the book as possible. Also, you will need to allow a minimum of two weeks before we receive any books not in the community college system.
To obtain periodical articles that are not available in GCC's library you will need to complete the request form - use the "articles" section. Again, provide as much information about the item as possible. Ask the librarian to help you if necessary. Incomplete information will delay processing. The lending library may assess a photocopy charge for articles, so it is important that you indicate the amount you are willing to pay for it.
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How can I locate books in public or other academic libraries in the area?
You can access the catalogs of other libraries directly from our "Other Library Catalogs" link on our Research Assistance page.
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Can I borrow books from Glendale Public Library GPL?
Yes. If you are a Glendale resident, you can obtain a GPL card by completing an application and providing appropriate identification to confirm residency. If you are NOT a Glendale resident and are currently enrolled at GCC, you are also eligibile to get a borrower's card. You will have to provide your current GCC ID card, a receipt that indicates you are registered for the current semester, and another confirmation of your current address, such as your drivers license. Access Glendale Public Library website.
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Can I borrow books from ASU West Library?
ASU has a user fee. See their Non-ASU Borrowers page.
Access Fletcher Library at ASU's West campus.
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Can videos be checked out?
Some video cassettes (and DVDs) can be checked out for one week.
These videos are shelved with the books (General - Circulating Collection) by call number; DVDs are kept at the Circulation Services counter and need to be checked out from Circulation.
We have other videos that are for library use only. These are kept in the Circulation Services and can be viewed in the Microforms Room on the north side of the LMC. You can also view videos in the Media area at the east end of the building.
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Can I get videos from other libraries on interlibrary loan?
Usually, no. However, different campuses may have different policies. If you check the status in the full catalog entry for the item, you may get an indication of its loan status. "Available" by itself usually means that it can be borrowed via interlibrary loan. If there is a "Non-Request" or "Local Request" indication, the video normally is restricted to use on that campus only. You can check with the Access Services department (Circulation Desk) for additional information.
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Where can I locate current fiction and non-fiction books?
We have a small collection of contemporary and popular fiction and non-fiction titles in the first range of the north side General collection stacks, before the "A" classification. We also have new titles, and other popular fiction and non-fiction titles displayed in a book cart near the Reference/Information desk. These are arranged by the author's last name. For additional fiction and non-fiction titles, you will need to search the catalog by the author or title to see if it has been added to our collection and assigned a call number.
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Does the library have music or rare books?
At this time the LMC does not have a music collection. The LMC does have an Archives Room that houses a special collection of older volumes and selected campus publications.
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Does the have library online reference books?
Yes. You can locate these by opening the "Articles & Databases" link on the LMC home page, and then select "Reference" in the subject categories for a list of online reference resources.
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What textbook is used for my class and where can I get it in the library?
The bookstore has booklists and supplies of texts arranged by course and instructor. If you are not sure from the information available at the bookstore, check with your instructor for the text used in your class. Some classes in the same subject may use different text or supplementary readings.
In addition, you can access the bookstore web site (Follett.com) to determine your required textbooks. Follow the instructions provided by Follett.
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The library does NOT buy textbooks. However, we may have some that instructors have placed here on reserve at the Circulation desk for you to use in the library.
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Where do I go to get materials that my instructor placed on reserve?
At the Circulation Desk at the west end of the LMC. You will need your student id card to borrow them. Most reserve books are available for use in the library two hours. You can use the online catalog to determine if your instructor has placed materials on reserve for your class. Open the "Books & Media" link on the LMC home page, then open the "Reserves" tab. Then, enter your course or instructor's name.
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How do I locate articles in magazines, journals, and newspapers?
There are several ways. If you are researching a topic you will need to use the databases or indexes.
1. The most popular way is to use the databases. These can be accessed from the "Articles & Databases" on the Library Home Page. The databases are produced by a vendor who ensures the quality of the resources included - magazines, journals, newspapers, etc. The databases provide various searching options - subject, keyword, customized, etc. - to enable you to locate articles. Most databases provide the full-text of the articles. Some may provide full-image (just like looking at the magazine), and others may only provide citations and abstracts to the article. This is usually the first place to look for articles because of the search options and the full-text availability in the database. The chief limitation for using databases is the time period they cover - most only began providing full-texts of articles in the late 1980's or early 1990's. However, some databases, such as the New York Times Historical Newspapers and Reader's Guide Retrospective, do provide extended coverage. So, it is helpful to read the descriptions of the databases on the page to determine the scope and coverage of the database.
2. For articles published from the late-1980's and earlier you may need to use printed periodical indexes which provide citations to the magazines or newspapers. Once you get the citation, you will need to locate the periodical in our collection or another library. Back issues of the LMC's periodical subscriptions may be in paper/print format or in microfilm or microfiche. To view or check our subscription list electronically click on the GCC Print Magazines/Journals by Title or by Subject from our Articles & Databases page or you can always ask at the Information/Reference Desk. Back issues in paper format can be obtained at the Circulation Desk; if they are in a microformat, they will be housed in the Microforms area (you can ask for assistance at the Circulation Desk if you are not familiar with using microforms and reader/printers). Our periodical indexes are located in the Microforms area and include The Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature, Biography Index, and others.
There are several databases that provide retrospective coverage: JSTOR, Reader's Guide Retrospective (citations), and PQ Hist. Newspapers (New York Times). Read the database descriptions for more information about their content and coverage.The New York Times Index is located in the Microforms Room.
If you just want to browse current magazines, the more popular ones are displayed along the north concourse in the library. If you want to look at recent back issues of a magazine or journal, check at the Circulation Desk to borrow them for use in the building.
Finally, there are a number of e-zines or e-journals that can be accessed through the web, such as Time, Newsweek, plus newspapers. If you know the url for the magazine, you can go directly to that site for the most current issue; if you do not know the url, enter the title in a search engine, such as Google, Yahoo, etc. and select from their hit list. Electronic magazines, journals, and newspapers usually have archives or backfiles for previous issues, but they may charge a fee to access them. If at all possible, it is usually best to use the databases provided by the library.
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How do I use a database?
Each database is different. It is a good idea to spend a few minutes before you begin searching in the database to read the help features. It will make your searching efforts more productive. Generally, databases can be searched by subject, keyword, natural language, or a variety of guided search methods that allow you to customize your inquiry. Of course, you can ask a librarian to help you!
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Why can't I access the databases from off campus?
Most databases may also be searched by students and faculty at Glendale Community College from off campus. To access these databases remotely your eGCC account must be activated. Activate your palette account at the Library, HT1 or HT2. For information about how to obtain your eGCC username and password, go to the Standard Suite of Tools at GCC. Enter or open the database and then enter your eGCC username and password in the spaces provided. Your web browser must be configured to accept cookies. If you have difficulty connecting, call the Student Help Desk at 623.845.3555.
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How do I find a scholarly journal article?
To locate scholarly or academic journals in a database, select the check boxes labeled "Juried articles," "Peer-reviewed articles" or "Refereed journals". Your searching will be restricted to this type of publication.
If you are uncertain what a scholarly journal article is, go to our scholarly journal criteria page provides some basic information about the characterisitics of scholarly journals and articles.
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What magazines and journals are available at other libraries?
For most libraries, you can go to their web page and search their catalog for the title of the magazine you need. The catalog will indicate if they subscribe to it or not. You can also search the MCCCD catalog for all MCCCD libraries by title.
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Do you keep any backfiles of magazines on microfilm or microfiche?
Yes. Selected titles of magazines, journals, and newspapers are available in microfilm or microfiche. These are housed in the Microforms Room on the north side of the LMC. If you need assistance using this collection contact the Circulation Desk or the Reference Desk.
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Where are the restrooms?
Restrooms are located in the Southwest corner of the Library Media Center.
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Do you have typewriters or word processors in the library?
Typewriters - no. However,you can use your eGCC account to access the suite of tools (word processing, spreadsheets, power point presentation software, etc.).You will need to activate your Instructional Palette account to use the workstations in the library. Glendale Public Library - Main has typewriters at this time.
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Where can I get information on the artwork in the library?
There is now an audio walking tour to add to your enjoyment of the art collection. To hear the tour, check out a listening wand at the circulation desk. The tour is self-paced, which allows you to select from the featured pieces of art as you move about the library. We also have brochures available. Most of the art was either purchased by the student government association or donated to GCC. The art curator is Darlene Goto, a faculty member in the art department. For further information, please contact her at 623-845-3755.
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Do you have private study rooms or group study rooms?
There are no private study rooms; however, there are twelve group study rooms that are located on the north, southeast, and southwest areas of the building. These are available on a first come basis and cannot be reserved. Individuals may use the rooms, but groups have priority if they need the room. Please note that the rooms are not sound-proof so talking should be at a moderate level. Personal items (backpacks, books, etc.) left unattended in the study rooms will be removed by Campus Safety.
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Where can I get my language tapes duplicated?
The Media Services department will duplicate language tapes. There is no charge for duplicating the tapes, but you must provide the blank tapes. Media only accepts the following brand audio cassette tapes for duplication purposes: TDK, Maxell, BASF, Scotch/3M, Fuji, Sony, Denon, and Radio Shack. The tapes will be ready normally in 1-3 days depending on the number of duplicating requests.
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Where can I find scholarship and financial aid information?
We have a number of directories and guides at the Information/Reference Desk to help you locate information on scholarships and other sources of financial aid. There is also a web site, FASTWEB, that is also useful. Other web sites providing financial aid nformation are available from our "Internet Resources - Selected Subject Categories" - "Financial Aid" page.
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Can I fax something from the library?
Yes. It is located at Media Services. It costs $1.00 per page and is for local calls/transmissions only. The campus mailroom in the Administration building provides fax services as well. Check with them for cost and other limitations.
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Can I get erasers and markers for the whiteboards in the study rooms?
You can check them out at the Circulation Desk at the west end of the building.
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How can I find information about other colleges?
1. The Information/Reference Desk has several comprehensive guides to other colleges that provide brief information about the school: entrance requirements, enrollment profiles, degress offered, typical tuition and fees, student activities, contact information, etc.
2. Catalogs for local colleges are available at the Circulation Desk.
3. The College Source is a web-based service that allows you to locate colleges and access their catalogs electronically.
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Can I get some help with a PowerPoint Presentation?
Yes. Our Media Services staff can assist you with using the PowerPoint Software and previewing your presentation.
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Where do I get headphones to use on the computers or to listen to the television in the lobby?
You can check out headphones from the Circulation Desk.
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Do you have study carrels in the LMC?
Yes. Study carrels are located throughout the LMC.
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Does the LMC have a photocopy service?
No, the LMC does not provide a photocopy service where you can leave materials for copying. However, there are self-service copiers in the LMC near the Microforms Room. Use either coins, or $1 bills to activate the copiers; we do not use a copy card system. For bills larger than $1, you can get change at the Media Services counter. Also, the IKON Copier Service next to the bookstore provides some services for students.
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If you have other questions, please call the Reference Desk at 623.845.3112.
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