Frequently Asked Questions

      The books you see on the first floor are reference books including directories, dictionaries, encyclopedias, indexes and abstracts, collected biographies and other similar sources. Books you may borrow are in the Brooklyn Stacks on the third floor and the lower level.

2. I want to see a copy of the Brooklyn College Course Bulletin and the Brooklyn College Schedule of Classes.

       Ask for the Bulletin and the Schedule at the Information Services desk on the first floor.

3. Where are the catalogs for other colleges in the country?

   The college catalogs are on microfiche on the second floor behind the tall online computer terminal tables.

4. Where are the encyclopedias?

      Many of the encyclopedias in the first floor reference area are on the wall opposite the reference desk. Others are found in the reference stacks to the left of the reference desk. These include general encyclopedias and subject encyclopedias. Encyclopedias are useful for gaining background information on an unfamiliar subject.

5. I need a dictionary.

      There is a dictionary stand of English language dictionaries beside the center ring of tall online computer terminal tables in front of the Information Services desk. Non-English-language dictionaries and specialized, English-language dictionaries are shelved in the Reference Stacks with call numbers ranging from the letters PA to PM.

6. I have to find a journal article for psychology. My professor said to see PSYCLIT on the CD-ROM. Where can I find PSYCLIT?

      One way to find listings of journal articles is to use PSYCLIT, an automated abstract and index to scholarly psychology journals. PSYCLIT is available at any of the six CD-ROM computer terminals on the first floor to the left of the Information Services desk, at the one CD-ROM computer terminal to the right of the Information Services desk, on the CD-ROM computer terminal in the room for the persons with disabilities on the first floor and on the six CD-ROM computer terminals on the second floor directly in front of the staircase.

7. How do I use the CD-ROMS?

      Not all the CD-ROMS are searched the same way. The Information Services desk on the first floor provides printed instructions for each one and a librarian can help you. Some general guidelines to follow include reading the written instructions before you search and reading the instructions on the computer screen as you work with the CD-ROM. Move up and down the screen with the arrow keys, choose highlighted items on the screen with the enter key, hit the enter key after you type in information and wait for the computer when the screen is flashing.

8. How do I know which CD-ROM database to choose?

      The CD-ROM databases are listed on a menu screen on each CD-ROM terminal. The titles of the CD-ROM databases sometimes indicate a subject area. Some of the CD-ROM databases cover more than one subject. Ask a librarian for help if you have trouble choosing.

9. Are the CD-ROM databases the only indexes and abstracts in the Library?

      The Brooklyn College Library has printed indexes and abstracts on a variety of subjects. Many are found on the first floor. Some subjects may be covered more thoroughly in the printed indexes than they are on the CD-ROM and the CUNYPLUS online computer databases currently available. Ask a librarian if you need help choosing an index.

10. I need some background information on AIDS for a speech class. Should I look in the CD-ROM database MEDLINE?

      Many of the journal articles indexed on the CD-ROM databases are used for in-depth research. A scholarly journal found through MEDLINE is geared towards doctors and scientists and might not be the best choice for background information on a medical topic. Look on the CD-ROM menu screen for a more general interest database like INFOTRAC or SIRS. You can also try DPER on CUNYPLUS or a printed index such as the Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature to search for background information.

11. Does the Brooklyn College Library have these articles I found on the CD-ROM database ERIC? I don't see a journal name on the CD-ROM printout.

      The ERIC database indexes and abstracts journal articles and ERIC documents. The Brooklyn College Library has many of the journals in paper and on microfilm. The library has all of the ERIC documents on microfiche on the second floor in front of the staircase. The microfiche are arranged numerically by the ED numbers found on the top of the microfiche and also found at the beginning of each ERIC record in the ERIC database.

12. What do these letters AB mean on my CD-ROM printout?

      The two letter codes proceeding each line on a CD-ROM printout tell what type of information follows. AB, for example, stands for the word abstract and will be followed by an abstract or a summary of the journal article.

13. Can I tell when I am using a CD-ROM database if the Brooklyn College Library has the journal I need?

      The CD-ROM computer database cannot tell you if Brooklyn College has a particular journal. After you complete your search at the CD-ROM and have a printout, you can look for your journal titles in CUNYPLUS, the online library catalog, to see if Brooklyn College has them.

14. What is CUNYPLUS?

      CUNYPLUS is a part of the online computer system used throughout the libraries of the City University of New York. It consists of a number of different online databases. The start screen gives you the menu of the different databases with their four letter database acronyms on the left and their names in the center. DPAC, for example, is one CUNYPLUS database. It is also known as the online catalog. It is necessary to know how to use CUNYPLUS to gain access to most of the information in the Brooklyn College Library.

15. Where can I find CUNYPLUS?

      There are CUNYPLUS online computer terminals centrally located on all floors of the Brooklyn College Library. At the Brooklyn College Library, there are tall online computer terminal tables as well as desk height online computer terminals for persons with disabilities. CUNYPLUS is also available at any CUNY college library and can be used through Internet access at any remote location.

16. How do I use CUNYPLUS?

       At a CUNYPLUS terminal, type start to bring up the CUNYPLUS menu of databases. Remember, CUNYPLUS accesses many different databases and serves all the City University of New York colleges. The database DPAC, for example, or the CUNY online catalog lists the records for books, journals, and other media in all the CUNY libraries. You can choose DPAC by typing dpac after the words Database Selection. When DPAC is set to show all catalog information, it gives location, call number, and circulation and holdings status information for all the CUNY libraries. When DPAC is set to show only the Brooklyn College catalog information, it gives location, call number, and circulation and holdings status information only for the Brooklyn College Library. The top of the computer screen will show you if you looking at the catalog for all of the CUNY libraries (the screen will show DPAC) or if you are looking at the catalog for only Brooklyn College (the screen will show Brooklyn Coll. Catalog.). Type set cat all if you want to see information for all the CUNY libraries. Type set cat bc if you want to see information for only the Brooklyn College Library.
       DPAC, or the online catalog, is not the only CUNYPLUS database. Other databases include DPER, DNEW, ABII, ARTI, ERIC, MEDL, DDIS, etc. These other databases list newspaper, magazine and scholarly journal article information for all the CUNY libraries. To choose an appropriate database type start to see the CUNYPLUS menu of database acronyms and names or type cho xxxx (xxxx = 4 letter database acronym) if you are already in a database. When you are in a database, its name appears in the upper righthand corner of the CUNYPLUS online computer terminal screen.
      Execute a search with the cursor on the command line by using a search prefix. Search by author (prefix with a=), title (prefix with t=), subject (prefix with s=), keyword or keywords (prefix with k=) or call number (prefix with c=). For example, you can find Sylvia Plath's Bell Jar by searching t=bell jar or by turning the author's name around and searching a=plath sylvia. You can find books of criticism about the author by searching s=plath sylvia. If you remembered only that someone named Sylvia Someone wrote a book called The Bell Something you can search k=sylvia and bell and find your book as well as a few other interesting titles. The computer screen gives further instructions or ask at the Information Services desk for help.

17. How can I find a book I can borrow?

      Use one of the CUNYPLUS terminals. Type start to see the CUNYPLUS menu of databases. Type dpac to choose the catalog. Type set cat bc to enter the Brooklyn College Library catalog. Search in the online catalog. Type in the number to the left of an entry that interests you. Books you can borrow have Brooklyn Stacks written in the location column.

18. How can I find out if the Brooklyn College Library owns this journal? I already know the article I need.

      Type start to see the CUNYPLUS database menu. Type dpac to choose the catalog. Type set cat bc to select the Brooklyn College catalog. Do a title search for the journal title. Type in the number to the left of the Brooklyn College entry that has the word serial at the end of the line. Once you see the Brooklyn College entry record, type hol to see the dates of the holdings in the Brooklyn College Library.

19. How do I know if the Brooklyn College Library has the journal articles I found in DPER, the periodicals index?

       When you are looking at a record for an article in DPER, type hol to see holdings information for that journal in all the CUNY libraries. Push the enter key until you see the Brooklyn Periodicals holdings.

20. My professor said I could find a video on sports medicine by using the library. How can I do that?

       The CUNYPLUS online catalog, DPAC, lists the video recordings in the Brooklyn College collection. You can use DPAC in any CUNY library or you can use DPAC from a remote computer to locate videos by using k=v.gmd. and (words from the title or subject you wish).

Videos can be viewed at the audio-visual department, 1112 Ingersoll Hall, but cannot be borrowed.

21. CUNYPLUS doesn't work. When I type something in, nothing happens. What do I do?

      Your terminal may be frozen. If the computer screen shows a question mark in the bottom left corner, press the reset button or press the control and the R button at the same time. Then press the Tab key. If you still are having problems, ask at the Information Services desk for help. The problem may be with CUNYPLUS itself and not with your terminal.

22. The online catalog says this book is on order. How can I get it?

      Books on order can be requested. Ask for a pre-order request form at the Information Services desk. When the book arrives in the Library and is cataloged you will be notified and asked to come and pick up the book. The book may arrive in the Library soon after you make your request, or you may have to wait several days or weeks before you get it. Check CUNYPLUS further for other material that might be available right now.

23. The online catalog says the book I want to borrow is in the Brooklyn Stacks. Are the Brooklyn Stacks on the first floor by the Information Services desk?

      The Brooklyn Stacks, or the books that can be borrowed, are shelved in two areas, on the third floor and in the lower level. If the first letter at the beginning of the call number is in the alphabet between the letters A and P, you can find your books on the third floor. If the first letter at the beginning of the call number is in the alphabet between the letters Q and Z, you can find your books on the lower level.

24. The online catalog DPAC says I need the call number E185.97.D73A3. Do I need to write down that whole number starting with the "185?"

      Books in the Library are arranged by call number. The call number is a combination of letters and numbers. You will need the whole call number to find your book, just as you would need a person's whole name, or last name and first initial to find them in a telephone directory. Remember when looking at the online catalog record for a book that location information is also important so that you know which floor to search.

25. What does it mean if CUNYPLUS says my book is reference-non-circulating?

       The reference books are all on the first floor and cannot be borrowed from the Library.

26. Can I get a printout from CUNYPLUS?

       There are no printers at the CUNYPLUS online computer terminals. However, you may search the CD-ROM databases for articles on many of the same subjects and get a printout.

27. Where are the Folio Books?

       Folio Books are oversized books shelved on the third floor opposite the elevator. They are arranged by call number and include many illustrated art books.

28. My teacher put our textbook on reserve. Where do I go to get it?

       The reserve desk is in the center of La Guardia Reading Room on the second floor. Books here may be borrowed for short periods of two hours or three days.

29. What does Brooklyn Government Documents mean?

       The Brooklyn Government Documents are on the second floor in front of the staircase. Ask in the Government Documents office for information published by New York City, New York State and the federal government. Some Government Documents materials may be borrowed, depending on the titles requested.

30. I have to listen to a record for my music class. Why did my teacher tell me to come to the Library?

       The Music Listening Room and the Music Library are on the fourth floor. Go through the metal door directly into the Listening Room for records. Music books and music scores are beyond the Listening Room and to your left in the Music Library.

31. Where is Brooklyn Spec. Coll.? I just saw that on the catalog.

       The Brooklyn Special Collections are on the fourth floor. Go through the metal door, in through the Music Listening Room and to your left. The material here includes works on Brooklyn history and the Brooklyn College Archives.

32. Where are all the journals?

       The journals are all on the second floor of the Brooklyn College Library. Older, bound journals, are shelved alphabetically by call number around the staircase. Microfilm copies are shelved alphabetically by title directly in front of the staircase. The current journal issues are arranged alphabetically by journal title in the La Guardia Reading Room. To get to the La Guardia Reading Room from the staircase or elevator, go right and then left when you reach the windows. Proceed straight into the La Guardia Reading Room.

33. Is La Guardia Stacks the same thing as the La Guardia Reading Room?

       No. La Guardia Stacks on CUNYPLUS refers to the library at La Guardia Community College, another CUNY library. The La Guardia Reading Room is on the second floor of the Brooklyn College Library and holds the current issues of the journals.

34. My journal article is on microfilm. When I go to the second floor to use the microfilm, will there be someone there to help me use the machine?

        The microfilm readers include diagrams and written instructions. There is Library staff on the second floor in Government Documents and the La Guardia Reading Room who can help with using equipment and finding journals once you are on the second floor. If you find you need more help, please ask at the Information Services desk on the first floor.

35. Can I copy from the microfilm?

       There are a limited number of microfilm reader/printers that charge for copies. Other people in the Library will also want to use these reader/printers so please be considerate and find your article first on a microfilm reader that does not print before bringing it to a reader/printer machine.

36. I need change for the copy machine.

        The Copy Center on the second floor, at the end of the center corridor and to the right, manages the photocopying machines and maintains change and vendor card machines on the first and second floors.

37. Where do I go to borrow a book?

       Books may be borrowed by checking them out at the Circulation desk, directly in front of the first floor staircase. Books are returned to the same place.

38. For how long may I borrow a book?

       Books may be borrowed for four weeks and renewed if there is no hold on them.

39. How do I put a hold on a book?

       If someone else has borrowed a book and you would like the Library to hold it for you when it is returned, make your request at the first floor Circulation desk.

40. How many books may I borrow?

       You may borrow as many books as you want.

41. Where can I go to study in quiet?

       The first floor of the Library has the most traffic and is generally the noisiest. All other areas are suitable for quiet study. The La Guardia Reading Room is usually very quiet.

42. Where is the staircase?

       On the first floor the staircase is opposite the Circulation desk, or about 30 feet and to your left after you enter the Library.

43. Does the Library have an elevator?

        The elevator is at the back of the Library. It can be reached on the first floor by walking from the entrance to the right of the Information Services desk.

44. Where is the bathroom?

        There are bathrooms on the second floor and third floors and on the lower level, walking left from staircase exit and right from the elevator exit.

45. What are the Library hours?

        The Library hours during the Fall and Spring semester are 9:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. on Friday, 10:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 1:00 through 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. The hours change during the summer semester and during intersession.

46. I am a student at Brooklyn College. Can I go to other CUNY libraries?

        You can use your Brooklyn College identification to get in to other CUNY libraries and to borrow books at these other locations. You can return the books and pay your fines, if you have any, at the library you visited or at the Brooklyn College Library.

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