Library Policies & FAQs

J. Spencer and Patricia Standish Library Siena College 515 Loudon Rd. Loudonville, NY 12211 Telephone: (518) 782 - 6717 Fax: (518) 783 - 2570

GENERAL POLICIES

• General Rules of Conduct
• Visitors
• Use of Standish Library Outside of Normal Open Hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to corresponding questions are located further down on the page.

Where are things located in the Library?

1. Where are the magazines and journals located?
2. Where are the Times-Union and New York Times?
3. Where are the circulating books?
4. Where are the reserve materials kept?
5. Where are the restrooms?
6. Where is a public telephone?
7. Where is the library classroom?
8. Where can a group study together?
9. Where are the AV study rooms?
10. Where are the photocopiers? How much do they cost?
11. Where can I get change?
12. Where are the microfilm machines? How much does it cost to make copies?
13. Where is a pencil sharpener?
14. Where are the music CDs?
15. Where are computers that I can use for e-mail and word processing?
16. Where are computers that I can use to access the Internet?
17. Where is the Instruction Lab?
18. Where is the curriculum materials collection?
19. Is there a Microcomputer Lab in the Library?
20. Is there a place for students to relax and talk in the Library?
21. Where are the Conference Rooms?
22. Where are the new rooms for faculty research and reading?

What Services Does the Library Offer? How do I use them?

Circulation: (782-6717)

23. How long may I borrow a book? A CD?
24. Is there a limit on the number of books I can check out?
25. What is the charge for an overdue book?
26. The computer says this book is available, but I can’t find it on the shelf. Where else could it be?
27. Do you have videos or films that I can borrow?
28. Is there a place to view videos in the Library?
29. Can I check out a book if I am not a Siena student?
30. Can I check out reference books or journals?

Reference and Information: (783-2988)

31. What hours is the Reference Desk staffed?
32. How do I find books on a topic?
33. How do I find articles on a topic?
34. How can I find a book review on this book?
35. How do I find web pages on a topic?
36. Does the library have this journal?
37. I can’t find this journal on the shelf. Where else could it be?
38. How can I find statistics on…?
39. I have an interview next week. Where can I find company information?
40. Where are the encyclopedias?
41. Where can I find a dictionary and a thesaurus?
42. Can I find copies of my textbooks in the library?
43. Do you have electronic access to other libraries?
44. Can I access CYRIL (library catalog) from my home/office/dorm?

Interlibrary Loan: (783-2518)

45. How do I get a book or journal that this library does not have?
46. How long does it take to get a book or article through Interlibrary Loan or ConnectNY?
47. Can you fax an article or other information to me?
48. Is there a limit to the number of Interlibrary Loan or ConnectNY requests I can make?
49. How will I know when the book or article I have requested has come in?
50. Can I renew Interlibrary Loan and ConnectNY books?
51. My paper is due tomorrow! I don’t have time for Interlibrary Loan or ConnectNY. What are my options?

Archives: (783-2357)

52. What are the archives and where are they located?

Library Staff and Phone Numbers

Gary Thompson, Library Director   783-2550
Zach Pickens, Evening Supervisor, 782-6740
Carrie A. Allmendinger, Technical Services Assistant  783-2520
Cindy Angstadt, Technical Services Assistant, 783-2592
Kariann Kakeh, Circulation Supervisor   782- 6718
Elizabeth Greenberg, Curator of Fine Art/Records Manager,  782-6704
Sean Conley, Audio Visual Librarian, 783-2539
Catherine Crohan, Librarian/Instruction   782-6731
Wendy Saam, Access Services Adjunct Librarian  782-6704
Father Julian Davies, O.F.M, Archivist   783-2357
Luann DeCotis, ILL Assistant  783-2518
Gloria J. Douyon, Library Secretary. 783-2545
Alison Larsen, Assistant Librarian/Serials  782-6765
William Kanalley, Librarian/Collection Development   783-2522
Sean Maloney, Associate Librarian/Coordinator of Reference & Electronic Resources    783-2588
Patricia Markley, Assistant Librarian/Interlibrary Loan   783-4196
Denise O'Brien, Serials Assistant   782- 6719
Rebecca Rector, Adjunct Librarian, 782-6732
John Vallely, Librarian/Cataloger   783-2591
 

Where are things located in the Library?

Q1 Where are the magazines and journals located?

A1 The current issues of most periodicals are in the Siena College Alumni Association Current Periodicals Reading Area on the south end of the First Floor. Bound periodicals are on the Lower Level.

Q2 Where are the Times-Union and New York Times?

A2 Current issues are located in the Siena College Alumni Association Current Periodicals Reading Area, on the First Floor.  Back issues of the New York Times are available via the Research Databases page .

Q3 Where are the circulating books?

A3 They are in the Main Book collection: Call numbers A—PM 2nd Floor; call numbers PN--PZ 1st Floor; call numbers Q--Z Lower Level.

Q4Where are the reserve materials kept?

A4 Print and AV reserve materials are located at the Cushing Circulation Desk on the First Floor.  Course reserves are listed in CYRIL by course title and professor's name. Ask the staff or students behind the desk to get the materials for you.A barcoded Siena ID is REQUIRED to borrow reserve materials.  Electronic reserves are available on professors' Blackboard courses; you need to be enrolled in the course to access these items.

Q5Where are the restrooms?

A5 Public restrooms are located on all three floors. Lower Level: near the Instruction Lab; First Floor: near the Reference offices; Second Floor: near the west Reading Area and Student Lounge.

Q6Where is a public telephone?

A6 There are campus phones on all floors near the rest rooms. There are public pay phones in Kiernan Hall and Siena Hall.

Q7 Where is the library classroom?

A7 The classrooms are located on the Lower level.  The McDougal Library Instruction Classroom (L-12) is next to the Smith/Harvey Copy Center, and The Rose & Kiernan Library Instruction Lab (L-29) is located at the south end of the building.

Q8Where can a group study together?

A8 There are 3 group study rooms on the First Floor, near the Siena College Alumni Association Current Periodicals Reading Area. Six more group study rooms are on the Second Level, 3 in the southeast corner, and 3 in the northeast corner. Each room can hold up to six people.

Q9Where are the AV study rooms?

A9 There are two AV group study rooms on the Lower Level in the southwest corner of the building. There are also individual AV carrels on the Lower Level, near the Lally Audio Visual Center.

Q10Where are the photocopiers? How much do they cost?

A10 Photocopiers are located on all three floors. Lower level: Near the elevator is a coin and ID card operated copier. First Floor: The Redmond Copy Center is off the main entrance rotunda has a color copier with a swipe card reader and scanner. Second Floor: A copier operated by ID card is located near the computer cluster. Copies cost 10 cents by coin, or 7 cents using your Saint Card. All machines take Saint Card. (Coin operated machines are located on the lower level).

Q11Where can I get change?

A11 You can get change at the Cushing Circulation Center.

Q12Where are the microfilm machines? How much does it cost to make copies?

A12 The microfilm reader/printer is near the photocopier on the Lower Level near the elevator. Copies cost 10 cents. The microfilm is filed in alphabetical order by title in metal cabinets near the computer cluster. If you fill out a blue Microforms request form available at the Reference Desk a staff member will make the copy for free, but we require two business days to complete the order.

Q13Where is a pencil sharpener?

A13 There is a pencil sharpener in the Redmond Copy Room on the First Floor.

Q14Where are the music CDs?

A14 The music CDs are located in open shelving bins on the First Floor at the south end of the building across from the current journals. There are also spoken word recordings in the collection.

Q15Where are computers that I can use for e-mail and word processing?

A15 Computers in all the clusters on each floor  can be used for all word processing, spread sheet, database, and other office functions, as well as e-mail and Web browsing. There are a few in the reference cluster on the first floor that do not have the Microsoft Office functions.

Q16Where are computers that I can use to access the Internet?

A16 All public computers in the Standish Library are Web capable.

Q17 Where is the Instruction Lab?

A17  The Rose & Kiernan Library Instruction Lab (L-26) is on the Lower Level, in the southwest corner. This room has 18 PCs that can accommodate up to 36 students for hands-on instruction.

Q18 Where is the curriculum materials collection?

A18 Education students can find curriculum materials located on the Lower Level next to classroom L-12..

Q19 Is there a Microcomputer Lab in the Library?

A19 The Harvey & O'Donnell Families Computer Lab is on the First Floor, near the entrance. This lab has 24 workstations, a scanner, and is open 24 hours per day, with access to the Internet, word processing and other electronic resources. When the Library is closed, access to the lab is via ID card at the main entrance.

Q20 Is there a place for students to relax and talk in the Library?

A20 There are various areas around the library wih couches that can encourage relaxed conversations among students.

Q21 Where are the Conference Rooms?

A21 The Bernardine of Siena Meeting Room is on the Main Level, near the Siena College Alumni Association Current Periodicals Reading Room. It will accommodate up to 25 people. The O'Leary Group Study & Conference Room on the Second Floor will accommodate about 15 people.

Q22 Where are the new rooms for faculty research and reading?

A22 They are all on the Second Floor. The Faculty Research Suite is in room 207 northwest corner (with 6 carrels with lockable cabinets). There is a Faculty Study in room 208 next to it with 8 carrels. Each carrel is equiped with a PC. Each room ahs a networked printer, and room 208 has a scanner. 

What Services Does the Library Offer? How do I use them? 

Circulation: (783-2517)

Q23 How long may I borrow a book? A CD? A video/DVD?

A23 Students may borrow books for 28 days, CDs for 7 days, DVDs and videos 2 days. Books can be renewed.

Q24 Is there a limit on the number of books I can check out? See Circulation Policies for complete information.2

A24 No.

Q25 What is the charge for an overdue book?

A25 10 cents/day, with a $3 maximum charge per book. If the book is lost, there is also a replacement charge.

Q26 The computer says this book is available, but I can’t find it on the shelf. Where else could it be?

A26 It could be in the following places: Someone is using it in the library, it is shelved in the wrong place, it is waiting to be shelved, or the book may be lost. Ask a Reference Librarian to help you find it.

Q27 Do you have videos or films that I can borrow?

A27 All videos (except for items on Reserve) are located on the Lower Level near the AV/Reserve Service Desk. They can be checked out for 48 hours (students) or 7 days (faculty). You MUST have a barcoded ID to borrow videos.

Q28 Is there a place to view videos in the Library?

A28 Yes! There are TV/VCR/DVD players in the audiovisual carrels.  For group viewing there is an Audio Visual Screening Room on the Lower Level. It can hold up to 60 people. Faculty can also reserve this room for classes to view films, videos or slides.

Q29 Can I check out a book if I am not a Siena student?

A29 Only if you are alumni, or if you have a Direct Access Program (DAP) card from another library.

Q30 Can I check out reference books or journals?

A30 No. These materials must stay in the Library.

Reference and Information: (783-2988)

Q31 What hours is the Reference Desk staffed?

A31 When classes are in session, the Reference Desk is staffed Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. When classes are not in session, ask at the Cushing Circulation Center for a Reference Librarian.

Q32 How do I find books on a topic?

A32 Use CYRIL, the computerized library catalog, available via PCs located throughout the Library or any PC on the Internet--see Library's Web Page. Follow the instructions on the screen to find a book by title, subject or author.  If you do not find what you are looking for in CYRIL, click on the ConnectNY icon to access a combined catalog of 15 libraries (more coming) to which Siena belongs.   Ask a Reference Librarian for assistance.

Q33 How do I find articles on a topic?

A33 Use one of the indexes, abstracts or online services. Indexes come in many formats. Those in  printed book  format (such as American Humanities Index and Art Index) are located in the McCarthy Reference Center.  To search for articles online, use ProQuest, WilsonWeb, Lexis-Nexis, JSTOR. PsychInfo,  and many others via the Library's Web Page. By using the off-campus links on the Research Databases by Title page you can access the databases from off-campus using the proxy server link. Ask a Reference Librarian for assistance.

Q34 How can I find a book review on this book?

A34 Use Book Review Digest or Book Review Index. Both are located in the McCarthy Reference Center on the First Floor.  Many reviews also appear in the full-text databases such as ProQuest, EBSCOHost and JSTOR. Ask a Reference Librarian for assistance.

Q35 How do I find web pages on a topic?

A35 You can find web pages for each discipline on Siena’s library web page. From any PC, go to the Siena College library web page. Click on Academic Web Resources icon. There are also links for general reference sources.

Q36 Does the library have this journal?

A36 Look in CYRIL under Journal Search link for titles we have in paper; for electronic journals use the Electronic Journals link.  Type in the name of the periodical you are looking for. If we have the issue you want, write down the call number. Then, find the journal on the shelf downstairs (for bound periodicals) or in the Siena Alumni Association Current Periodicals Room (for current issues, before they are bound). (Note: some journals are on microfilm). See Question 1. Ask a Reference Librarian for assistance.

Q37 I can’t find this journal on the shelf. Where else could it be?

A37 It could be in the following places: on shelves or tables by the photocopy machines; at the bindery; or shelved in the wrong place. Ask someone at Reference or Circulation if you cannot find what you need.

Q38 How can I find statistics on…?

A38 A good starting place is Statistical Abstract of the United States. Copies of the latest editions are in Reference. There are also statistical sources in economics in Reference sections HA-HC; and social sciences Reference sections HM-HX. For others, see a Reference Librarian.

Q39 I have an interview next week. Where can I find company information?

A39 The Internet is also a good place to find company information. Business databases such as ProQuest, Lexis-Nexis and Standard & Poor's Netadvantage have a plethora of company information. There are also many company directories in Reference sections HD-HG. Ask a Reference Librarian for assistance.

Q40 Where are the encyclopedias?

A40 Many general and subject-specific encyclopedias are in the Reference area in the classification area A. The Americana is also available via the Library Web Page.

Q41 Where can I find a dictionary and a thesaurus?

A41 Smaller dictionaries are located in the Reference Room in section PE 1628. You can also find a thesaurus in the Reference Room, around section PE 1591.

Q42 Can I find copies of my textbooks in the library?

A42 The Library does not order textbooks as a rule. Some professors may put a copy on reserve.

Q43 Do you have electronic access to other libraries?

A43 Yes. For local libraries use the Capital District Library Council's CaDiLac and Union List to locate books and journals in the area. Use ConnectNY to search the 5.5 million items in the consortium. Or you can use a search engine such as Google to find books in other libraries.  Ask a Reference Librarian for assistance.

Q44 Can I access CYRIL (library catalog) from my home/office/dorm?

A44 Yes. Just go to the Intermet and type in www.siena.edu/library, then click on the CYRIL icon.

Interlibrary Loan (783-2518)

Q45 How do I get a book or journal that this library does not have?

A45 Books that are either checked out or not owned at Siena may be requested either directly by the patron through ConnectNY or via interlibrary loan by filling out an ILLiad request online.  Articles and book chapters that are not at Siena must be requested through interlibrary loan via ILLiad. See a librarian at the Standish Library Reference Desk or contact the Interlibrary Loan Department (518-783-2518 or sienalibrary@siena.edu) for instruction on using ConnectNY and/or ILLiad.

Q46 How long does it take to get a book or article through Interlibrary Loan or ConnectNY?

A46 Books requested through interlibrary loan arrive in 7 to 10 days; books requested through ConnectNY average 3 to 5 days.  Articles and books chapters requested through interlibrary loan arrive in 1 to 4 days, as a rule.

Q47 Can you fax an article or other information to me?

A47 No, we cannot, but there is little need since 90% of articles and book chapters are posted to your ILLiad account and accessible online from anywhere.  Occasionally, an article or book chapter is received in paper photocopy format and held for you at the Circulation Desk in the ILL pickup folders.  Books and other returnable materials are held for you for pickup at the Standish Library Circulation.

Q48 Is there a limit to the number of Interlibrary Loan or ConnectNY requests I can make?

A48 You may have a maximum of 25 ConnectNY transactions in process at any one time.  There is not a limit on interlibrary loan requests, but we will limit the number of requests we process per day, if necessary, in order to make sure other patrons' requests are processed in a timely manner.

Q49 How will I know when the book or article I have requested has come in?

A49 You should receive an automated email notification whenever an interlibrary loan or ConnectNY item has come in.  Most articles are posted to your ILLiad account and a link is provided in the email you receive.  Interlibrary loan books, ConnectNY books, and any articles not linked to in the email you receive may be picked up at the Standish Library Circulation Desk.

If you do not get an automated email receipt notification within a week of submitting your request, you might want to check on the status of the request by contacting the Interlibrary Loan Department (sienalibrary@siena.edu or 518-783-2518).

Q50 Can I renew Interlibrary Loan and ConnectNY books?

A50 You can renew ConnectNY books once for an additional 21 days, assuming the book has not been recalled by the lending library for one of its own patrons.  With interlibrary loan, it's entirely up to the library that lent us the material.  If you think you may need to renew an interlibrary loan book, contact us a few days before it is due (sienalibrary@siena.edu or 518-783-2518).  We'll request a renewal and let you know what the new due date is, or if the renewal request has been turned down.  If the renewal is turned down, we often can get you another copy from a different library.  If you want to renew a ConnectNY book, you can do that yourself from the My library account page (link to it from CYRIL's main page) or you can have us do it (sienalibrary@siena.edu or 518-783-2518).

Q51 My paper is due tomorrow! I don’t have time for Interlibrary Loan or ConnectNY. What are my options?

A51 Option 1):  Look at the references in the back of the articles and books that you already have.  Then use CYRIL and the Journal Finder to determine if Siena has any of those materials and use them to complete your paper.

Option 2):  You can present your current Siena ID to the librarian at the Standish Library Reference Desk and get a Direct Access Program card.  With a DAP card you can check out book in person at most other libraries in the Capital District.

Option 3):  Change the focus of your paper slightly in order to use materials that are accessible in the Standish Library.

Option 4):  Some commercial document services are available on the Web and most journals have Web pages, where it is possible to purchase individual articles.  Fees range from $10-25+ and require that you use your credit card.

Archives and Special Collections: (783-2357)

Q52 What are the archives and where are they located?

A52 The McConnville Archives Room is located on the Second Floor at the southe end of the building. The Fleet Special Collections Center is off the Rotunda on the second floor. The College Archives houses official documents created by Siena College since its beginning.

Items in these two collections can include:

1) Special Collections, such as rare books and other materials which need to be stored in a climate controlled room.

2) Publications such as the student newspapers and yearbooks, student life manuals, college catalogues and athletic yearbooks.

3) File folders on Siena history and Presidents, and topics from accreditation to theatre.

4) Photographs and audio and video cassettes.