How do I know if a book is in the library?
Go to our online catalog at: http://portal.tamucc.edu. Choose "Title" search and enter the title of the book. If we have it, the results will show the location (Main, Reference, etc.), the call number and if it is available for check-out. The online catalog is available on the web.
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Can I renew my books online?
To renew books online, go to Bell Library's online catalog, and click "Find Books" from our home page at http://rattler.tamucc.edu . You will see a link to "My Account." You must enter your name and University number. Your library record will appear, and you will see a link to items checked out. From the list of books, you can choose the ones you want to renew. You cannot renew online once the books are overdue, and you may only be able to renew items up to 3 times. If you have problems, call the Circulation Department at 825-2340.
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How do I get a book / article that the library does not own?
"InterLibrary Loan" is a service provided by the library to obtain books or articles that we don't own or provide access to. In order to register for our Interlibrary Loan service, which is called ILLiad, go to Bell Library's Homepage, at http://rattler.tamucc.edu. Under the "Find" tab is a link to "Interlibrary Loan" If this is your first time using the service, be sure and read the instructions for "First Time Users." You may need to scroll down to see this link. All the information you need in setting up your ILLiad Account is noted on this page. Click the link at the bottom of the page to proceed to the registration form. In order to access the Interlibrary Loan request form, you must first log in by providing your name, and your University ID number. Then you will need to proceed with your log in to ILLiad, using the user name and password you set up. If you have any problems with this process, please contact the Interlibrary Loan Office at 825-6557.
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What kind of software / hardware is available in the computer labs?
Library: http://rattler.tamucc.edu/software/computer_software.html#lic, Campus: http://labs.tamucc.edu/, BCL: http://barnacle.tamucc.edu/bcl/ (click on "Lab info" link)
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How can I check out books from another library?
Currently enrolled students and currently employed faculty and staff may obtain a TexShare card, valid for a semester. TexShare cards may be obtained from the Circulation Desk. You may take your TexShare card and a photo ID to another TexShare Library and receive borrowing privileges at that library. Patrons are responsible for returning items borrowed from other libraries. More information is available at www.texshare.edu
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I can't find the supplemental readings Dr. X assigned. Where do I go to get them?
Go to Bell Library's Homepage, at http://rattler.tamucc.edu, click on "Find" , and "Course Reserves". You will then see a link to "Course #" or "Instructor". Click on one of those and enter your course name or instructor's name. Sometimes, these materials will be available electronically; but they may only be available in print at the library. Ask for the item at the Circulation Desk. If there are materials available electronically, you will be asked for your name, your University ID number and a class specific password provided by your instructor. Call the Circulation Desk at 825-2340 if you have any questions.
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Dr. X said we could download certain articles online for her course. How do I get them?
Go to Bell Library’s Homepage, at http://rattler.tamucc.edu, click on "Find" , and "Course Reserves". You will then see a link to "Course #" or "Instructor". Click on one of those and enter your course name or instructor's name. For materials available electronically, you will be asked for your name, your University ID number and a class specific password provided by your instructor. Call the Circulation Desk at 825-2340 if you have any questions.
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How do I access the library's databases from off campus?
In order to access Bell Library's databases from off campus, choose "Search All Databases" from the "Find Articles" link on the Library's home page. You will be prompted for your name and your University ID number. Then you may choose the default "Quick Search" option, or you may choose "Find Database" from a link at the top. You may enter the name of the database (for example, "PsychInfo"), or choose the name from an alphabetical list, or browse the databases in a particular category (for example, "College of Business", then "Accounting").
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Where are theses and dissertations written by TAMU-CC students located?
To find theses and dissertations written by TAMU-CC students, you must know the exact title or the author's name. From the library's home page, click on "Find" or "Find Books & More", then do a title or author search for the item. Most theses/dissertations may be checked out. You might also try to find the item online using "Search All Databases". Choose "Dissertations & Theses" as the category and enter keywords from the title in the search boxes. Many dissertaions are available in full-test from this resource.
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How do I get my thesis / dissertation bound?
Check with the Periodicals Office at 825-2356, or click on this link for information: http://rattler.tamucc.edu/policy/binding.html
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Where do I go to check out laptops?
Laptops for use in the library may be checked out by students from the Library Media Center, located in Room 217. Please view the policies and requirements for laptop use at: http://rattler.tamucc.edu/dept/media/laptop.html.
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Where can I get help for X course?
Visit the Tutoring and Learning Center's website to get help for classes. http://falcon.tamucc.edu/~tlcweb/. They are located in the Library in Room 216.
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Where can I find information about a specific topic?
Please check with the Reference Desk in person at the library or by phone at 825-2609. You may also use the Ask-A-Librarian link under "Help" to email a question.
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How do I find the following article?
Click on the "Find" link, then the "Journal" link of the drop down menus of the Library’s home page (http://rattler.tamucc.edu/). In the search box, type in the title of the journal for which you are looking. If the library subscribes to an electronic version of the journal, you will see a box with the title and a link or links to different databases that provide access to it.If the library subscribes to a print version, the dates we own will be listed. Be sure to verify that the subscription includes the dates for which you are looking. Clicking on one of the links allows you to search within that publication, or the library's record. If you know exactly which issue you need, some databases allow you to click on the relevant year and look for the volume/issue number in question. Others will provide you with search boxes in which you can specify the year.
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Does the library have access / a subscription to [specific journal]?
Click on the "Find" link, then the "Journal" link of the drop down menus of the Library’s home page (http://rattler.tamucc.edu/). In the search box, type in the title of the journal for which you are looking. If the library subscribes to an electronic version of the journal, you will see a box with the title and a link or links to different databases that provide access to it.If the library subscribes to a print version, the dates we own will be listed. The library owns some journals in microfilm, or a combination of microfilm and print. Check with library staff to determine if we own a particular date for a journal.
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I am not a student at TAMU-CC. Can I do research at the library?
Community Users may purchase a Community User's Card, valid for one year, for $20 dollars. Community Users may check out 3 items, for 3 weeks with no renewals. Anyone who comes in to the library may use the online databases at the Reference workstations, where they are logged in by a staff member.
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How do I find peer-reviewed / refereed / scholarly journals or articles?
Journal means periodical with scholarly articles that disseminates current information on research & development in a given subject. A magazine is for general reading with articles, stories, photos and ads on a variety of subjects. "Refereed" or "Peer Reviewed" means outside reviewers read and approve articles.
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