BHCC Library
& Learning Commons  

Reference area silent study area Reference area

Frequently Asked Questions



 
What are the Library's regular hours? 
 

Monday - Friday:

8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday & Sunday:

8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The BHCC Library is closed on College holidays. Outside fall and spring semesters it is advisable to call the library's Lending Services Desk at 617-228-2213 for operating hours.  


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How do I contact the Library? 

 
Phone: Lending Services (617) 228-2213
Information Services (617) 228-2211
Fax: (617) 228-3288
E-mail: bhc@noblenet.org

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Where is the Library?
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Are there BHCC library statistics available?

Click here to see statistics. 
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I'm new at Bunker Hill Community College.  What can the library do for me?
 

I'm a student:
The Library is a center of learning and information. An array of materials - books, magazines and journals, electronic databases, and Internet access - is available for use. The Library also provides reference assistance to help answer questions and provide guidance in conducting searches for information. In addition, the Library also provides other services, such as the Museum Pass Program, which grants free or reduced admission for several area museums, and the New Book Program, which provides access to some recent bestsellers 
I'm a faculty/staff member:
As a center of information and learning, the Library can help compliment your instruction in the classroom by providing access to current information. Information Literacy Workshops are available to help your students learn how to access the most recent resources. In addition, placing materials on Reserve can increase the access that students have to complementary information for your courses. 
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How do I get a library card?
If you are a BHCC student, faculty member or staff member, your Bunker Hill Community College ID card is your library card. If you do not yet have a BHCC ID, stop by the ID Station located on the current periodicals side of the Lending Services desk in the library to get one.  


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How do I get a student ID card?
All new students must obtain their BHCC student ID cards within the first five weeks of the semester.  
 
To obtain a BHCC student ID card, come to the BHCC Library Lending Services Desk ID Station and bring the following:
  • A printout of your registration (class schedule of current semester)
  • Government-issued photo ID card (school ID cards from other educational institutes are NOT acceptable).  

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    How do I get a Personal Identification Number (PIN)?
    Go to the Lending Services desk in the Library and ask for your PIN. You will fill out a short registration form and a library staff member will give you a PIN. We will enter the number into your record, but it will be immediately encrypted so that no one, including library staff, will be able to see your PIN at any time. You can change your PIN at any time, and we recommend that you change the number that you are first given to something that will be simple for you to remember. Once a PIN is issued, only the patron who received the PIN has access to the actual number. The BHCC Library staff cannot retrieve lost PINs. In the event you forget or lose your PIN, a new one can be issued to you in its place.  


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    Can the Library release patron information? 
    The Library considers all patron information confidential. Please direct all inquiries and requests about patron information to Diane Smith, Library Director. She can be reached via e-mail at smith@noblenet.org

    For more information about NOBLE's confidentiality policy, click here

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    How do I suggest a book for the collection? 


    If you are interested in making a suggestion about books to buy for the BHCC library, talk to a librarian about books you'd like to see in the BHCC collection.

    For more information about the procedures in making a suggestion to the BHCC collection, click here
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    Can I access the library catalog from home? 
    Yes, you can search the library catalog from any computer that has Internet access. There is a web-based version of the Library Catalog available at the following URL: http://innopac.noblenet.org/


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    How can I find an article in a journal or magazine online?

    The new AtoZ service for finding full text articles in e-journals is available and posted at the Periodicals and Electronic Databases web pages at BHCC Library Home page. The URL address is http://ph8vq3lq6p.search.serialssolutions.com/.


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    How can I access the Magazine Databases from home?

    You need a current Bunker Hill Community College ID card that has been activated at the Library. If you have access to the Internet, visit: http://www.noblenet.org/bhcc/databases.htm. On this page you will find instructions for using each of the BHCC Library's online magazine databases as well as links that will take you directly to the specific databases. In some cases you will be asked to enter a password. Simply type in the 14-digit barcode number on the back of your ID card and enter your last name, then click on the "Submit" button.

    Does the library have reading software for visually impaired people?

    Yes! The library provides a software called JAWS. JAWS is a screen reading software allowing visually impaired people to use the internet and other computer applications. Once it is activated on a PC, the PC reads and narrates based on the actions of the user.

    On the library’s ADA terminal, take the following steps to use JAWS:

    1. Turn on the PC.
    2. Turn on the PC speakers, below the monitor on the right.
    3. Click Start, Programs, JAWS.
    4. JAWS Box will open automatically, but there is no need to use this except to quit (or to practice).
    5. JAWS sets “hot keys” to allow user navigation via the keyboard rather than the mouse. Proficient JAWS users can manipulate the program with ease. Beginners will be very frustrated that certain keys no longer work properly.


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    Does the library sell books? 
     

    The BHCC Library does not sell books. If you want to buy textbooks on campus, you need to go to the College Bookstore, located on the fourth floor of E building. The following is a list of links to websites you can use to search for and purchase textbooks online: 

    BestBuyBooks - BestBuyBooks enables one to "search dozens of bookstores to find the best price." 

    Abebooks.com - Abebooks.com enables the user to access the bookshelves of used, secondhand, rare and out-of-print booksellers around the world. 

    Albris - Albris is the location to search for new, used and hard to find books in a worldwide network of booksellers and from the shelves of Albris. 

    All bookstores.com - All Bookstores.com compares prices at many online bookstores enabling people to find the lowest prices on new and used books. 

    Amazon - Amazon is an online website for locating and buying all types of books. 

    Barnes and Noble is an online version of the store where one can find and buy the books that are in the store itself. 

    Bookavenue - Bookavenue.com is one place where you can find used and out of print books on the Internet. 

    BookFinder.com - BookFinder.com is an "open marketplace for books online". Its goal is to provide fellow readers unbiased, real-time information about books available online. 

    Book Look- Book Look is an out-of-print book search information service that assists people in the search process. 

    Ecampus - Ecampus is an online campus book store. 

    Half.com - Half.com is a discount site where you can buy and sell books, music, computers, electronics, DVDs and more. 

    Follet Books - E Follet is a bookstore network as well as an online campus store. 

    Powells.com - Powells.com describes itself as a "city of books" and a "legendary independent bookstore."

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    Does the Library order or sell textbooks?

    The Library does not, as a rule, order textbooks. To order or buy textbooks, please contact the BHCC Bookstore at (617) 228-2304.   
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