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Research Resources

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frequently asked questions

How can I find out which library owns a specific book (or journal) that isn't in the BGC Dec Arts Library?

Check the OCLC (Worldcat) union catalog to determine what libraries own the titles. A union catalog allows you to search the holdings of several libraries at once.
Click here to access the OCLC union catalog
Click here to access guides for the OCLC union catalog

Alternatively you may check the online catalogs of libraries in New York City or elsewhere that are likely to hold the title.
Click here to access other library catalogs

If the title is not available locally you can request that the library borrow it via interlibrary loan (ILL) or, if it is within the scope of our collection, suggest that the BGC Library purchase a copy.
Click here for interlibrary information
Click here for information on requesting a title for purchase

What is a union catalog?

It is a vast bibliographic database that records the holdings of hundreds of academic, public and research libraries. A single search in a union catalog will reveal which libraries hold a specific title.
The holdings of several major art research libraries (including the Metropolitan Museum, the Frick and the BGC) are included in the OCLC catalog. The holdings of thousands of academic and public libraries (including the Cooper-Hewitt and FIT) are in OCLC.

What should I do if a photocopier "eats" my money?

Note details of how the money was lost (i.e. when adding money to the card, when ejecting the card, etc.), how much money was lost and the photocopier (i.e. 2nd floor, lower level color copier, etc.). Give this documentation to library staff as soon as possible and they will contact Technical Support.

The photocopier (or printer) is out of paper (or toner); whom do I contact?

Paper is stored next to the photocopier on the 2nd floor (and occasionally in the cabinet below the copiers). Readers may replenish the paper themselves.
Request assistance from a library or facilities staff person if a printer cartridge needs changing or the photocopy toner needs to be replenished.

Will the library purchase a book or PhD thesis that is central to my research?

If the book or thesis falls within the library's collecting parameters the library will consider it for purchase. To request a title for purchase, fill out and submit a BGC Library Acquisition Request Form. If you do not have access to the online form, send the full bibliographic citation, along with a brief explanation of the book's importance for your research, to Heather Topcik at topcik@bgc.bard.edu.

How do I request a book (or article) that is not held by a NYC library?

The BGC will initiate an Interlibrary Loan (ILL) for books and journal articles not held in NYC libraries. Check both the RLG and OCLC union catalog to confirm this fact and also to verify each title's correct bibliographic citation. Submit your request, using a full citation, by completing an online ILL form or by contacting the Library at reference@bgc.bard.edu.
Click here for interlibrary information

How can I have access to the resources of other New York City Libraries?

Columbia University: Admission to the Columbia Libraries, including the Avery Library for Art and Architecture, is gained with a METRO pass (click here for more info on METRO passes). Once you receive a METRO pass, you will need to go to the Library Information Office at Butler Library to gain entry to a specific collection such as the Avery Library. (Doctoral students at BGC will be issued personal photo ID cards for admission to the Columbia Libraries, including the Avery Art & Architecture Library.)
Metropolitan Museum: All incoming BGC students receive a reader's card at their initial visit to the Watson Library during August orientation.
New York Public Library: Students must obtain an Access card at the 42nd Street Library in order to submit request slips in NYPL's research collections.
The collections of other libraries such as Fashion Institute of Technology, Cooper-Hewitt, New York University, etc. may be used by appointment or upon presentation of a METRO access card. See the reference librarian or contact the Library at reference@bgc.bard.edu for individual access policies.
Click here for more detailed information on other New York City Libraries

I'm having trouble finding useful research material on my topic. Who should I contact if I need help using a database in the BGC library?

If no one is at the Reference Desk on the 2nd floor, contact the Reader Services Librarian, on the 3rd floor or at reference@bgc.bard.edu.

How can I get help searching in databases?

Am I able to access a BGC database from home?

If you are an enrolled student or a current faculty member you should be able to gain access by entering either your 9-digit student ID (on the back of your ID card ). Optionally, faculty can use the first four letters of their last name and the last four digits of their social security number. The password is library.
Click here for Off-Campus Access
If you are unsuccessful, contact studenttechsupport@bgc.bard.edu

How do I know if a journal is available electronically?

First, you should determine whether a full-text version of the journal is available by searching for the title in the A-Z List of Periodicals that Bard College subscribes to. Otherwise, it might be available in full-text databases such as JSTOR, Project Muse, etc.
Click here for a list of full-text resources such as JSTOR and Project Muse

Several older, out-of-copyright magazines and journals have been completely photographed, digitized and are included on websites that are free. Sites of particular interest to BGC include the Internet Library of Early Journals, Making of America, and the Digital Library for the Decorative Arts.
Click here for a list of online decorative arts-related bibliographical sources

I need help using my laptop in the Library. How do I make use of WiFi in the library?

There are 10 jacks throughout the library with network connections. In addition, WiFi is available throughout the building except in the 2nd floor reading room. The WiFi password is B18381838B.
Click here for more detailed information on laptop use in the Library

A library computer just crashed; whom do I notify?

studenttechsupport@bgc.bard.edu

Does the library have a scanner I can use?

There are two flatbed scanners that may be used by BGC students to scan paper, slides or negatives. One is in the VMR office, the other is in the 6th floor study room.
Click here for more information on using scanners at the BGC

How do I print from the microform reader/scanner?

The microform reader/scanner on the 3rd floor is connected to the adjacent PC. Individual screen shots can be scanned to the PC then printed out. (It may be necessary to restart the PC after turning on microform reader.) You may need to change the default positive/negative setting. Instructions are next to the machine.

Where are the microfilms and microfiche stored?

On the 3rd floor, in drawers near VMR.

How can I arrange to read a RARE book or a BGC Masters Thesis?

These special materials may be read only when a library staff member is on duty. You will be asked to wash your hands in advance and to consult the item in the 3rd floor alcove. No photocopying is allowed.
Click here for detailed information on rare book and BGC thesis use.
To request a title, present a printout from DECOPAC to a library staff member.

How do I find a specific auction catalog-at the BGC or elsewhere?

The BGC auction catalog collection covers decorative art sales only. The library is gradually adding its holdings to SCIPIO, a union-list that indicates where auction catalogs are held.
Catalogs from Sotheby and Christies' are not available for browsing and individual catalogs must be requested by house, date and/or number.
Catalogs from smaller sale houses that specialize in the decorative arts are shelved alphabetically in the stacks on the Lower Level.
To determine individual items sold at auction consult Artfact Complete or auction sales indexes held at the New York Public Library and the Watson Library at the Metropolitan Museum. (The BGC does not collect auction sale indexes.)
For further assistance contact the Reader Services Librarian at reference@bgc.bard.edu.

May individuals not associated with the BGC use the library's resources?

Qualified researchers may use the BGC library Monday through Friday by making an appointment 24 hours in advance with the Reader Services Librarian at 212-501-3035 or reference@bgc.bard.edu.

I am a Bard student. What must I do to visit the BGC library?

Bard students can make an appointment to use the library during the hours that library staff members are on-duty. Contact the Reader Services Librarian at 212-501-3035 or reference@bgc.bard.edu.
Click here for library hours information

How can I use a research library in another city?

Because of BGC's membership in the Research Libraries Group, students and faculty are generally granted access to RLG libraries across North America. It is always wise, however, to contact the library in advance in case the library requires an appointment or has restricted hours. Be aware that written application might be required in order to consult archival material.
Please contact a BGC library staff member in advance of your visit.

What do I do with a book that seems to be falling apart?

Please give the book to a library staff member. If we are unable to mend it quickly in-house we will send it to our commercial binder for rebinding.

Is it possible to retrieve a book or magazine that has been sent to the bindery?

Books and periodicals are usually at the bindery for 4-6 weeks. To determine whether an item is retrievable or has physically left the building contact the Reader Services Librarian (reference@bgc.bard.edu) or Tom Tredway (tredway@bgc.bard.edu)

Can the library arrange to have a second copy of my thesis professionally bound for my own use?

No, but student can make arrangements directly with the BGC's binder, Ocker & Trapp (www.ockerandtrapp.com). Another professional bindery is Smith Shattuck in Princeton, NJ (www.thesisbookbinding.com)







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