In addition to required course readings, students may need access to other library resources in order to complete assignments and projects. It can be challenging to understand what library resources are available, especially as local, state, and federal guidelines continue to evolve. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Research Services is an important resources! Here are some guiding principles about availability of library resources:
- In general, access to electronic journal articles is reliable. LITS continues subscriptions to many electronic journals and databases so that you can find articles. Use Discover, Databases A-Z, and Journal Locator to find journals and articles.
- We have been providing scans of portions of books, but we cannot scan entire books that are protected by copyright laws. Instead, talk with Research Services about alternatives.
- Use interlibrary loan to request scans of LITS print materials (e.g., book chapters, articles from print journals)
- We purchase ebooks, but many publishers do not offer ebook versions for academic libraries. We cannot request ebook access via interlibrary loan.
- You can request print books from the Five Colleges, then arrange to pick up the item at MHC.
- Many academic libraries are not lending print books at this time so access via interlibrary loan may be limited.
- Massachusetts residences and anyone working or attending school in MA are eligible for a Boston Public Library eCard, which provides access to streaming media services (e.g., Kanopy) and popular ebook services (e.g., OverDrive). MHC students and employees should use MHC as their address.
- Via CW MARS, central and western MA residents can access popular ebooks (OverDrive and Libby apps).
Research Services can support your teaching and student research in a variety of ways:
- We can talk with you about assignments to ensure that students have access to any needed library resources.
- We can meet with your class to talk through how to conduct research during this challenging, changing time.
- You can refer students to us for one-on-one consultations about their assignments or projects.
- You can direct students to our research guides and research tutorials on Moodle.