FAQ's
What are the hours that the library is open?
Answer
The library hours are posted at the top of the library's Web site,
http://www-old.pgcc.edu/library/index.htm. Fall and spring semesters hours are:
Monday through Thursday, 8 am – 8 pm; Friday 8 am – 5 pm; Saturday
10 am to 3pm, and Sunday closed. Summer semesters hours are: Monday through Thursday 8 am to 8 pm; Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm. During the summer, the library is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
For more information call 301-322-0476 during the above hours to speak with a Reference Desk librarian.
Where in the library do I get my student photo ID? What are the hours for getting a student photo ID?
Answer
Student IDs are processed at the Circulation Desk. This is the large desk facing the entrance of the building. Hours are posted each semester for having photo IDs taken. Call 301-322-0475 when the library is open to speak with a Circulation Desk staff member.
How many books can I check out? How long can I keep them?
Answer
You may check out 5 books using your student photo ID. Check-out periods are three weeks in length. For more information, call 301-322-0475 to speak with a Circulation Desk staff member.
Can I check out a video?
Answer
Video tapes can be used by students in the library. Students will not be able to check out these materials.
Are there quiet places to study in the library? Do I need to reserve the space?
Answer
There are a few individual study rooms on the second floor of the library (Accokeek Hall). They are available on a first come, first served basis. Group study facilities are available but there are areas in the library that may facilitate a quiet discussion.
I am not enrolled at Prince George's Community College. Can I access the online databases and e-books from off campus?
Answer
The online databases and e-books are governed by licensed agreements that limit use to Prince George's Community College students, faculty, staff, and on-site users of Prince George's Community College Library.
I am having trouble accessing the online databases. Who should I contact?
Answer
Before contacting the remote access personnel, be sure you have followed the instructions for entering your "Owl Link" ID and password. If you continue to have problems, contact the Help Desk at 301-322-0637 or send an email to helpdesk@pgcc.edu.
Where can I find peer-reviewed/ refereed psychology journal articles?
Answer
Click the Online Databases link from the left menu of the Library's Web site. Select PsycARTICLES database from the alphabetical list of databases on this page. Click the box in front of Scholarly journals, including peer-reviewed before beginning your search. Additional peer reviewed/refereed journals can be found in the ProQuest Central and Academic OneFile databases. For more information about searching these databases, click the Library Tutorial link from the Library's Web site and select Using Online Databases: Module 4.
Why am I finding no articles in the databases on my topic?
Answer
First, be sure that all of your keywords are spelled correctly. Exclude punctuation, articles (a, an, the, etc.) and prepositions (for, of, to, etc. ). One basic search strategy is to connect key concepts with the Boolean Operators (and, or, not). And narrows and connects two or more concepts (e.g. children and anxiety) to retrieve information with these terms. Or broadens and selects either or both concepts (e.g. children or kids) to retrieve information with these concepts. Not narrows and excludes the second concept (e.g., children not kids). Another strategy is to enclose a phrase in double quotes ("") when two or more words must be adjacent in exact order. For more information, see Search Strategies for Online Sources: Module 2 from the Library Tutorial.
Can you help me decide on a research topic?
Answer
Click the Library Tutorial link from the Library Web site. Go to the Research Process: Module 1 and click Selecting a Topic and Getting Background Information. Then, click Tools for Topic Ideas. Sources available in print format are given or online access is provided for topic ideas.
I have a research paper due and I need help. Can I schedule a research session with a librarian?
Answer
There are several librarians who are willing to give one-on-one help to students doing research. For more information, call 301-322-0476 to speak with a Reference Desk librarian. You may also contact a librarian via email or telephone as posted on the Web site at http://www-old.pgcc.edu/library/ref.htm.
How do I cite my sources in APA? In MLA?
Answer
To review examples for citing sources in APA or MLA style, go to the library home page and click Ready Reference WWW. Next click Grammar Style Guides, etc. In the next screen look for APA Style Guide or MLA Style Guide. Each link will take you to examples for citing different sources. For further assistance, call 301-322-0476 to speak with a Reference Desk librarian.
How can I access the library catalog from home?
Answer
The library catalog can be accessed by clicking the Library Catalog link located in the left menu on each page of the Library's Web site or entering http://voyager.pgcc.edu/ in the address box.
Does the Prince George's Public Library have the books(s) that I need?
Answer
Titles can be checked online from the Prince George's Community College Library Web Site by clicking Other Catalogs and Libraries from the left menu. Under the Public Libraries heading, click Prince George's County Memorial Library Web Catalog. Continue by clicking "Here to Star".
I need a book/journal article that is not owned by the library. How can I get it?
Answer
If you are a student in good standing, you may use the Inter Library Loan (ILL) service. Obtain the form from the librarian at the Reference Desk and complete the specific information about the item you need. Once the form is submitted, the library staff member will look for item at member libraries. If the material is located, you will be contacted as to when the material is available for pick at the library.
Where can I find information about a career?
Answer
The Library has a collection of books that are shelved together in a section called "occupational literature". To access information about a career from the Library Web Site, click the link for Ready Reference-WWW or Reference Tools. Then, click Handbooks and Manuals. Next, click the electronic version of Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Where can I go to get help with writing my research paper?
Answer
The tutoring and writing center, located in Bladen Hall room 107, operates Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm; Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and Saturday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. For more information call 301-322-0748.
What are the hours for the computer lab? Where is the lab located?
Answer
The Open Computer Lab is designed for students who need to use Word and other Microsoft Office programs and classroom software. It is located in Bladen Hall, Room 104. The Open Computer Lab operates Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 10:00 pm; Friday 8 am – 5 pm; Saturday 9 am to 5 pm. During Intersession (mini-semester between semesters) the lab is open Monday through Friday only, 8 am – 4:30 pm. For more information call 301-322-0999 to speak with an Open Computer Lab staff member.
