Introduction to Library Services
available at the Paul A. Elsner Library at MCC

This page will introduce the different services available to you at the Paul A. Elsner Library at Mesa Community College.

Locating materials

Books

• Books in the library are arranged using the Library of Congress system, which organizes books by subject. This means that in general all of the books on a specific subject, such as Mayan archaeology, are in the same area of the library.
• Each book has a unique number on the spine that consist of a series of letters and numbers.
• Call numbers A-GV are on the 2nd floor and call numbers H-Z are on the third floor.
• All reference books are on the 2nd floor near the Reference desk.
• We also have over 70,000 electronic books (entire books that can be read online)

Magazines, journals, and newspapers

• Current magazines and journals and newspapers are kept in the Current Periodicals room on the 1st floor.
• We also have a vast collection of articles online in our databases

Checking out materials

• In general, any of our materials besides the reference books can be checked out of the library.
• Students may check out 10 items and have a checkout period of 3 weeks. To check out materials, students must present their MCC student ID. Detailed checkout policies
• Materials are checked out at the Circulation and Reserve Desk on the 1st floor of the library. The desk can be reached at (480) 461-7680
• To find materials that are owned by the library use our catalog.
  

Computer/technology help

• The Technical Support Desk on the first floor of the library is available to help you with computer issues.
• The desk can be reached at (480) 461-7194

Databases and other online resources

• The library provides access to a variety of subscription databases that are helpful for finding articles from journals, newspapers, and magazines, and other items.
• There are also several specialty databases, such as ArtStor (digital images).
• We also have over 70,000 electronic books (entire books that can be read online)
• Most of the databases can be searched from off campus using your MYMCC login.

 Reserves

• At the Circulation and Reserve Desk are items that have been placed on Reserve, usually by instructors.
• Reserve items include required course readings, textbooks, and recommended readings. High demand items, such as certain study guides (GRE, NET) may also be on reserve.
• Reserve items may be located using the library catalog.
• Special note about textbooks: The library does not purchase textbooks. Instructors may choose to put textbooks on reserve. Check the catalog to see if your instructor has done so.
• Detailed reserve polices

Research help

• Librarians are available to assist you with all of your research needs, whether it be tracking down a specific article, narrowing/selecting a topic, or finding a range of materials for your assignment. Watch "Obtaining Research Assistance", a five minute video about getting help from the library (requires iTunes).

• There are several ways to reach us:

1. In person-come to the Reference desk on the 2nd floor of the library

2. By phone-call 480-461-7682. See our hours to know when you can reach us

3. By chat-24/7 online live chat with a librarian from the Ask a Librarian service

Tutoring

• Subject specific tutoring is available at the Learning Enhancement Center located on the 1st floor of the library.
• See their website for further details.

Writing help

• The Writing Center is available to assist students by appointment at any stage of the writing process.
• They are located on the 1st floor of the library.
• See their website for further details.

Interlibrary loan

• If an item is not owned by the library (or any of the other Maricopa Community College District libraries) a request can be made for interlibrary loan. We will attempt to locate and borrow the item on your behalf from another library.
• To put in an ILL request, you must create an account
•  Detailed ILL policies

Group study rooms

• We have several group study rooms available on a first come/first serve basis.
• Most group study rooms have whiteboards and some also have a TV and DVD player.
• Group study rooms can be found all three floors of the library.
• Detailed group study room policies

Computer usage & printing

• The library has more than 100 PC's available for student and community use (no logins are required).
• Detailed computer usage policies
• Computers are available on the 1st and 2nd floor of the library.
• Printing is available at 10 cents per page and can be done by loading money to your MCC Student ID or purchasing a print card.
• Detailed information on printing

Wireless

• Wireless access to the internet is available througout the library.

Copying

• Copy machines are available on each floor of the library.
• Only change is accepted. Print cards or student ID's cannot be used on the photocopy machines.

 Go to page 2 for two short quizzes to test your knowledge of the library

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Complete these two activities to test your knowledge: