Seamless Access to Course Materials: Navigating the Library’s Textbook Reserves
As the fall 2024 semester approaches, Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) is gearing up to provide students with convenient access to their required course materials. The Dwight Marvin Library has once again curated an extensive collection of textbooks available for reserve, ensuring that students have the resources they need to succeed in their classes.
Textbook Borrowing Made Easy
To access the textbooks on reserve, students can simply send an email to the library at library@hvcc.edu, providing the course number (e.g., MATH 150) and the title of the textbook they need. The library staff will then pull the requested item and make it available for in-library use during the building’s operating hours: Monday through Thursday from 7:45 am to 8 pm, Friday from 7:45 am to 5 pm, and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.
Diverse Course Materials Available
The textbook reserve collection covers a wide range of disciplines, catering to the diverse academic needs of HVCC students. From Accounting (ACTG) and Anthropology (ANTH) to Automotive Technology (AUTO) and Computer and Information Systems (CISS), the library has carefully curated a comprehensive selection of course-specific materials.
One particularly noteworthy aspect of the textbook reserve system is the integration of Open Educational Resources (OER). Several of the textbooks linked on the library’s website are open textbooks currently being used by HVCC faculty. These freely available, high-quality learning materials can be downloaded, edited, and shared, helping to better serve all students and reduce the financial burden of expensive traditional textbooks.
Supplementing the Reserves
In addition to the textbooks purchased by the library, many departments have also provided copies of their course materials to be placed on reserve. This collaborative effort ensures that students have access to a wide range of resources, supplementing the library’s own acquisitions.
Specialized Research Guides
To further support student learning, the library has created a series of research guides tailored to specific academic disciplines. These guides, accessible through the library’s website, provide curated lists of databases, journals, and other relevant resources to assist students in their research and studies.
For example, the Biology research guide offers a comprehensive collection of tools and information related to the field of biology, including BIOL 125/126, BIOL 127, and BIOL 281. Similarly, the Computer and Information Systems research guide highlights relevant resources for courses such as CISS 100, CISS 110/111, and CISS 290.
Navigating the Library’s Resources
The Dwight Marvin Library’s website serves as a one-stop-shop for students, providing easy access to a wealth of information and services. From searching the online catalog to exploring individual research databases, students can leverage the library’s extensive resources to support their academic endeavors.
The library’s Journal Finder allows students to search for specific publications, journals, newspapers, or magazines, while the Database Finder provides access to a wide range of academic databases covering various subject areas.
For those seeking assistance, the library’s “Ask a Librarian” feature enables students to chat online with a librarian, who can provide guidance and answer any questions they may have.
Collaborative Effort and Continued Support
The Dwight Marvin Library would like to express its gratitude to the HVCC Student Senate for their ongoing support and allocation of funds to purchase textbooks for the reserve collection. This collaborative effort ensures that students have access to the materials they need, reducing the financial burden and enhancing their learning experience.
Furthermore, the library extends its appreciation to all the academic departments that have provided copies of their textbooks and media to be placed on reserve. These supplementary resources further strengthen the library’s ability to serve the diverse needs of HVCC students.
As the fall 2024 semester approaches, the Dwight Marvin Library remains committed to providing students with seamless access to their course materials and supporting their academic success through a range of services and resources.
Explore the Library’s Other Offerings
In addition to the textbook reserves, the Dwight Marvin Library offers a wide array of services and resources to support HVCC students. Here are a few highlights:
Group Study Rooms
The HCCC library offers dedicated study rooms for current students to collaborate on projects, discuss course material, or simply find a quiet space to focus. Students can reserve these rooms by contacting the library staff.
Instructional Videos and Tutorials
The library’s YouTube channel features a collection of instructional videos and tutorials covering various topics, from research strategies to citation formatting. These resources provide valuable guidance to students navigating the academic landscape.
NoodleTools and Citation Assistance
HVCC students have access to NoodleTools, a free citation management tool that helps generate properly formatted works cited or reference pages. The library’s Citation & Style Guide also provides comprehensive information on finding citation details, evaluating sources, and avoiding plagiarism.
The HCCC MakerSpace
The HCCC MakerSpace is a dynamic space where students can explore their creativity, share ideas with peers, and work on group projects. This collaborative environment provides access to various devices and equipment, including 3D printers, which can be reserved through the library.
As you prepare for the upcoming semester, be sure to take advantage of the Dwight Marvin Library’s comprehensive resources and services. Whether you need to access textbooks, collaborate with classmates, or enhance your research skills, the library is here to support your academic journey.
