What are the library hours? May 7, 2008
Posted by Kathi in : Question of the Week , add a commentLibrary hours can sometimes vary on weekends, holidays and summer.
Perkins/Bostock and other Duke libraries hours are linked from the homepage banner (just below the website search bar).
Hope to see you soon!
What happens when an item is overdue? April 30, 2008
Posted by Kathi in : Question of the Week, Tips for students , 2commentsBefore heading home for the summer, you may want to check whether you have any books out on loan… and when they’re due. Here’s how to find out:
- Click on “My Account” on the library homepage searchbox
- Enter your Net ID/password
- The number next to “Loans” will indicate the number of items you have out. Click on the link for the full details.
Once an item is overdue, you should receive an email. Charges can vary depending on the type of material (book, laptop, video) and the lending library. Here are some quick links:
What if the article I need isn’t full-text online? April 22, 2008
Posted by Kathi in : Catalog Tip, Question of the Week, Tips for students , add a commentUnfortunately, not all databases or online searches will lead to full-text articles, but there is always a chance that we have a print copy of the journal. In order to check whether the library has copies of the journal, check the online catalog:
- You can either search by “Journal title keywords” or “Title begins with…” from the library homepage search box
- Be sure to type the name of the journal in the search box (not the article title)
We also maintain a handy guide of helpful tips and instructions for finding journals. If you’ve ever been confused about journal abbreviations or how to find journals on your topic - it’s a great place to look!
What should I do if the book isn’t on the shelf? April 14, 2008
Posted by Kathi in : Question of the Week, Tips for students , add a commentYes… I guess it’s happened to all of us. You make a trip all the way to the library, and then realize that the book you want is nowhere to be found.
Before leaving in frustration, try one of these steps:
- Look around the surrounding shelves a bit. It’s possible that the book was inadvertently misplaced. Nearby copy machines and tables are also possible spots to quickly look.
- Check the catalog record again, and make sure that both the call number and location are correct. Bound journals, for example, are not shelved with the other books, and you might be looking in the wrong area (maybe even the wrong library). Here’s a quick glance at our book location chart.
- When double-checking the catalog record, make sure that the book hasn’t already been checked out. Take a look at the “Library (Owned/Out)” column in the catalog record. The first number indicates how many copies the library owns, and the second number will let you know how many are checked out. If all the books are available, the second number should read “0″.
- Is the book still missing? Try checking the re-shelving area in Perkins. Before going back to the shelves, the books are organized in a room behind the circulation area - Level A. Follow the pathway with the library lockers, e-print stations and copy machines. The re-shelving area is the first door on the left.
- Finally, you can request a search for the book. Submit this missing book form electronically, and library staff will try to locate the book for you. This request form includes both Perkins and Lilly (plus a few other branch libraries). You would be contacted by email regarding the status of the book. If the book is found, it will be held for you. Otherwise, an inter-library loan might be suggested.
Additional information about the shelf maintenance at Perkins Library can be found here.
How do I access databases from off-campus? March 21, 2008
Posted by Kathi in : Database Tip, Duke researchers, Question of the Week , 1 comment so farTo get to databases or e-journals from off-campus, be sure to go through the library website in order to be recognized as a Duke user. Going directly to a bookmarked e-resource will not work.
Try logging in using any one of these methods:
- Start at the database or e-journal interface, or follow a “GetIt@Duke” link. When you click on a link, a new window will pop up, and you just need to fill in your NetID and password to connect to EZProxy. You should be good to go until you end your browser session or log out!
- When entering the library website from off-campus, you might also notice that there is a Yellow box located to the right of the titled database link(s) saying “Your web browser is reporting an IP address that is not within range of authorized AP addresses”. Just click on the link for signing in with your Net ID/password. Once you’re signed in, you can access any number of databases.
- If you’re still not being recognized as a Duke user, download and install the Duke Virtual Private Network (VPN). Some resources exclusive to Law, Business, or Medical Center affiliates cannot be accessed via EZProxy. Make sure that the the VPN is open when you access the database or e-journal.
If you’re having any trouble Ask a Librarian, or check through some of the connection issues that might cause difficulties with the VPN.
