Table of Contents

The Center's library collections

Obtaining library materials

Spouse/partner library privileges

Returning library materials

Electronic resources

Training in the use of online databases

End-of-year procedures

Local library information

Fellows' research is supported by the National Humanities Center librarians and includes:

• a basic reference collection
  
• interlibrary loan
  
• access to electronic databases
  
• training in the use of electronic databases
  
• the cooperation of the area research libraries
  

The value to us of the collections and services that are provided by the libraries of Duke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill can hardly be exaggerated. Those libraries are the primary providers of books, photocopies, and other research materials to our Fellows.

In early fall we will invite a group of subject specialists from the local libraries to have lunch here so you can make some of the research contacts you may need.

The Center's library collections     Top

• The Robert F. and Margaret S. Goheen Collection, sometimes called the "Fellows' Shelf," is in the glassed cases near the Birkelund Lounge and Abrams Reading Area. It consists of books published as a result of Fellows' research performed at the Center. These items may be used briefly in the library area, but for longer use please request that we borrow a copy.
• Reference books are arranged along the outside walls of the RJR Commons and the Abrams Reading Area. Updated online versions of many are available.
• Journals and newspapers are located in the Abrams Reading Area and the lounge near the serving area.
• North Caroliniana are in the Birkelund Lounge.
• The Library of America series is on the West Wing stair landing.

Obtaining library materials     Top

Fellows may (1) request books, photocopies, and other media by completing the online request form or (2) borrow items directly from the libraries with circulation cards that we provide.

1. Fill out online request form, one for books and one for journal articles, linked from the Library web page (nationalhumanitiescenter/library/). Please see the library staff to receive this password.

• Please fill out as completely as possible, including your name.
• Do not use abbreviations.
• The WorldCat number or other identifiers may be included, especially for older or foreign editions.
• Submit only one request per form. You will receive email confirmation of your request for your own records.
• You may copy records from WorldCat or other library catalogs or databases and paste them into the Comments field.

Every day we distribute requests for locally available materials to our own library assistants on each campus. Items usually arrive here within two or three days, and in most cases you may keep local books the entire academic year. When the requested materials have been received, a blue slip is placed in your mailbox, and materials are stacked on the table near the library for you to pick up.

If an item is not available locally, either because it's not owned by a local library or is already checked out, your request will automatically be requested through interlibrary loan (ILL). It will take longer to receive these items, so if your request has not been filled within a reasonable time, please see Josiah. ILL items, which usually can be kept about three weeks, and short-term local loans are often distinguished by a paper band around the cover on which the due date is prominently displayed. Josiah will automatically try to renew ILL books, and will let you know when they are no longer renewable. Also note that we may be asked by the lending library to restrict use of items to the Center. Please do not photocopy fragile items here; we can have that copying done for you elsewhere. Occasionally one of your books may be recalled by the lending library. Please respond promptly to recall notices and tell the library staff if you would like a replacement copy.

2. If you're on campus at Duke, NCSU, or UNC-CH, you may check out books with your library borrower cards. See Eliza about getting library cards. With your card you may borrow books for the standard circulation time, usually one month. The responsibility for returning books charged on an individual card rests with the Fellow. If you wish to renew books, you may do so online BEFORE the due date; or give the books to Jean BEFORE the due date and ask her to convert them to the Center's card.

Non-circulating materials at each of the local university libraries include reference materials, rare books, bound journals, and special subject collections. We encourage Fellows to visit the area libraries if you need to use non-circulating materials. The Center's librarians have guides and information you might need when planning such a trip. For more information on libraries, hours, and parking, see "Local library information."

Spouse/partner guest library privileges     Top

Please see Eliza.

Your home institution may allow you to be eligible for reciprocal faculty borrowing. See www.lib.unc.edu/circ/borrowers.html for more information.

Returning library materials     Top

To return items borrowed from other libraries, place a pink 'return to stacks' card in the book and either put it on the right side of the library table or hand it to one of the librarians.

Electronic resources     Top

The Library section of the National Humanities Center Web site includes links to the Websites of the area libraries, as well to other useful sites, search engines, databases, and online reference sources.

Training in the use of online databases     Top

Throughout the year we will offer database training sessions over lunch. Please see Eliza or Josiah if you would like one-to-one exploration sessions in any of the online resources we offer. Since no single database provides all the information on a subject, if you need more comprehensive online searching than you can accomplish yourself, please see Eliza or Josiah.

End-of-year procedures     Top

Before leaving the Center at the end of the year, confer with the library staff to be sure that all books and materials charged out to you have been returned. You may return your library cards then as well. A bibliography of the library materials you borrowed through the Center will be provided to you before you depart.

Local library information     Top

Duke University Reference   -   Ph: (919) 660-5880 Circulation - Ph: (919) 660-5870 library.duke.edu/ (catalog, databases, online book renewal, subject specialists, hours, directions, more . . .) North Carolina State University Reference   -   Ph: (919) 515-2935 Circulation - Ph: (919) 515-3364 www.lib.ncsu.edu/ (catalog, databases, online book renewal, subject specialists, hours, directions, more . . .) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Reference   -   Ph: (919) 962-1151 Circulation - Ph: (919) 962-1053 www.lib.unc.edu/ (catalog, databases, online book renewal, subject specialists, hours, directions, more . . .)