[New England College of Optometry Library]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


What do I need to checkout books?

You need a College Picture ID with a Library Barcode on the back.  Borrowing privileges can be viewed at Library Services.


How do I find what I need in the Library?

Look in the Library's Online Catalog to find all books, journals, CDRoms, slides, videos and other materials that the library owns.  The catalog will also point you to relevant electronic resources.

For a quick look at the journals owned by the Library, take a look at the Print/Online Journals list.  This listing will link you to the full text of a journal when the Library has rights to access that journal online.  

To find journal articles, you might try using one of our databases such as PubMed, Visionet or check the list on the Library's Databases page.

If you have any more questions, be sure to ask at the Circulation Desk.


How do I get a specific reference question answered?

If you have a question or need search assistance, come to the Circulation Desk. This Desk is staffed all hours the library is open. Faculty and students are encouraged to consult with Librarians concerning their research needs.


What is kept behind the Circulation Desk?

  • Reserved books -- Readings assigned by faculty for each course
  • Student Council Class Notes -- Faculty approved notes provided by the Student Council
  • Permanent Reserve List -- Items of high use
  • Pamphlet File -- List of small/odd items of interest
  • Required Text List -- Faculty choice of books for each course
  • Laptops -- Portable PCs available for student use in the Library
  • BIOS/Schematic Eyes -- Available for practicing techniques

You can see what is on Reserve at any time by looking at the Reserve Desk in the Online Catalog. There is also a printed list on the counter at the Circulation Desk.


Why can I keep Reserve items for only 2 hours?

Items are placed on Reserve because they have been assigned for a course and we anticipate high demand. Use of the item is limited so that all students have a chance to use the material. If there are no other requests for an item, you may renew the item for another 2 hours.

Reserve items can be taken overnight.  You may place your name on the overnight hold list at the Circulation Desk.  One hour prior to the Library's closing you can check the item out to be returned one hour after the Library opens in the morning.


Where are computers available for students' use on campus?

  • Marco Center
  • Library
  • Cafe
  • Binocular Vision Lab Boylston Street Campus

How do I check out a laptop?

Come to the Circulation Desk.  The first time you will be asked to sign Laptop Liability Agreement.  Then you will leave your student ID at the desk which will be returned to you when the laptop is returned.


Where can I use the Library's laptop?

The laptop can be used through out the Library.  Just plug into the power at the end of most tables. The internet/network connections are via the wireless internet card installed in the laptop.  When you print, the default output is to the printer in the Reference Room.  The laptop can not be taken from the Library and may not be used in the Cafe area.


Can I use my personal Laptop in the Library?

Yes, if you want to connect to the Internet or print from the College network, you will need to have a wireless card, a current subscription to anti-virus software with all of the latest updates, and have installed the latest updates of your laptop's operating system software. If interested in connecting to the College network,  you will need to contact the Systems Librarian, Dan McCloskey, at mccloskeyd@neco.edu, or the Information Technology (IT) Department to make an appointment to have your computer configured.


Where do I find the most recent year of the journals?

Journals are shelved in two locations.  The most recent issues are shelved in alphabetical order along the walls in the Main Reading Room. When you find the title you want, be sure to lift up the shelf where you will find other unbound issues for that title. Bound volumes for the older years are shelved alphabetically in the Stacks.  

If uncertain whether the Library holds a journal title and whether we hold the year you need, check the online Print/Online Journals list.  This will tell you all the information you need about the Library's journals.


What does "REF" mean on the side of a book? 

REF means it is a reference book. The reference books are further identified with a strip of red tape across the spine.  These books do not leave the library and are available to all in the Reference Room.


What do the little green dots on items mean?

The green dots are on all the Reserve Books/Items to identify that they belong to the Reserve Section.  All books with little green dots should be returned to the Circulation Desk.   


What do I do with Books and Journals when I am finished with them?

Put them on a Book Cart for the Library Staff to reshelve.


Is Student Email available?

Yes, a link to web access to email is on every page of the College's Web site. If you have problems accessing your email,  contact the College's IT Department.


Are there copiers available for students?

Yes, there are 2 copiers available in the Library.  A basic copy is 5ยข.  The copy machines will make change for $1 and $5 bills.


What if I still can't find what I need to know?

Please ask at the Circulation Desk for a Library staff member to assist you in solving your information needs.



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© 2008, The New England College of Optometry

424 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02115 | Tel: 617-266-2030