Frequently Asked Questions

Who can use the Library and Information Technology Resources at Goddard College?

Our resources and services have been developed to support the research and information technology needs of our students and faculty. The Goddard ID card serves as the library card for students, faculty and staff. Newly admitted students obtain an ID card at registration. Local residents may purchase a community library card at the circulation desk. The community library card affords library borrowing privileges and the use of computer resources as available in the library computer lab.

 

What are the services and resources available during residencies?

While on staying on campus, new students are encouraged to attend a number of workshops to learn about our library and information resources and how to access them on campus and from a distance. Specific workshops are designed to introduce students to the college’s information and communications systems and technology support as available throughout the semester. As a physical space the Eliot D. Pratt library houses our 42000 volume print collections, which is easily accessible on open stacks. Many students take advantage of the open stacks system to locate materials from the in-house print collection. Items are checked out as a semester loan.  The library computer lab, equipped with iMac and PC workstations and a high-capacity printer, is housed in the same building. Wireless Internet and secure network access is available throughout the building to anyone bringing their own laptop computer.  A second computer lab is housed in the Community Center, within easy walking distance of the campus dorms.

 

What are the services and resources available from off-campus?

A full range of distance services are provided through the college’s online communication and information interface called FirstClass. The library and IT staff provides distance library services and technology support throughout the semester. The online documentation on FirstClass is designed to answer many common questions, and individualized support is available via phone and email consultation. The library offers a comprehensive list of electronic resources, including online full-text access to scholarly academic publications. Our online catalog has interactive features that allow students to request materials to be sent to them when available. Students can view their own circulation account displaying information regarding items currently on loan and other information regarding circulation status.

 

What is FirstClass?

FirstClass is the college’s electronic communication system, designed to facilitate information sharing and collaboration among all members of the Goddard Community. In addition to your Goddard email, personal calendar and contacts, you will find program-specific forms, policies and procedures, due dates, threaded discussions, address lists, and photographs. You will also have access to college-wide news, events, bulletin boards, calendars, etc. You will be given access to FirstClass at your first residency as part of the registration process. At your first residency there are required workshops to orient students to using the FirstClass.  Technology Support staff are available during posted hours in the Community Center Lab to answer questions and provide one-on-one training. The IT staff is also available throughout the semester for follow-up questions and training.

 

What is SIS?

The Student Information System (SIS) is Goddard’s on-line enrollment system. SIS tracks student enrollment data for any given semester.  SIS is also an interactive, on-line site for creating, editing, and submitting Study Plans, End-of-Semester Evaluations (both student and faculty), Final Semester materials, and other materials that become part of a student’s permanent academic file in the Office of the Registrar.

 

What is Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

ILL is a network system that facilitates borrowing and lending of materials to and from other libraries. It enables us to fill requests for materials that are not owned by or otherwise accessible through the Eliot D. Pratt Library. The library is obligated to fill both the lending and borrowing roles in the resources sharing agreement with other libraries.