Library Services

Circulation Department

At the Circulation Desk you can check out materials from the Collections, return items or ask for assistance.  C-GCC photo ID cards can be activated for Library use.  Students, faculty, staff, and residents of Columbia and Greene counties, sixteen or older, must show valid ID to become a borrower.  To obtain a Library borrowing card, a Columbia or Greene County patron must present adequate documentation to prove county residency.  Acceptable documentation includes:

• NYS driver’s license with a county address
• NYS non-driver ID with a county address
• Other photo ID and proof of address such as tax or utility bill to a county address in the name of the individual applying for a borrower’s card.

Computer Use

The first floor is equipped with computers, printers, and a variety of study spaces, including a group study room.   Wireless computer access and charging stations for mobile devices are also available.  The Library provides internet access to the college community including the public, 16 years of age or older. Priority is given to students. Computer users must abide by the college’s computer use policy, found in the C-GCC student handbook and also on the college website.

Library Research Guides

Librarians create several research guides posted on the library’s website, customized to course assignments, as well as tutorials for accomplishing effective college-level research. The Library maintains a YouTube Channel providing tutorials to guide students.

Library Skills Course

We provide library research classes to all students. The library skills course equips students to use library resources for research. The two main goals of the course are 1) to introduce students to the research process and 2) to teach students how to navigate the library easily and effectively. Learning outcomes include:

1. Research Proficiency: Students become skilled in effectively using library resources and services for their academic research.
2. Plagiarism Avoidance: Students understand plagiarism well and learn strategies to avoid it in their work.
3. Resource Awareness: Students develop an awareness of the library’s specialized resources and how to access them.
4. Critical Thinking: Students enhance their ability to critically evaluate information, determining its credibility and relevance to their field of study.
5. Information Literacy: Students improve their ability to locate, analyze, and use information effectively, contributing to their academic success and personal growth.

This is a free course, and many professors offer extra credit to encourage students to take it. We are here to assist you in your academic journey!
Course Availability:
• Format: Online
• Enrollment: Contact the library at reference@sunycgcc.edu

Photocopying Charges

Photocopiers: 15¢ per page – remove this line
Microfilm: 10¢ per page

PRIMO, the Online Catalog

The PRIMO system lets you search our catalog.  We have over 65,000 books in our collections, thousands of E-books, streaming video, DVDs, articles, and audiobooks.  You can also discover what’s available in the SUNY catalog, view items you have on loan, renew items, and view items you have requested.

Quiet Study Areas

We offer quiet study spaces in our Library conference room and on the second floor. On the upper level, the Library offers a variety of seating including individual study carrels, comfortable chairs, and high-top tables.  The seating area in the Olana Study Nook offers views of the campus and beautiful landscapes, a perfect space for reading and studying.

Reference

The Reference Librarians assist C-GCC students, faculty, staff and the general public with answering questions and locating information for research and general interest during hours of operation. Ask for help at the circulation desk or contact us.

Resource Sharing-Interlibrary Loan

Resource Sharing allows the borrowing and lending of books within the SUNY Library network.  If an item is unavailable through SUNY, it may be available from another participating library.  CGCC students who are currently enrolled in credit courses and faculty, staff and emeriti are eligible.  Most participating libraries do not charge a fee.  If a fee is required, we will contact you before the request is filled.  Your items can be picked up at the Circulation Desk.  Items can be returned to the Circulation Desk, the book return slot inside the Main Campus Building between the Library and Foundation Office, or to the book drop at the Main Campus entrance.  Sign in to PRIMO using your college email address to request items within the SUNY catalog.

Media Services

This department provides the tracking and distribution of equipment requested by faculty and staff, the hosting of satellite teleconferences and the creation of licensed off-air tapes of educational programming.