Library Resources
The library’s primary focus during the coronavirus outbreak is to provide faculty and students with the resources that are essential for them to successfully complete this semester.
We encourage you to use online resources if at all possible. If necessary, faculty may request physical books and videos through the library catalog or by emailing askcirc@hamilton.edu. You will receive an email when your item is available for pickup. Allow at least 24 hours for requests to be filled.
Faculty may enter Burke Library using their Hill Card to retrieve requested items, which will be waiting on the exhibit shelving directly across from the circulation desk. Please resist browsing the stacks during your visit.
Online Library Resources
Hamilton faculty and students have access to online books, articles, streaming media, and document collections along with dozens of guides to help them discover and incorporate these resources into online teaching and learning. You can access almost all of the library’s electronic resources from off campus.
The surest way to get to online resources licensed by Hamilton when you are away from campus is through the LITS website. When you are off campus we use a proxy server to validate your access to our online resources, so whenever you click on a link from our website you will be prompted for your Hamilton network login and password. If you are asked for any other credentials, it is typically because Hamilton does not provide access to that particular resource or you have not navigated to it by way of the LITS website.
Books
The Hamilton Library Catalog includes nearly 600,000 records for online books. In addition to these books, VitalSource is offering free access to eTextbooks for students at campuses with a Barnes & Noble store that have closed due to COVID-19 (including Hamilton College).
Articles
Like books, online articles can be accessed by searching the library catalog and refining your results. If you have a favorite database, you can find that on our Databases A to Z page or by browsing a LITS subject guide.
More Online Resources
LITS has guides for locating a host of additional online resources.
Interlibrary Loan
Interlibrary loan service is available for faculty, students, and staff.
- We will be requesting electronic articles only at this time.
- Print books, chapters, DVDs, and other physical items cannot be obtained through interlibrary loan. Many libraries are no longer open or staffed, so we are not requesting physical items.
- E-books cannot be obtained through interlibrary loan. If you need an e-book for teaching please contact asktobuy@hamilton.edu, and we will purchase the book if available. Students requiring e-books should discuss their needs with their professor, who can request purchases for them if they are essential for their coursework.
Scanning and Reformatting
We do not have the capacity to scan print materials or reformat videos for streaming at this time. We can, however, retrieve books or print journals from our collection for faculty to scan chapters and articles on their own. Scanners are available in the library for self-service scanning Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Helping Students
You may wish to make your classes aware of LITS’s updated guide for students studying away from campus. And, remind them that help will always be given at Hamilton to those who ask for it at askus@hamilton.edu or 315-859-4735.
