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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who may borrow from the library?

How do I register to borrow from the library?

How do I find books, journals and observatory publications during the renovations?

How do I find out what I have checked out?

For how long may I borrow something?

How can I renew something?

How do I return books?

Where can I find citations to papers?

How can I find a book by a particular author and/or title?

Where can I find physical reference data?

What do I do if the library doesn't have what I need?

How can I access electronic journals from outside the ST ScI domain?

How can I get a Hopkins (MSEL) library card; May I visit Hopkins Library ?

How do I get my paper into the ST ScI eprint series?

How can I make a suggestion or comment?

Who may borrow from the library?
You may borrow from the Library if you are an employee of AURA, ESA, CSC, a long-term visitor with an STScI ID card and assigned office, or with permission of the librarian.

How do I register to borrow from the library?
Register to borrow by completing the registration form (obtainable from a library staff member).

How do I find books, journals and observatory publications during the renovations?

The Library catalog lists the print and online titles in our collections. Search the catalog for your desired item. Note whether it is available in print or electronic form. If a desired print item is checked out, get in touch with the person who has it to kindly ask if you may use it. If you would like to transfer "borrowship" of the item, contact a Library staff member. If the item is not checked out, contact a Library staff member -- we will fetch it for you from storage
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
M-F.

How do I find out what I have checked out?
Log in to your Library account here. Or, from within the online catalog: click on "my account" and log in with your username and PIN (which is the same as your username).

For how long may I borrow something?
For most materials, there is a nominal due date of one year, but as long as items are kept in your office, they may be renewed indefinitely. Short-term visitors may borrow under their sponsor's privileges, and registered non-staff may borrow for up to one month.

How can I renew something?
To renew something, reply to the overdue notice from the librarian. You may also renew materials from within the online catalog by clicking on "my account" and logging in (username and PIN are the same).

How do I return books?
Return books to Library staff in Room 133,
8 a.m. to 5 p.m,. M-F.

Where can I find citations to papers?
The primary online source is the NASA Astrophysics Data System.

How can I find a book by a particular author and/or title?
For a particular author or book, use the online catalog, Title or Author search.

How can I find physical reference data?
For physical reference data, use the excellent resources at the National Institutes of Standards and Technology.

What if I don't find what I need?
If the Library does not own or provide access to a book, article or document, we will either purchase that item, request it from another Library or get it from a document delivery service. Contact a Library staff member to make a purchase or document request.


How can I access electronic subscriptions from outside the ST ScI domain?
One may "fake" being in the ST ScI domain by using our proxy server or by having the helpdesk provide you with the VPN client.

How can I get a library card for the Hopkins library (MSEL); May I visit Hopkins Library?

Contact Human Resources. There is a form to be filled out that HR then sends to the Eisenhower Library. To visit the Eisenhower Library, you do not need a Hopking borrowing card -- simply present a photo ID upon entering.

How do I get my paper into the ST ScI eprint series?
Contact Sharon Toolan who can supply you with an eprint number and even help you format and submit your paper.

How can I make a suggestion or comment?
To make a suggestion or comment, you can see one of the library staff, email the librarian, or phone the librarian at x4961. Please include your name and how to reach you in case we have a question or need to respond.



Ask-a-Librarian!


Email: library [at] stsci [dot] edu

Call: 410-338-4961

Mail: STScI Library
3700 San Martin Drive
Baltimore, MD 21218


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