Click on the underlined links below for more information about the Bates Library. We serve all Bates students and staff, regardless of location.

Services to Distance Learners: Even if you never set foot on campus, you are a valuable library customer! Call us and we can register you over the phone to use Library services. We can answer your reference questions via phone, fax or email, and mail library materials to you. You can mail materials back to us and remotely access the Library's online databases. You can do ALL of this without ever coming to the Library! If you'd like us to mail you a brochure outlining library services, let us know.

If you have questions, please contact us!

Calendar

• Check the Library calendar before coming, just to make sure we are open. It lists exceptions to the Library's open hours.
   

Committees

• The Library Advisory Committee is an ongoing advisory committee that provides valuable input into how the Library can improve services. We invite participation from students and staff.  Please contact us for more information. 
   

Computer Resources

• The Library has computers with Internet access, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Publisher, resume writing software, typing tutor software and other reference and program-related software.
• These computers should only be used for college approved activities.
• The Computer Technology Centers are another resource for computer access which may have different software programs than you can find in the Library. 
  

Equipment

• The Library has a variety of audio-visual and computing equipment available for loan or in-library use. The loan period varies depending on the type of equipment and the demand for it. 
   

Hours

• Each library is open 42 hours a week. But even when we are closed, you have access to basic information resources by using our online databases which you can link to from any computer with an Internet connection.  
  

Interlibrary Loan

• If we don't have the items you need, we may be able to borrow them from another library via the interlibrary loan process. Customers are allowed up to three free interlibrary loans from other libraries per fiscal year. After that, any interlibrary loan charges incurred by the Bates Library are passed along to the customer.
   

Library Card

• Your Bates ID card also serves as your library card. A photo ID card may be used as a temporary library card. You will need to complete a short registration form in order to check out materials or use equipment. You are responsible for all items checked out in your name, for reporting your lost or stolen card to the Library and for notifying the Library of any changes in your address or phone number.
   

Materials

• The Library has college-related materials in a variety of formats (print, video, audio, computerized). Check out the lists of new materials!
  
• Students may have up to five items (including one reserve item) checked out at any one time. Staff may have up to 25 items checked out at any one time.
  
• Most materials check out for a 2-week loan period with up to 3 renewals if done by the due date and no one else is on the waiting list for the item. The loan period for Reserve materials varies but most are a 1-day loan period with no renewals. Reference materials are normally for in-library use only.
  
• We can send materials to customers at Mohler Campus sites via the college's intercampus mail system. We can send materials to distance learners via the US Postal Service.
   

Online Catalog

• The online catalog lists the materials owned by the Library. If you cannot find what you want, ask us! If we do not own it, we may be able to borrow it from another library. Or we may be able to buy it--we are always looking for suggestions for purchase.
   

Online Databases

• The Bates Library subscribes to several online databases which can be accessed from any networked Bates computer. Most of the databases can also be accessed remotely from any computer that has an Internet connection.
   

Orientations

• Library staff are available to give library tours and orientations to help college staff and students learn more about the library services. 

Overdues

• The Library does not charge daily overdue fines, but students may not check out additional items until the overdue items are returned. If overdue items are not returned after receipt of a courtesy overdue notice, they will be assumed lost. The college's Business Office will then bill for the overdue items and include a $10 non-refundable processing fee for each item. Student records in Student Services will be blocked and students will not be allowed any further library transactions (no checkouts, use of computers, interlibrary loans, holds, etc.) until all outstanding bills are paid.
   

Photocopying

• The Library has a photocopier for making single copies of library materials if done in compliance with copyright laws. There is no charge for this service at this time. For personal or multiple copies, please check with your own program/department or the campus bookstores to see if they can assist you.
  

Quiet Place to Study

• Looking for a quiet place to study, take tests or do homework? Come to the Library!
   

Reference Services

• The Library staff is eager to help you find the information you need.
   

Returning Items

• You can return library equipment to the Library anytime during our regular open hours.
  
• You can return library materials to the Library during our open hours or to any of the library "book return" boxes located at each of the campus sites:
  • Outside either library (Downtown by M-124 and South by  E201)
  • In the Downtown Campus West Annex hallway (Room W-207)
  • Outside the Downtown Campus Bookstore (Room M-203)
  • Outside the South Campus Bookstore (Building A).
    
• Mohler Campus site customers may also return materials via the college's intercampus mail system. Distance learners may return materials via the US Postal Service.