Librarians
can assist you in finding information and in understanding how to use various
research sources. If you need any help in the library, ask the Reference
Librarian (210/436-3508). Professional librarians are on duty at
the Reference Desk during posted hours.
Located near the Reference Desk is a display of free library literature. These guides provide students with selective lists of materials to be used for specific subjects, an outline of services provided by the library, or how-to information. Most of these guides are also be available under the Information by Subject section of the website.
Reference Collection description
Photocopiers are located on the library's second (main) floor. Microfilm
and microfiche printers are available on the first floor. Copy cards can
be purchased at the Circulation Desk. Copy cards are sold in denominations
of $5.50, $10.50, and $20.50. Copies cost 10 cents
per exposure with a $.50 charge per card purchased. Faculty may
obtain copy cards through their academic departments.
Inquire at the Circulation Desk to add money to your copy card.
The Blume Library's Reserve Collection is located behind the Circulation counter on the main (second) floor. Faculty members frequently place materials (print and non-print) on Reserve for their classes.
Materials placed on Reserve are searchable via the online catalog. Materials can be searched by course number, faculty name, title of the item, etc. Reserve materials for courses can usually checked out for two hours.
Faculty members who wish to place materials on reserve for their courses must complete the Faculty Request for Reserve Materials form. This form can be obtained from the Daytime Circulation Supervisor (210/436- 3441 ext. 1408). Please fill out the form completely and indicate each item's title, author and call number. If the item is a personal copy or a photocopy, please indicate this.
The library will make every effort to have all materials requested available on Reserve within two days of receiving the requests from faculty. The copyright law, effective January 1, 1978, prohibits any library from placing more than one photocopy of an item on Reserve.
Most audio-visual material (compact discs, videorecordings, cassette tapes, etc.) and some selected items are also kept on Reserve behind the Circulation counter. These items are also searchable via the online catalog.
Using local libraries (TexShare)
The Blume Library belongs to a resource sharing network called TexShare. Most resources (periodicals, reference works, some databases) available in member libraries may be used in the member library without a special pass. Because the Blume Library is a member of TexShare, students may borrow materials from most other TexShare member libraries by obtaining a TexShare card at the Circulation counter. Students must present a valid student ID to obtain the card. The list of participating library is searchable online. Local library catalogs can be searched online.
The Computer Lab, administered by the Computer Center, is located on the Blume Library's third floor. The Lab is open the same hours as the Blume Library is open, but closes fifteen minutes before the library closes. The Lab is open to St. Mary's University students. Some of the software includes Microsoft Office Suite (Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Word), Visual Basic and SPSS. Students have access to the Internet. For further information, contact Network Technology Services at 210/436-3301.
The Multimedia Instructional Center (MIC), located on the third floor of the Blume Library, is administered by the Learning Assistance Center. The MIC is used primarily for instruction. It is restricted to students enrolled in Academic Preparation Program (APP) and Health Career Opportunities Program (HCOP) courses and to classes while they are receiving library instruction or faculty and students attending a library workshop. The MIC presently contains an RGB computer projector and 18 networked PCs running on a Windows 98 platform with access to the Learning Assistance Center and Blume Library local area networks. Software includes Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint). Users can access the Internet via Microsoft's Internet Explorer. For further information, contact the Learning Assistance Center at 210/436-3203.
Audio Visual Center
The Audio Visual Center supplies audiovisual equipment to the university community. The center stores, maintains, and delivers equipment. AV staff members are available to train the university community in the proper usage of audiovisual equipment. Requests for delivery of such equipment should be made through the Audio Visual Center (210/436-3501).
Faculty who would like to use films or videos that are not found at St. Mary's may contact their library liaison or the Audio Visual Center to request these items from other sources. The Audio Visual Center may be able to obtain films or videos through distributors or other networks. Please allow at least seven to ten days for delivery.
Media Viewing Room
The Media Viewing Room, located on the first (basement) floor of the Blume Library, is a small auditorium (seating capacity of 52) equipped with a large screen projection system and videocassette player, a control podium, CD player and slide and film projectors. Reservations for the Media Viewing Room should be made through the Audio Visual Center (210/436-3501). Priority for reservations is given to classes and official University business.
Study Carrels
Study carrels on the third floor are reserved for doctoral students. To apply, students should see the Daytime Circulation Supervisor (210/436-3441 ext. 1408). Study carrels are also available to other graduate students on the first floor on a first-come, first-served basis.
Conference Room
A Conference Room, located on the main (second) floor, may be reserved through the Blume Library Administrative Assistant (210/436-3441). This room seats approximately 20 people.
Faculty who teach courses at off-campus sites (i.e., military bases, USAA) should contact the Off-Campus Services Librarian, Necia Wolff, at 210/436-3441 ext. 1452 for information about the following:
Students who are enrolled in courses at off-campus sites are eligible to receive certain reference and document delivery services if they are unable to use St. Mary's Blume Library. These services have been established to assist the student in having the same access to materials and reference service as any on-campus student. Each new off-campus student should get a packet of materials detailing the special library services available to them. These special services include:
last updated June 2, 2000
