Exterior view of the front of the Purchase College Library. Photo by Marie Sciangula

Library mezzanine windows.

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Got midterms? Ask a Librarian for help!

Reference librarians are here to help you find sources, narrow research topics, navigate library databases, and cite your sources… just in time for midterms! Drop by the Reference Desk for in-person help or use our Ask a Librarian virtual reference services.
Introducing the NEW Interactive Media Lab!

A place where creativity, design, art, and technology intersect.
Keep it real. Ask a librarian!

When you’re doing research, you don’t want hallucinations and untrustworthy sources. Reference librarians are here to help! We are human, we are experts, and we’re available to chat with you 24/7. Learn all the ways you can Ask a Librarian for help!
Brightspace Support from SUNY Online Help Desk

As part of our migration from Moodle to Brightspace, Purchase subscribes to Tier 1 support services provided by the SUNY Online Help Desk.

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Upcoming:

Apr 1

Third Annual Edible Book Fest

Time: 1:00pm—3:00pm

Calling all artists, book lovers, and foodies: You are invited to the Third Annual Edible Book Festival on Wednesday, April 1. Register today to submit your edible literary masterpiece.

Visit the Purchase College Library on Social Media

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<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/3129-how-do-i-get-help-with-d2l-brightspace">How do I get help with D2L Brightspace?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> The <a href="https://online.suny.edu/help/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SUNY Online Help Desk</a> should be your first point of contact to get help with all aspects of the <a href="https://brightspace.purchase.edu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brightspace</a> learning management system (LMS). The SUNY Online Help Desk is staffed with experts who can assist with:</p> <ul> <li>creating course content (e.g. assignments, quizzes, discussions forums, attendance, etc.), </li> <li>answering questions pertaining to course delivery (e.g. navigating discussions, grading assignments, adjusting release settings, working with the grade book, etc.), </li> <li>helping students navigate and work within the LMS, </li> <li>and more! </li> </ul> <p> You can contact the SUNY Online Help Desk during their extensive service hours, including evenings and weekends. Updated hours are posted to their website and available at the “<strong>SUNY Online Support Services</strong>” widget in Brightspace.</p> <ul> <li> <a href="https://online.suny.edu/help/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Main Website for the SUNY Online Help Desk</a> <ul> <li>at the <a href="https://sunyonline.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/1985/Portal/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=40826" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LMS Support Request</a> page, click on the “<a href="https://sunyonline.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/1985/Portal/Requests/TicketRequests/NewForm?ID=1wj8C67L5q8_&RequestorType=Service" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Request Service</a>” button </li> </ul> </li> <li>SUNY Online Help Desk phone number for Brightspace assistance: 1-844-673-6786 </li> </ul> <p> Please visit their website for more information and check out the <a href="https://online.suny.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SUNY Online Support and Resources</a> site for additional support.</p> <p> Link to FAQ: <a href="/live/blurbs/3129-how-do-i-get-help-with-d2l-brightspace" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How do I get help with D2L Brightspace?</a></p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/1184-how-do-i-find-a-dvd-blu-ray-or-vhs-at-the-library">How do I find a DVD, Blu-Ray, or VHS at the Library?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The DVDs are on the First Floor next to the Reference Area. The Academic Film Collection is to the right of the Reference Desk. The Popular Film Collection begins after the Academic Collection and</span> <a href="http://purchase.libanswers.com/a.php?qid=725047&m=p"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Blu-Rays</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">and wraps around on the shelves to the left of the Reference Desk. More information about <a href="https://purchase.libanswers.com/faq/36698" target="_blank" rel="noopener">finding films and video</a> at the Library.<br/></span></p> <p> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Direct link to this <a href="/live/blurbs/1184-how-do-i-find-a-dvd-blu-ray-or-vhs-at-the-library" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FAQ on DVDs</a>.</span> </p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/1773-where-is-the-tltc-located">Where is the TLTC located?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> The <a href="/teaching-learning-and-technology-center/">Teaching, Learning, and Technology Center</a> is located in the Purchase College <a href="/library/">Library</a>, on the lower level.</p> <p> Link to this <a href="/live/blurbs/1772-where-is-the-tltc-located" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FAQ about the TLTC</a>.</p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/2349-why-have-i-suddenly-been-unenrolleddropped-from-my">Why have I suddenly been unenrolled/dropped from my courses on Brightspace?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p><strong>Students</strong>: though there are other reasons why you may have been suddenly dropped from your courses on Brightspace, one of the most common culprits is that your <a href="/live/blurbs/1247-mandatory-immunization-requirements" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mandatory Immunization Requirements</a> may not be filed properly with the College. Please contact the <a href="/offices/registrar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Registrar</a> and/or <a href="/offices/health-services/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Health Services</a> if you have any questions.</p> <p> Please note that any activities you have completed or work submitted in your courses will be restored upon resolution of immunization records and re-enrollment in current Brightspace course spaces.</p> <p> Link to this FAQ: <a href="/live/blurbs/2349" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Why have I suddenly been unenrolled/dropped from my courses on Brightspace?</a></p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/1103-how-do-i-pay-a-fine-at-the-library">How do I pay a fine at the Library?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> All Library fees are paid through Student Accounts. Go to <a title="my heliotrope portal" href="http://www.purchase.edu/portal/">My Heliotrope</a> for further information on paying your bill. The Library cannot accept payment at service desks. </p> <p> If you have any questions about fines, please speak to a Circulation Supervisor, either in person, by calling (914) 251-6401, or by emailing <a href="mailto:lib.circ@purchase.edu">lib.circ@purchase.edu</a>.</p> <p> If you have graduated or no longer have a current More Card, and need to pay an outstanding fine, contact <a href="mailto:lib.circ@purchase.edu">lib.circ@purchase.edu</a></p> <p> Note: The Library no longer charges overdue fines, but you can be charged a replacement fee for lost items. See policies for <a href="/library/about/library-policies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lost Library Materials</a>.</p> <p> Direct link to this <a href="/live/blurbs/1103-how-do-i-pay-a-fine-at-the-library" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FAQ on paying fines</a>. </p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/2673-how-can-i-obtain-a-westchester-library-system-card">How can I obtain a Westchester Library System card?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> As a Purchase College student or employee, you are eligible for a Westchester Library System card (public library card). A WLS card allows you to borrow materials and access electronic resources including <a href="http://purchase.libanswers.com/faq/87931" data-cke-saved-href="http://purchase.libanswers.com/faq/87931">Lynda.com (now LinkedIn Learning),</a> Overdrive (ebooks), kanopy (movies), Hoopla (ebooks, movies, music), audiobooks, and more!</p> <p> <strong>If you are a Westchester resident, you will need to apply through your hometown library to obtain a card.</strong> </p> <p> If you are not a resident of Westchester County, but you are a member of the Purchase College community, you can <a href="http://www.harrisonpl.org/get-a-library-card" data-cke-saved-href="http://www.harrisonpl.org/get-a-library-card">apply online through Harrison Public Library</a> or <a href="https://www.purchasefreelibrary.org/apply-for-a-library-card/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.purchasefreelibrary.org/apply-for-a-library-card/">Purchase Free Library.</a> Both libraries are in the Town of Harrison and both serve our school as crucial partners. The online application takes minutes and you will generally have your card in 1-2 days. If you have any issues with the online application process, please <a href="https://www.purchase.edu/library/contact/subject-liaisons/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.purchase.edu/library/contact/subject-liaisons/">e</a><a href="http://ask@purchase.libanswers.com" data-cke-saved-href="http://ask@purchase.libanswers.com">mail us</a> and we will contact the <a href="http://www.purchasefreelibrary.org/" data-cke-saved-href="http://www.purchasefreelibrary.org/">Purchase Free Library</a> for backup.</p> <p> See this <a href="https://purchase.libanswers.com/admin/faq?faqid=95108">FAQ for full WLS card signup details.</a></p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/1172-where-can-i-find-information-on-senior-projects-">Where can I find information on senior projects / capstone papers / master’s theses?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> Please see the <a href="https://purchase.libguides.com/student-projects/home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Student Projects guide</a> which includes information about submitting senior projects, capstone papers, and master’s theses. It covers setup of the Student Project Portal space, the research process, locating senior projects from past years, formatting the project, and final submission steps.</p> <p> Direct link to this <a href="/live/blurbs/1172-where-can-i-find-information-on-senior-projects-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FAQ on student projects</a>.</p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/1171-how-do-i-make-an-article-from-a-library-database">How do I make an article from a library database viewable for my off-campus students?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> You are encouraged to link directly to the Library’s subscription <a title="Databases by Title" href="https://purchase.libguides.com/az.php?q=" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-cke-saved-href="https://purchase.libguides.com/az.php?q=">databases</a> and <a href="https://suny-pur.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/jsearch?vid=01SUNY_PUR:01SUNY_PUR" data-cke-saved-href="https://suny-pur.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/jsearch?vid=01SUNY_PUR:01SUNY_PUR"></a><a title="Online Journals" href="https://suny-pur.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/jsearch?vid=01SUNY_PUR:01SUNY_PUR" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-cke-saved-href="https://suny-pur.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/jsearch?vid=01SUNY_PUR:01SUNY_PUR">online journals</a>, just as you would link to any website or resource on the Internet. It is especially important to link directly to library databases/articles from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rH6c4B7ZjQ&t=2194s" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rH6c4B7ZjQ&t=2194s">Brightspace</a> courses. This is a best practice for a number of reasons:</p> <ul> <li>Ensures <a href="https://www.purchase.edu/library/about/accessibility/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.purchase.edu/library/about/accessibility/">accessibility</a>: Many databases offer text-to-speech options and provide stable, searchable, and accessible PDFs. Databases also upgrade & improve content regularly. </li> <li>Builds research skills by familiarizing students with various database interfaces. </li> <li>Ensures compliance with <a href="https://purchase.libguides.com/copyright/policy" data-cke-saved-href="https://purchase.libguides.com/copyright/policy">copyright</a>. </li> <li>Reduces amount of time faculty spend scanning course materials. </li> <li>Increases database usage/traffic, which helps the Library justify database renewal costs. </li> <li>Encourages students to take advantage of value-added features such as citation generators, exporting to citation managers, and alternative file formats (PDF, HTML, ePub, etc). </li> </ul> <p> To make resources from the Library’s subscription databases and online journals available to students who may be remotely accessing Brightspace (or other platforms) from <a href="https://purchase.libanswers.com/faq/36686" data-cke-saved-href="https://purchase.libanswers.com/faq/36686">off-campus</a>, you must include the <strong>EZProxy prefix code</strong> in the item’s URL.</p> <p> The <strong>EZProxy prefix code</strong> is: <strong>http://ezproxy.purchase.edu/login?url=</strong></p> <p> This prefix code must be placed <strong><em>before</em></strong> the rest of the URL in order to make the article available from off-campus. To do this:</p> <ol> <li><a href="https://purchase.libanswers.com/faq/36687" data-cke-saved-href="https://purchase.libanswers.com/faq/36687">Locate the article</a> in the Library’s online databases/journals </li> <li>Look for the document’s <strong><a href="https://purchase.libanswers.com/faq/124126" data-cke-saved-href="https://purchase.libanswers.com/faq/124126">persistent URL</a></strong> (also called a permalink, stable URL, or document URL) within item record. <strong>Never</strong> use the URL at the top of the browser bar! </li> <li>Copy and paste the EZProxy code into the URL field when <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rH6c4B7ZjQ&t=2194s" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rH6c4B7ZjQ&t=2194s">adding a new link in Brightspace</a></li> <li>Copy and paste the article’s persistent URL <strong>after</strong> the EZProxy code </li> </ol> <p> <strong>Example:</strong> </p> <p> When using <strong>JSTOR</strong>, click on <strong>“copy the stable URL”</strong> in the article record. Paste the EZProxy prefix in front of the JSTOR stable URL. It should look like this: <a href="http://ezproxy.purchase.edu/login?url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/23361974" data-cke-saved-href="http://ezproxy.purchase.edu/login?url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/23361974"><strong>http://ezproxy.purchase.edu/login?url=</strong>https://www.jstor.org/stable/23361974</a></p> <p> </p> <p> <strong>Please note:</strong> </p> <ul> <li>Unlike other databases, permalinks from the <a href="https://suny-pur.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01SUNY_PUR:01SUNY_PUR&lang=en" data-cke-saved-href="https://suny-pur.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01SUNY_PUR:01SUNY_PUR&lang=en">Library Discovery Search</a> do <strong>not <em></em></strong>require the EZProxy prefix. These permalinks will work from off-campus. </li> <li>Some databases already embed “Purchase” or “ezproxy” into their permalinks or stable URLs; If you see “ezproxy” or “purchase” in a URL, you can simply copy-and-paste the entire link. No need to add the EZproxy prefix twice. </li> <li>When remote (off-campus) users click on an EZProxy URL, they will be prompted for <a href="https://purchase.libanswers.com/faq/36686" data-cke-saved-href="https://purchase.libanswers.com/faq/36686">Database User Authentication and will login</a> using their username (firstname.lastname - <strong>without</strong> @purchase.edu) and Purchase email password. </li> </ul> <p> Direct link to this <a href="/live/blurbs/1171-how-do-i-make-an-article-from-a-library-database" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FAQ on ezproxy</a>.</p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/1642-do-i-have-to-submit-a-paper-copy-of-my-student">Do I have to submit a paper copy of my Student Project to the Library?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> No, you do not have to submit a paper copy of your Student Project (senior project, capstone paper, or master’s thesis) to the Library. All projects are submitted digitally via the <a href="https://apps.purchase.edu/spsubmit">Student Project Portal</a>, a submission system within MyHeliotrope. (The process no longer takes place in Moodle). The Library does not require and will not accept paper copies of Student Projects.</p> <p> Link to this <a href="/live/blurbs/1642-do-i-have-to-submit-a-paper-copy-of-my-student" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FAQ on paper student projects</a>.</p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/1641-how-do-i-access-my-reader-dashboard-in-the-student">How do I access my Reader Dashboard in the Student Project submission system?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> Readers for Student Projects (senior projects, capstone papers, and master’s theses) can manage project invitations and move quickly between student project spaces in the <a href="https://apps.purchase.edu/spsubmit/">Student Project Portal</a> within MyHeliotrope. See the <a href="https://purchase.libguides.com/student-projects/readers">instructions for readers</a> on the Student Projects Help Guide for more details.</p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/1424-is-there-wifi-wireless-internet-how-do-i-access">Is there wifi (wireless internet) ? How do I access the wifi network? Can guests use wifi?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> Yes, there is WiFi (wireless internet) in the Library that both guests and Purchase affiliates can use. Both are managed by CTS. There are two WiFi networks with the following names:</p> <p> Please see our <a href="https://purchase.sharepoint.com/CTS/Knowledge%20Base%20External/Campus%20Wi-Fi%20Heatmap.aspx">Wi-Fi Heat Map</a> for coverage areas in different buildings.</p> <p><strong>PurchaseWiFi</strong>: Students, faculty, and staff should choose the “<strong>PurchaseWiFi</strong>” network. The username is your Purchase email username (firstname.lastname WITHOUT the @purchase.edu) and the password is your Purchase email password. You should only have to enter your username and password once to have access.</p> <p><strong>PurchaseGuest</strong>: Guests and visitors to campus should choose the “<strong>PurchaseGuest</strong>” network<strong>. </strong> The password changes at least twice a year. You can ask a library employee at the Circulation or Reference desks for the current password or view the <a href="https://purchase.sharepoint.com/CTS/Knowledge%20Base%20External/PurchaseGuest%20Wifi%20Password.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Guest Wifi</a> page.</p> <p> Note that PurchaseGuest network is limited; it enables you to view webpages and use most apps, but not to use high-bandwidth services like Skype, video streaming, etc. On mobile devices, the guest network may also prevent off-campus email accounts from refreshing <span style="line-height: 20.8px;">(such as</span> Gmail<span style="line-height: 20.8px;"> or the Mac OS mail app)</span><span style="line-height: 1.6;">. To get around this, access your email via a web browser, rather than an app or mail client.</span></p> <p> For more info, see the <a href="https://purchase.sharepoint.com/CTS/Knowledge%20Base%20External/Connecting%20to%20Wireless.aspx">Connecting to Wireless</a> Page.</p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/1178-what-are-the-librarys-hours">What are the Library’s hours?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> The Library’s current hours are available on the <a href="/library/hours/">Hours</a> page.<br/> Direct link to this <a href="/live/blurbs/1178-what-are-the-librarys-hours">FAQ on hours</a>.</p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/1182-are-there-vending-machines-in-the-library-can-i">Are there vending machines in the Library? Can I buy food in the Library?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> Yes! Vending machines with snacks, cold beverages, and coffee are located in the 2012 Lounge on the first floor.</p> <p> Eating and drinking are allowed <strong>only</strong> in the 2012 Lounge. Please enjoy, but kindly clean up after yourself. If you experience problems or errors with the vending machines, please contact the Circulation Desk. Refunds are issued by the More Card office.</p> <p> Direct link to this <a href="/live/blurbs/1182-are-there-vending-machines-in-the-library-can-i" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FAQ on vending machines</a>. </p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/1420-what-software-is-on-the-computers-pc-and-mac-in">What software is on the computers (PC and Mac) in the Library?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> Please visit our <a href="https://www.purchase.edu/offices/cts/campus-computer-labs/">computer lab resources page</a> for more information on computers, software, and printers in the campus Library labs.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> . </p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/1180-does-the-library-have-popular-fiction-where-is-the">Does the Library have popular fiction? Where is the popular reading collection?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> Yes, the Library has a popular reading collection! You can browse fiction, nonfiction, leisure reading, and bestsellers on the popular reading shelves located on the first floor, to the right of the Reference Desk when you’re coming down the steps from the Library entrance. Books in the <a href="/library/collections/popular-collection/">Popular Collection</a> are shelved alphabetically by author’s last name.</p> <p title="Purchase College Local Catalog"> You can search for specific books in the popular collection online using the <a href="https://suny-pur.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01SUNY_PUR:01SUNY_PUR&lang=en&sortby=rank" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Library Discovery Search</a><a id="id_bf4118f54f" title="Catalog" href="http://search.idsproject.org/index.php?view=ids&oclc_symbol=ZPM&search_scope=my_library" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-cke-saved-href="http://search.idsproject.org/index.php?view=ids&oclc_symbol=ZPM&search_scope=my_library"> </a>. You can find <a href="/library/collections/graphic-novels/">graphic novels</a> in the catalog as well or browse the graphic novel collection, located directly across from the popular reading shelves.</p> <p> Direct link to this <a href="/live/blurbs/1180-does-the-library-have-popular-fiction-where-is-the" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FAQ on the popular reading collection</a>.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>