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

Library mezzanine windows. Find us on social media at @SUNYPurchaseLib

Library

Discovery Search

Discovery Search
retrieves resources across most of our library holdings:

What is Discovery Search? For more database options, see Databases by Title, or consult Research by Subject.

Books & Media

Search our catalog to find books, journals, DVDs, CDs, scores, and more, in the Purchase College Library and libraries worldwide.
(advanced search )

To renew materials and search for course reserves, Student Projects (senior projects, capstone papers, and master’s theses), use the Local Catalog. Can’t find something on the shelf? Request a search for a missing book.

Catalogs

Purchase College Library Local Catalog

Use this catalog to renew materials and search for senior projects and theses.

Purchase College IDS Search

Find books and media from Purchase College and libraries worldwide.

SUNYConnect Union Catalog

Search the SUNY Libraries simultaneously.

Manhattanville College Library

Purchase College students may borrow materials from Manhattanville College Library.
Use the QuickSearch to find books in the catalog.

Westchester Library System Catalog

Search within Westchester Public Libraries.

The New York Public Library

This website provides access to the online catalog of the research libraries,
the branch libraries, and to the NYPL’s Digital Library Collection.

WorldCat

WorldCat connects you to the collections and services of more than 10,000 libraries worldwide.

WorldCat - First Search

Search the collections of libraries worldwide. Alternative to the web interface for WorldCat.

Films & Video

Search for films in the Library’s physical collection, and streaming videos from online resources:

Search for films in the library's physical collection, and
streaming videos from online resources:

See also:
Finding Films Streaming/Multimedia

Databases by Title

eJournals

eJournals Search

To find print journals, use the Local Catalog. To search for articles, use a specific database, or consult Research by Subject. To search current periodicals, use the Periodicals Guide.

Guides

Research by Subject

Help Guides

Course Guides

News:

End of the Semester and Winter Intersession Hours

The Library will have abbreviated hours for the end of the semester and the winter intersession.
Student Project Submission & Reader Signoff

January 2019 graduating students, Student Projects (senior projects, capstone papers, and master’s theses) are due Friday, December 14 by 11:59pm to the Library via Moodle!

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<div class="faq"><div class="question">Does the Library have headphones I can borrow? Are there viewing / listening rooms?</div><div class="answer truncate"><p> Yes, you can borrow headphones from the Circulation Desk.</p><p> The Library also have rooms where you can view films or listen to CDs and LPs. There are viewing/listening rooms in the Media Resource Center and listening stations with turntables in the <a href="/library/collections/music-collection/">Music Collection</a>. Just ask at the Circulation Desk and they’ll set you up with a room and let you check out headphones.</p><p> You can also watch DVDs on any public computer with a DVD/CD drive, as long as you use headphones.</p><p> Direct link to this <a href="/live/blurbs/1183-does-the-library-have-headphones-i-can-borrow-are" target="_blank">FAQ</a>.</p><a class="more" href="#">keep reading »</a></div></div>
<div class="faq"><div class="question">How can I put materials on physical reserve at the Library for students to access?</div><div class="answer truncate"><p> Books, DVDs, Blu-rays. VHS tapes, CDs, and LPs can all be put on <a href="http://purchase.libguides.com/reserves" target="_blank">physical reserve</a> at the Circulation Desk in the Library by placing requests through the <strong>Library Reserves</strong> <strong>block</strong> in <a href="https://moodle.purchase.edu" target="_blank">Moodle</a>.</p><p> Faculty must first <a href="http://purchase.libguides.com/reserves/reservesblock" target="_blank"><strong>add the Library Reserves block</strong></a> to the Moodle course(s) for which they plan to place library materials on physical reserve. </p><p> Digital versions of articles and book chapters can be <a href="http://purchase.libguides.com/moodlebasics/upload" target="_blank">uploaded into your Moodle course</a> using the <strong>File Picker</strong>. </p><p> For policy details and complete directions on how to place library materials on physical reserve, see the <a href="http://purchase.libguides.com/reserves" target="_blank">Library Reserves</a> guide.</p><p> Direct link to this <a href="/live/blurbs/1168-how-can-i-put-materials-on-physical-reserve-at-the" target="_blank">FAQ</a>.</p><a class="more" href="#">keep reading »</a></div></div>
<div class="faq"><div class="question">I cannot print a document that my professor put in Moodle. What should I do?</div><div class="answer truncate"><div id="" class="s-la-box-content clearfix"><div class="s-la-faq-answer"><p> Sometimes a professor will upload a document file to Moodle in “protected mode” or “protected view.” This makes it harder for unauthorized persons to edit and alter the document. Because editing is disabled, printing a “protected” Microsoft Word document requires an extra step. </p><p> To print a Microsoft Word document that is in “protected view,” you must <strong>download</strong> the file from Moodle and <strong>save it</strong> on your desktop before you will be able to “enable editing” and print the file. </p><p><strong>Instructions (for Microsoft Word on a PC. Word for Mac should behave similarly)</strong></p><p> 1. In Moodle, click on the title of the document you want to download. A dialog box appears. </p><p> 2. Click “Save.” (Do NOT choose “Open,” or you will not be able to print the document.) </p><p> 3. Choose to save the document to the desktop or a USB flash drive. </p><p> 4. Wait until the document has finished downloading, then click “Open.” </p><p> 5. Click “Enable Editing” in the beige-colored bar at the top of the MS Word document. </p><p> 6. You should now be able to select “Print” from the File Menu or Windows Menu and print as you would any other Word document. </p><p> Direct link to this <a href="/live/blurbs/1399-i-cannot-print-a-document-that-my-professor-put-in" target="_blank">FAQ</a>. </p></div></div><a class="more" href="#">keep reading »</a></div></div>
<div class="faq"><div class="question">Are there vending machines in the Library? Can I buy food in the Library?</div><div class="answer truncate"><p> Yes! Vending machines with snacks, cold beverages, and coffee are located in the 2012 Lounge. The 2012 Lounge is located near the Director’s Office and the restrooms, just around the corner from the Popular DVD Collection shelves. Please enjoy, but kindly clean up after yourself. We need your help keeping the Library clean so you and others can continue to enjoy this service. 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">FAQ</a>. </p><p> </p><a class="more" href="#">keep reading »</a></div></div>
<div class="faq"><div class="question">How do I pay a fine at the Library?</div><div class="answer truncate"><p> All Library fines 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 no longer accepts payments of any kind at the Library service desks. </p><p> If you have any questions about fines, please speak to a Circulation Supervisor, either in person or by calling (914) 251-6401. </p><p> If you have graduated or no longer have a current More Card, and need to pay an outstanding fine, contact Marsia Riley either by email <a href="mailto:marsia.riley@purchase.edu">marsia.riley@purchase.edu</a> or phone (914) 251-6403.</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</a>. </p><a class="more" href="#">keep reading »</a></div></div>
<div class="faq"><div class="question">Do I have to submit a paper copy of my Student Project to the Library?</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 Student Project submissions to the Library must be done via <a href="https://moodle.purchase.edu" target="_blank">Moodle</a>. 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">FAQ</a>.</p><a class="more" href="#">keep reading »</a></div></div>
<div class="faq"><div class="question">Who can borrow Library materials?</div><div class="answer truncate"><p> Purchase College students, faculty, and staff who present a valid Purchase College ID card may borrow library materials according to the loan periods specified on the <a href="/library/services/borrowing-renewing/">Borrowing & Renewing</a> page.</p><p> Visitors with the following affiliations may borrow books and materials from the circulating collection (appropriate identification is required):</p><ul><li><a href="/library/about/friends-of-the-library/">Friends of the Library</a></li><li>Manhattanville College students and faculty </li><li>Students and faculty from SUNY institutions </li><li>Faculty from WALDO (Westchester Academic Library Directors Organization) institutions </li></ul><p> Guests and community members not affiliated with the above institutions do not have borrowing privileges but are welcome to visit us and use library materials on location.</p><p> Direct link to this <a href="/live/blurbs/1102-who-can-borrow-library-materials" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FAQ</a>. </p><a class="more" href="#">keep reading »</a></div></div>
<div class="faq"><div class="question">What are the Library’s hours?</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</a>.</p><a class="more" href="#">keep reading »</a></div></div>
<div class="faq"><div class="question">How do I view materials in Special Collections & Archives?</div><div class="answer truncate"><p> Please see the <a href="/library/collections/special-collections/">Special Collections & Archives</a> page for more information.</p><p> Direct link to this <a href="/live/blurbs/1181-how-do-i-view-materials-in-special-collections-amp" target="_blank">FAQ</a>.</p><a class="more" href="#">keep reading »</a></div></div>
<div class="faq"><div class="question">Is there wifi (wireless internet) ? How do I access the wifi network? Can guests use wifi?</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><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 go to <a href="https://collaborate.purchase.edu/CTS/Knowledge%20Base%20External/PurchaseGuest%20Password.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.purchase.edu/guestwifi</a>.</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://collaborate.purchase.edu/CTS/Knowledge%20Base%20External/Connecting%20to%20Wireless.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Connecting to Wireless</a> Page.</p><a class="more" href="#">keep reading »</a></div></div>
<div class="faq"><div class="question">How do I find a DVD, Blu-Ray, or VHS at the Library?</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">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">FAQ</a>.</span></p><a class="more" href="#">keep reading »</a></div></div>
<div class="faq"><div class="question">Where is the TLTC located?</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</a>.</p><a class="more" href="#">keep reading »</a></div></div>
<div class="faq"><div class="question">Does the Library have popular fiction? Where is the popular reading collection?</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 Library’s <a id="id_bf4118f54f" data-cke-saved-href="http://search.idsproject.org/index.php?view=ids&oclc_symbol=ZPM&search_scope=my_library" title="Catalog" href="http://search.idsproject.org/index.php?view=ids&oclc_symbol=ZPM&search_scope=my_library" target="_blank">catalog</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">FAQ</a>.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><a class="more" href="#">keep reading »</a></div></div>
<div class="faq"><div class="question">How do I access my Reader Dashboard in Moodle?</div><div class="answer truncate"><p> Readers on Student Projects (senior projects, capstone papers, and master’s theses) can manage project invitations and move quickly between student project spaces at their <a href="https://moodle.purchase.edu/moodle2/mod/seniorproject/spdashboard.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reader Dashboard</a> in Moodle. The direct link to the Reader Dashboard is: <a href="https://moodle.purchase.edu/moodle2/mod/seniorproject/spdashboard.php">https://moodle.purchase.edu/moodle2/mod/seniorproject/spdashboard.php</a>.</p><p> Link to this <a href="/live/blurbs/1640-how-do-i-access-my-reader-dashboard-in-moodle" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FAQ</a>.</p><a class="more" href="#">keep reading »</a></div></div>
<div class="faq"><div class="question">What software is on the computers (PC and Mac) in the Library?</div><div class="answer truncate"><h3><strong>The Library has both PCs and Macs for you to use. CTS provides a <a href="https://collaborate.purchase.edu/CTS/Knowledge%20Base%20External/Campus%20Computer%20Labs.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">full list of software</a> and hardware in the Library’s computer labs.</strong></h3><a class="more" href="#">keep reading »</a></div></div>

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