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:

Remembering Irving Sandler

Art historian and critic Irving Sandler passed away in New York City at age ninety-two.
Summer Session I-IV Library Hours

The Library is open reduced hours during Summer Session I-IV (Monday, June 4 - Sunday, July 29).

Show 2 more... (74 total)

Text the Library

5000

<div class="faq"><div class="question">What is ILLiad?</div><div class="answer truncate"><p> The <a href="https://purchase.libguides.com/c.php?g=793846&p=5677546" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interlibrary Loan</a> Internet Accessible Database (<a href="https://purchase.illiad.oclc.org/illiad/Logon.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ILLiad</a>) is the resource sharing management software used to process all interlibrary requests at Purchase College. The <a href="https://purchase.illiad.oclc.org/illiad/Logon.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ILLiad</a> system allows users to place requests, track requests, check due dates, request renewals, and view interlibrary borrowing history.</p><p> Direct link to this <a href="/live/blurbs/1985-what-is-illiad" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FAQ</a>.</p><a class="more" href="#">keep reading »</a></div></div>
<div class="faq"><div class="question">Where can I find information on senior projects / capstone papers / master’s theses?</div><div class="answer truncate"><p> Please see the <a id="id_d8e337c3e2" data-cke-saved-href="http://purchase.libguides.com/studentprojects" href="http://purchase.libguides.com/studentprojects" target="_blank">Student Projects guide</a> which includes information about submitting senior projects, capstone papers, and master’s theses. It covers setup of the Moodle Student Project 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">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">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>
<div class="faq"><div class="question">How do I make an article from a library database viewable for my off-campus students?</div><div class="answer truncate"><p> As a faculty member, you are encouraged to link directly to the Library’s subscription <a href="http://purchase.libguides.com/az.php" target="_blank">databases</a> and <a href="http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?authtype=guest&custid=s1097790&groupid=main" target="_blank">online journals</a>, just as you would link to any website or resource on the Internet, from within your Moodle course pages. This is a best practice for a number of reasons. </p><ul><li>Accessibility. Many databases offer text-to-speech options and provide stable, searchable, and accessible PDFs </li><li>Ensures compliance with copyright </li><li>Builds research skills by familiarizing students with various databases and interfaces </li><li>Allows students to take advantage of value-added features such as citation generator, exporting to citation managers, and availability of various file formats. </li></ul><p> In order to make resources from the Library’s subscription databases and online journals available to students who may be accessing Moodle from off-campus (remote user access), 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:2048/login?url=</strong></p><p> This bit of code must be placed <strong><em>before</em></strong> the rest of the article’s URL in order to make it available from off-campus. This can be done by following a few simple steps:</p><ul><li>locate the desired article in our online databases / journals </li><li>look for the document’s persistent or durable URL, within the context of the item, not in the browser address bar </li><li>When using <strong>ProQuest Direct</strong>, for example, click on “Copy Link” to copy the article’s durable URL and then add the EZProxy prefix code before the rest of the URL </li><li>Copy and paste the EZProxy code into the URL field when adding a new resource “link to a file or website” in Moodle </li><li>Copy and past the article’s URL so that it appears after the EZProxy code </li></ul><p><strong>Example:</strong> <strong>http://ezproxy.purchase.edu:2048/login?url=</strong>http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1625264641&sid=2&Fmt=3&clientId=10792&RQT=309&VName=PQD</p><p><strong>To Display a link on the front page of your Moodle course:</strong></p><ul><li>Make sure that editing is turned on, click the ‘Turn editing on’ button on the upper right side </li><li>In the section where you want the file to show up, click on the <strong>Resources</strong> pull-down menu and select the ‘<strong>URL</strong>’ option </li><li>Enter into the <strong>Name</strong> field the text you want to use to describe the link on the front page of your course </li><li>You must enter a description of the link in the <strong>Description</strong> area </li><li>Under the “<strong>Content</strong>” heading, paste in the item’s <strong>External URL</strong>. Remember to include the <strong>EZProxy prefix code</strong> if the item is from the Library’s subscription resources </li><li>Click the ‘<strong>Save and return to course</strong>’ button </li></ul><p> Remote users will be prompted for Database User Authentication and will login using their username (firstname.lastname - <strong>do not</strong> include @purchase.edu) and Purchase email password.</p><p> Direct link to this <a href="/live/blurbs/1171-how-do-i-make-an-article-from-a-library-database" target="_blank">FAQ</a>.</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><p style="text-align: right;"><img width="250" height="187" alt="The TLTC is located in the Purchase College Library, on the lower level." src="/live/image/gid/92/width/250/height/187/5114_library_exterior_-_june_2017.rev.1498084441.jpg" class="lw_image lw_image5114 lw_align_left" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/92/width/250/height/187/5114_library_exterior_-_june_2017.rev.1498084441.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/92/width/250/height/187/5114_library_exterior_-_june_2017.rev.1498084441.jpg 3x" data-max-w="2048" data-max-h="1534"/><span class="lw_image_caption lw_align_left" style="width: 250px"><span class="lw_image_credit">Credit: Marie Sciangula</span></span></p><a class="more" href="#">keep reading »</a></div></div>
<div class="faq"><div class="question">Does the Library have graphic novels and comics? Where are they?</div><div class="answer truncate"><p> Yes, the Library has graphic novels and comic books. They are located on the main floor, just beyond the Reference Desk. For more information is available at the <a href="/library/collections/graphic-novels/">Graphic Novels</a> collection page.</p><p> Direct link to this <a href="/live/blurbs/1179-does-the-library-have-graphic-novels-and-comics" target="_blank">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 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">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">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">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">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>

Today at Purchase Apply for Admission Neuberger Museum of Art The Performing Arts Center