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Library FAQS

We know libraries can be confusing! Here are some of our most frequently asked questions. If your question isn't answered here, chat with us online (click the yellow Ask Us button at the right of your screen) or call us:

Mortensen Library (most subjects): 860.768.4264
Allen Library (music and dance): 860.768.4491

About the Libraries

Where are the Libraries located?
What are the Libraries hours?
How can I find where books, offices, and other spaces are located within the Libraries?
Do you have printers, photocopiers, and scanners in the Libraries?
How do I bind my thesis or dissertation?
Do you have information about the University of Hartford and its history?
How can I ask for help?

Accessing the Libraries' materials

How do I find out if the Libraries owns a books I need?
How do I find out if the Libraries has a periodical (journal or magazine)?
Do the Libraries have videos?
How can I request materials that are not available through the Libraries?
What are course reserves?
Do you have my textbook?
How can I learn how to use the Libraries more effectively?
How do I access the Libraries' resources from off campus?

Borrowing from the Libraries

How do I borrow materials from the Libraries?
How can I renew the books I've borrowed?
Can I borrow a laptop?

About the Libraries: 

Where are the Libraries located?

The Mortensen and Allen Libraries are both located in the Harrison Libraries in the Harry Jack Gray Center. The general library, Mortensen, spans all three levels. Allen Library, the music/dance library, is on the lower level. See our directions page for more information.

What are the Libraries hours?

Check library hours for our complete schedule.

How can I find where books, offices, and other spaces are located within the Libraries?

See the floor plans for all three levels of the Libraries.

Do you have printers, photocopiers, scanners in the Libraries?

Yes. See the Copy, Print, Scan page for more information.

How do I submit my thesis or dissertation?

Masters and doctoral students are required to electronically submit their theses or dissertations to the Libraries as part of their degree requirements. See Dissertation and Thesis Submission for requirements, a checklist, and more information.

Do you have information about the University of Hartford and its history?

Yes! Contact Archives and Special Collections for more information about the collection. 

Unfortunately, the University does not have a significant collection of local history materials related to the city of Hartford. We suggest contacting Hartford Public Library or the Connecticut Historical Society.

How can I ask for help?

Research librarians are available in the libraries to assist you. You can visit us in person, call Research Services at Mortensen (860.768.4142) or Allen (860.768.4491), chat with an online librarian (use the yellow "Ask Us" tab at the right side of this page), or email reference@hartford.libanswers.com. Depending on how much information you need, the librarian may suggest an in-person or virtual meeting for more in-depth assistance.

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Accessing the Libraries' Materials

How do I find out if the Libraries owns a book I need?

Use the Libraries Catalog to search for books, scores, videos, sound recordings, etc.

How do I find out if the Libraries has a periodical (journal or magazine)?  

Use the Libraries Catalog to search for the title of a periodical we may have in the library. Also, check eJournals Locator for titles of online periodicals.

Do the Libraries have videos?

Both Libraries have video collections (search in the Libraries Catalog). They also have viewing stations where students may watch videos in the building. For more information, see our Listening/Viewing Equipment page.

How can I request materials that are not available through the Libraries?

University faculty, staff, and students may request books, scores or copies of articles from periodicals we don't own through Interlibrary Loan. This service is only available to University users. Non-University users should contact their local library for information about interlibrary loan. Call 860.768.4364 for additional information. 

What are course reserves?

Assigned materials for a class are set aside in the Libraries ("reserved") and loaned for brief time periods so that all students have equal access to them. Reserve materials may include books, lecture notes, problem sets, musical scores, CDs, DVDs, or VHS recordings. Most reserves are available for use in the library for two hours but the loan period is set by your professor. Overdue reserves are fined at $1 per hour. See Course Reserves.

Reserve articles are available online. You will need a University email account to login. See Off-Campus Access for more information to set this up. To view electronic reserves, you will access them through Blackboard.

Do you have my textbook?

The Libraries buy materials to supplement your textbooks and assist in your research. We generally do not buy textbooks. Occasionally, a textbook may be given to the libraries. You can search the Libraries Catalog, using the author or title, but be aware that the textbooks in the libraries are usually older editions. If the bookstore does not have your textbook, ask your professor to put a copy on reserve.

How can I learn how to use the Libraries more effectively?

We have an online Research Tutorial that introduces the basics of doing library research. You can do all or part of it, as you need. For more in-depth help, contact a reference librarian:

Mortensen Research Librarians (most subjects)
  reference@hartford.libanswers.com
   860.768.4142

Allen Research Librarian (music, dance, and theatre)

Tracey Rudnick
rudnick@hartford.edu
860.768.4404

How do I access the library resources from off campus?

Many library research tools are available through the web. The Libraries Catalog, the list of eJournals locator, and Harrison Libraries web pages can be used by anyone on or off campus, regardless of University affiliation. Most of the libraries' other research databases can be used by anyone on campus, but require a student, faculty, or staff University email account to access from off campus. For more information, see Off-Campus Access.

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Borrowing from the Libraries

How do I borrow materials from the Libraries?

University of Hartford faculty, staff, and students must present a current University ID to borrow materials from any of the Libraries. Alumni may obtain borrower cards with proof of their status (available during office hours or by mail from Office of Alumni Relations). Members of the community may purchase guest borrower cards for $50 per year. For more information, see our Borrowing Policies.

How can I renew the books I’ve borrowed?

Before the due date, you may be able to renew items online through My Account.

Library materials can also be renewed in person, or by calling the library circulation desk (Mortensen–860.768.4264 or Allen–860.768.4491).

For renewal limits, see the borrowing policies for Mortensen and Allen Libraries.

Some restrictions apply.

Can I borrow a laptop?

There are a limited number of laptop computers for use in the Libraries or for checkout. They can be borrowed from the circulation desks. You will need to present your University ID card. See Computers and Laptops for our laptop usage policies. 

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