Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What do I need to check out a book?
Your Bowdoin College I.D. is also your library card. You must have your card to check out library materials.

How can I obtain materials from other libraries?
To request material to be delivered to Bowdoin, please use NExpress, MaineCat, or Interlibrary Loan.

If you visit Colby or Bates, you may use your Bowdoin I.D. to borrow materials directly from their libraries. You may present your I.D. to obtain a library card at Curtis Memorial Library, the fine public library in Brunswick.

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I'm not affiliated with Bowdoin. May I use the library?
A library card is not necessary if you want to use most kinds of material in the Bowdoin College Library. If you wish to borrow materials, people over 18 who live within the local calling area may apply for a Guest Borrower card. Members of the Association of Bowdoin Friends and Bowdoin alumni also may obtain library cards. See our Guest Patrons page for more information, including card fees and privileges. As an alternative, your own local library may be able to borrow material on your behalf.

Reading areas, photocopy machines, and printers are available to visitors.

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How do I print or make photocopies?
All Library branches (except Language Media Center) have printers and photocopiers operated by the OneCard System. Bowdoin students, faculty and staff members use their Bowdoin ID cards as OneCards that can be "swiped" to make photocopies and perform other cash functions. Value is added to a OneCard account by inserting the ID card and depositing money into the OneCard vending units located in Hawthorne-Longfellow and the Science Library, near the photocopy machines. These OneCard units also dispense blank copy cards for the use of guest patrons. The blank cards cost $1.00 and must be programmed with additional cash value for making copies.

Circulation Desk staff can provide change for bills up to $10, and will also provide assistance with the machines.

Printing and photocopying charges:

  • With a Bowdoin ID card:
    • no charge for printing on black & white printers;
    • copies from photocopiers and microfilm/fiche readers are 10 cents each;
    • color printing: 30 cents per page on color printers in H-L Basement and in Hatch Science Library.
  • With a “guest” OneCard:
    • copies from black & white printers, photocopiers, and microfilm/fiche readers are 15 cents each;
    • color printing: 45 cents per page on color printers in H-L Basement and in Hatch Science Library.
  • Double-sided printing always counts as two pages.

To print from your personal computer or laptop, visit the I.T. printing page.

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How can I access library databases from off-campus?
Most library databases are available to Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff from off campus. For more information see this page.

Where are the quiet areas in the libraries?
Many areas of the libraries are designed for collaborative study. However, all library users are expected to limit talking and noise, as a courtesy to other members of the college community.

The quietest areas in the libraries are away from the entryways, stairwells and photocopiers. The 6th floor Hubbard Hall study area is very quiet. Traditionally, quiet study in this room is strictly enforced by its users.

We request that cell phone use be limited to stairwells and the front lobby area.

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Can my study group meet in the library?
In Hawthorne-Longfellow Library, six group study rooms on the third floor are available to groups of two or more Bowdoin students. The rooms may be reserved in advance or used by walk-in groups if the rooms have not been previously reserved. Please call x3280 or stop at the Circulation Desk to reserve a room or to obtain a key. Unlocked group studies are located in the basement, and there are clusters of seating throughout the library where students can gather and talk quietly as a group. In Hatch Science Library, tables in the alcove on all three floors are the best locations for study groups.

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Where can I view videos or DVDs?
In Hawthorne-Longfellow Library individual viewing stations are located in the basement; headphones are available at the Reserve Desk. A viewing room for small groups is located on the second floor. Like other group study rooms, this room may be reserved in advance or used by walk-in groups.

The Language Media Center, Hatch Science Library, and Beckwith Music Library also have facilities for viewing videos and DVDs.

How do I get a list of the things I've checked out?
See the View Your Record button on the Library’s homepage. Type in your name and your campus I.D. number. You may view checked-out items and articles requested via NExpress or MaineCat; renew your renewable checked out items; and view hold requests. Please contact the Circulation Department (x3280; lib_circ@bowdoin.edu) for further information.

Be sure to go log out when you've finished looking at your record, if you are using a public computer. What you've got checked out is nobody's business but your own.

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Can I bring food into the library?
Library users in Hatch, H-L and the Art and Music libraries are now welcome to enjoy a drink and snack anywhere in the buildings (except Special Collections) as well as in the lobby of the Language Media Center. But we need your help to ensure that our libraries stay clean and inviting.  Please use covered cups, avoid “messy” foods, and dispose of waste properly, recycling whenever possible. Please see our complete Library Food Policy.

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Can I get my own study carrel?
The library reserves a few carrels, and each year most are used by students doing Honors projects and independent research. Please check at the Circulation Desk if you want to sign up for a carrel.

How can I renew Reserve materials?
Most reserve items are loaned for 2 hours, and most can be taken out of the libraries. If nobody else needs them, you may renew most reserves for an additional 2 hours. Call or stop by the Reserve Desk at the library where you checked out the material or renew items online through View Your Record. If you wish to keep a Reserve item overnight, ask for a renewal 2 hours before the library closes.

How do I connect my laptop to the network?
All branches of the Library have wireless network access as well as high-speed network ports at study spaces. Only Bowdoin College students, faculty, and staff can access the campus network. Guests who have laptops cannot use the wireless network but can use the network ports to access the Internet. Click here for more information.

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I hear bells...
In Hawthorne-Longfellow bells are rung to signal that the Library will be closing soon. The first bell rings at 15 minutes to closing, then every 5 minutes until the building closes.

Help!
Bowdoin College Librarians are happy to help you with all of your information and research questions. Librarians are available in person, by phone, email, or live chat. Please stop by the Reference Desk or visit our Ask A Librarian

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