Frequently Asked Questions

Access Information

• What are the operating hours of the Scientific Library?  
  The Scientific Library is open to NCI-Frederick employees and authorized users during the following hours:

• Who can use the Scientific Library?
  The Scientific Library is responsible for providing library services to Government and Contract personnel at the National Cancer Institute at Frederick.  In addition, some services are offered to specific Military Organizations at Ft. Detrick. The general public may use the Library for reading during core business hours - Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am. until 5:00 pm.
  More information about access to the Scientific Library
  
• Where is the Scientific Library located?
  The Scientific Library is located in Building 549 (map), next to the NCI-Café and Conference Center.
  

• Does the Scientific Library have an online tour?
  The Scientific Library Video Tour offers a general online introduction.
   

Circulation

• How do I get a Scientific Library account?
  Only NCI-Frederick personnel may check out books and other circulating materials.  To open a Scientific Library account, please bring your work identification card to the Circulation Desk for barcoding.
  
• What materials may I check out and for how long?
  The Scientific Library circulates books and media from its collection, as well as items in the Center for Health Information (CHI) collection.  Journals, Reference, Reserve, Microfilm and Microfiche materials are for use in the Scientific Library only, and DO NOT circulate.

Books may be checked out for 4 weeks.
Books with several requests may be checked out for 2 weeks.
Audiovisual materials may be checked out for 7 days.
All materials are subject to recall by the Library at any time.

• How many items can I check out at one time?
  Within reason, there is no limit to the amount of materials borrowed at one time.  However, patrons who have outstanding overdue items can have their borrowing privileges suspended until the items are returned or paid for.  Materials that are damaged or lost during circulation are the responsibility of the borrower. The borrower will be charged the current replacement charge for the item plus a $25.00 processing fee.
  
• Can I renew materials?
  Items may be renewed once by phone, in person, or via the online catalog, and only if there are no other requests for the item.  Please call the Circulation Desk, at extension 5848, if you have any questions.
  More information about the Scientific Library's Circulation Department
  
• How do I request an item that is on the New Materials Display?
  Newly acquired items to the Scientific Library's circulating collection are housed on a New Materials Display located near the Reference Collection.  Each display item contains a sign-up sheet.  Patrons may sign their names on the sheets of the items they wish to borrow.  At the end of the display period, items are circulated in the order patrons have signed up for the item.  Books are kept on the New Materials Display for 2 weeks.  Media materials are kept on the New Materials Display for one week.
  List of new items
  
• Can I use my Scientific Library Barcode to check out materials at the NIH Library?
  NIH identification cards are issued to eligible NIH employees. To check out materials from the NIH Library, you will need to obtain a barcode from the Circulation Desk at the NIH Library.
  More information about borrowing materials from the NIH Library
   

Interlibrary Loan

• Can I request a photocopy of an article from a journal that the Scientific Library receives?
  Article and book requests may be submitted by current employees of the NCI-Frederick ONLY.
  Article/Book Request Form.
  

• How can I request materials that the Scientific Library does not own?
  Interlibrary Loan requests may be submitted by current employees of the NCI-Frederick ONLY.  Requests are usually filled within 7 to 10 business days.
  More information about Interlibrary Loan Services
  

• Is there a list of journals that the Scientific Library receives?
  For print journals - Scientific Library's Serials Holdings List
  For electronic journals - Scientific Library's Online Journals List

Equipment Use

• Does the Scientific Library have a photocopy machine?
  The Scientific Library has several photocopy machines that are available for copying materials from the Scientific Library.  These machines are available for free use to all NCI-Frederick employees ONLY.  A debit card machine is available for visitors to the Scientific Library, as well as for use by NCI-Frederick employees when copying non-Library related materials.
  

• Can I make color copies?
  The Scientific Library provides a color copier that is available for free use to all NCI-Frederick employees ONLY.   A debit card machine is available for visitors to the Scientific Library.
  

• Can I use my laptop in the Scientific Library?
  There are several areas available in the Library for laptop hookup. In addition, wireless connections are also available.  Please ask for assistance at the Circulation Desk.
  

• Does the Scientific Library have computers that contain word processing software?
  Word processing software, and other office programs, are available on all the public computers in the Scientific Library's Computer Resources Area.
  

• Can I check my e-mail account from the Scientific Library's computers?
  Scientific Library users may use e-mail via web browsers on all public computers.  Due to NCI-Frederick security concerns, some functions may be restricted.

Reference and Training

• Does the Scientific Library offer a service to keep me current on a particular topic?
  The Scientific Library can customize an alert, or current awareness search, to meet your specific needs.  Please email the Biosciences Informationist, or phone extension 1094. More information about the Current Awareness Service
  

• Can the Scientific Library translate an article for me?
  The Scientific Library sends out documents requiring translations to a company that provides such services. The translators require either an original document or a good copy. Costs will be charged back to the requestor's center number.
  More information about Translation Services
  

• Does the Scientific Library offer any instructional classes?
  List of training opportunities
  
  

• Does the Scientific Library have a training room?
  The Technology Training Lab is used for Scientific Library training.  In addition, the Lab may be used for free by other NCI-Frederick groups who require a computer classroom setting.
  

• What databases does the Scientific Library have?
  List of Electronic Resources
  

• Can I access online journals from my lab or home computer?
  Access to online journals from your lab

  Access to online journals from your home
  

• Do you publish a newsletter?
  Inside the Library, the Scientific Library's newsletter, is usually published every two months.  It is available both in print and online.
  

• Does the Scientific Library provide any information for non-scientists?
  The Center for Health Information (CHI) offers a collection of books, media, and pamphlets that focus on consumer health. The Scientific Library also offers books and movies acquired during special programs, such as Science in the Cinema, REWARDS: A Multi-Part Learning Program, and Reading Diversions Book Club. Finally, the Scientific Library provides access to the Diversity Movies from the Cafe Series hosted by the Frederick Employee Diversity Team. All of these materials may be located using the Scientific Library's Online Catalog.

Employment/Company Information

• Who do I contact about employment opportunities at the Scientific Library?
  Information on all job openings is available at the Scientific Library's Circulation Desk. In addition, all job openings are posted on bulletin boards throughout the campus, and on the Employment Opportunities webpage.
  

• Who is responsible for the operation of the Scientific Library?
  For questions and concerns relating to library staff, services and policies, please email Deborah J. McCalpin, Library Director, or call extension 1093.
  For questions and concerns relating to the Library's funding and/or its relationship with other organizations at NCI-Frederick, please email Susan W. Wilson, Project Manager, or call at extension 1093.
  General information about the Scientific Library's operation