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Library Updates: Announcements and Service Advisories

Updated April 6, 2023

The Berry Library is offering extended hours from April 11-May 12, 2023.
Tuesday-Thursday 7:45am until 11pm
Fridays 7:45am until 7pm

 

Berry Library and Learning Commons: Hours and Access Rules

The Berry Library and Learning Commons is typically open during the following hours when classes are in session: Monday through Thursday from 7:45 AM to 9 PM, Friday from 7:45 AM to 5 PM, Saturday 12 noon to 5 PM, and Sunday 12 noon to 7 PM. The lobby study area remains open on Sunday through Thursday until 12 midnight and on Friday and Saturdays until 7 PM. See library hours about hours for full library services and the lobby study area for each day. 

  • The Library is open to everyone, including the general public. 
  • Salem State University is a mask-flexible environment. Masks are optional in certain circumstances and locations, including the library, with individuals choosing for themselves whether or not to wear a mask depending on the situation, their own comfort level, or for medical reasons. 
  • Food (snacks) and drinks in the library are allowed in the library as long as you are seated and social distancing. Food and drink may also be enjoyed at the tables in the ground floor lobby area of the learning commons.  
  • University Archives & Special Collections remains by-appointment-only for in-person research and will continue to assist researchers remotely.
  • Librarians are available to provide instruction to classes in person as well as in various virtual formats and provide individual, in-depth research help in person, over email, phone and Zoom. Contact your librarian to learn more.

Online Requesting and Pick-up of Requested Items

Library users are able to view and place requests for books, dvds, and other materials via the NOBLE library catalog. (Please note SSU students are only able to use videos items such as DVDs within the library.) To request items for pickup simply find an item in the catalog and click on place hold. For faster service, make sure you request the Salem State copy, but you may request books from any active library in NOBLE. You can also call the library at 978-542-6230 or email libraryhelp@salemstate.edu and ask a staff member to put items on hold for you.

  1. Place holds on items using the NOBLE library catalog or by contacting the library during operational hours above. You'll need your library barcode number (on the back of your ClipperCard) and your NOBLE password. Click on "forgot PIN" to request or reset your password.  
  2. Wait for notification via email that your holds are ready for pick-up.
  3. Come to the library during open hours. The pick-up shelves are located on the 1st floor of the Learning Commons, just outside the entrance to the library. 
  4. Pick up the paper bag labeled with your name. Make sure to check the receipt on the bag to make sure they are your items.

Summary of Virtual Services

The Berry Library is always here for you virtually with services and electronic resources available for you to access remotely.

 

Virtual Library Help Desk

Please send your library questions to libraryhelp@salemstate.edu or create a Library Service Desk ticket via SSU's online help portal.
You can also leave a message at the following phone numbers and someone will get back to you asap:

Library Help Desk: 978.542.6230
Reference Help Line: 978.542.6766

 

Faculty Online Guide to the Library and Online Workshops 

This online guide for faculty has been updated to provide additional how-to instructions regarding the use of online library resources and course materials as faculty bring their courses online. For additional help, contact the subject librarian for your department. 

 

Book Drops 

Book drop boxes are available at both entrances to the library for the return of books and materials. Materials will be retrieved and checked in every business day, but please note that a returned book may continue to appear on your library record for a few days if you return it Friday through Sunday. If you see a book you returned remain on your record more than a week after you returned it, please report it by submitting a Library Service Desk ticket and someone will get back to you.  

 

E-Books

This guide on how to find e-books provides links to sources providing access to e-books. 

 

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) 

Requests for Interlibrary Loan articles can be submitted through the ILL online request form by choosing "Article" from the menu, from links within databases, or by sending an email with your citation to ssu_ill@noblenet.org.  Book requests (or other returnable items, movies, audiobooks, etc.) may also be ordered using the ILL online request form. Please send any interlibrary loan questions to ssu_ill@noblenet.org. All items are requested in the order that they are received.

 

Course Reserves

For Students: Search the Course Reserves database to see if there are any print or online copies of your readings for your courses. Print course reserves are located behind the Library Help Desk. Students must present a valid, barcoded ID/Library card in order to borrow items from course reserves. Students may check out up to two print reserve items at any one time. eCourse Reserves will be listed under the course reserves database or through your Canvas courses.

For Faculty: Berry Library provides Course Reserves to support instructional requirements for specific courses. The Reserves staff handles both physical and electronic requests. Items placed on physical Course Reserves can be in many formats, including books, journal articles, video recordings, compact discs, and DVDs. Items placed on eReserves can be online eBooks, Open Educational Resources, websites, scanned copies of a chapter of a book or 10% of a book.

Course Reserves Online Forms
Add print course reserve item
Remove course reserve item
eReserves request form

Read more on the Course Reserves Guidelines page.

Contact: Please feel free to speak to any staff member at the Library Help Desk for assistance with Course Reserves or contact the Reserve Coordinator, Jessica Fernandes at 978.542.6764 or at reserves@salemstate.edu.