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Technical Services, Livermore Library Logo

About Technical Services

Technical Services is responsible for purchasing, paying for, and processing collection resources as well as cataloging and organizing them for access by students, faculty, and staff.

This department is also responsible for implementing and maintaining access to electronic resources for students, faculty, and faculty. Technical Services maintains the Library's website and Libguides. 

Understanding Our Collections

Holdings:

  • What are the library's holdings? Our holdings refer to all the materials the library owns or provides access to, including physical books, journals, electronic resources, databases, and more.
  • How can I find out if the library has a specific item? You can search our online catalog (Primo) by title, author, keyword, or ISBN/ISSN to see if we provide access either physically or online.

Print Journals:

  • Where are the print journals located in the library? Our print journals are located across from the Patron Services desk on the first floor. Please consult the library floor map or ask a staff member for the specific location.

Electronic Journals:

  • How can I access electronic journals? Electronic journals are accessible through the A-Z database list or via Primo. You will need to log in with your library credentials if accessing them from off-campus.
  • Are electronic journals available 24/7? Yes, electronic journals can be accessed anytime, anywhere you have an internet connection and your library login (if required). 

Current Subscription:

  • What does "current subscription" mean for a journal? A current subscription means the library actively pays for and provides access to the latest issues of that journal.

Non-Current Subscription:

  • What does "non-current subscription" mean for a journal? A non-current subscription means the library no longer actively subscribes to the journal, though we may still have back issues in print or electronic format.

eBooks:

  • What are eBooks and how can I access them? eBooks are electronic versions of books that you can read on various devices such as computers, tablets, and e-readers. You can typically access them through our library website or a dedicated eBook platform, often requiring your library login.
  • Can multiple people read the same eBook at the same time? The number of simultaneous users for an eBook can vary depending on the licensing agreement we have with the publisher. Some eBooks allow for unlimited concurrent access, while others may have a limit of one or a few users at a time, similar to a physical book. This information is usually available on the eBook platform.
  • Can I download eBooks? Yes, many of our eBooks can be downloaded for offline reading. The lending period and download restrictions may vary depending on the platform and the specific eBook.
  • What formats are your eBooks available in? Our eBooks may be available in various formats such as EPUB or PDF. The available formats can usually be found on the eBook platform.

Embargoed Journals:

  • What does it mean when an electronic journal has an embargo? An embargo period means there is a delay between the publication date of an issue and when it becomes available electronically through our subscription. This is often determined by agreements with publishers.
  • How long are embargo periods typically? Embargo periods vary depending on the journal and the publisher. This information is usually displayed when you try to access the journal.
  • Can I access embargoed articles through other means? Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to access the article through interlibrary loan. Please ask a librarian for assistance.

Streaming Media:

  • What kind of streaming media does the library offer? We offer access to a variety of streaming content, which may include films, documentaries, educational videos, and more.
  • How can I watch streaming media? You can usually access our streaming media through our library website or a dedicated streaming platform. You may need to log in with your library credentials.
  • Can I watch streaming media on any device? Generally, you can watch streaming media on most devices with an internet connection and a web browser or a dedicated app, depending on the platform.
  • Is there a limit to how much streaming media I can watch? Typically, there are no limits to the amount of streaming media you can watch, but access may be restricted to current library users.

Donations to Mary Livermore Library's General Collection:

  • Does the library accept donations of books and other materials? Yes, the library accepts limited donations of materials that support the current teaching and research of UNCP and align with our Collection Development Policy.

  • What kind of materials are typically accepted? Generally, donated resources should be published within the last 20 years and not duplicate content already in our collection. Specific subject needs and guidelines also apply.

  • What types of materials are generally not accepted? We typically do not accept materials in poor physical condition, outdated textbooks, most popular magazines, and most obsolete formats such as cassettes and VHS tapes.

  • What happens to donated materials? The library reserves the authority to discard or exchange any donated items deemed unsuitable for addition to our collection. Items not added to the collection will not be returned to the donor.

  • Who decides if a donation is added to the collection? The library will determine how and where all accepted gift materials will be cataloged and housed for use.

  • How do I donate materials to the library? Donors must deliver all donated books and materials to the Mary Livermore Library loading dock entrance by appointment during regular business hours. Small donations (a few items) may be brought to the Patron Services desk.

  • Does the library offer any assistance with donation drop-off? No, the library cannot provide any pick-up, packing, or shipping support for donations.

  • Is there any paperwork required for donations? Yes, the library requires a completed Donor Record Form at the time of donation.

  • Who should I contact if I have questions about the donation policy? Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Technical Services department at library@uncp.edu.

Donations to Special Collections & Archives:

  • What if I want to donate Special Collections or Archives materials? For donations of Special Collections and Archives materials, please contact the library's Special Collections & Archives department directly.