Wolbach Library: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
 

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  • How do I access online journals?
    The Library uses a proxy server to access online journals to which we subscribe. Our contracts with the publishers require that we limit access only to authorized users within our institution, and the proxy server is the best way to do this. By using a proxy server, resources may be accessed from any physical location, enabling you to work from home, access journals while you are away at conferences, observing, or at any other location. Library staff gather and analyze usage data from the proxy server to make better decisions about resource expenditures. We also obtain accurate information when occasional problems arise, such as breaches of our contracts with publishers resulting from excessive, systematic downloading of articles.

    Journals have been accessible through the proxy server for years now, but direct access through a few publisher's website lingered on, bypassing the proxy server. This direct access is no longer available, so you will need to use the URLs listed on the journals page of the Library's website to access journals, and enter your ID and PIN when prompted.

  • How can I have access to full text journal articles through our library subscriptions when using ADS?

    The ADS provides free access to the full text copies in its article archive, which includes most older publications in astronomy, but more recent literature is only available from the publishers through the Library's paid subscriptions. In order to use the ADS and have access to all on-line journals to which the Wolbach Library has paid subscriptions, it is necessary to set up your preferences in the ADS to include the proxy servers that enable access for CfA users as follows:

    1. Sign into ADS with your email address, or create a new ADS account for yourself if you don't already have one: http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/manage_account?Man_cmd=login
    2. Go to the ADS account management page: http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/manage_account?man_cmd=account Click on "Library Links Settings." The resulting page should have the field for the Library Link server already set to "Harvard University Library." If not, use the pulldown menu at the bottom of the page to select the proper settings, and click on "Save Settings" below it. This step will enable links to the fulltext of a paper via the familiar "Fin it@Harvard" buttons when viewing an ADS record with full-text availability.
    3. We also recommend that you set your ADS preferences to include the University's proxy server as an alternate way to get to the fulltext in case the library link server does not properly locate the article. You can do so by going to the ADS abstract preference settings page: http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/pref_set?2&abs_proxy=http://adsabs.harvard.edu.ezp2.harvard.edu The resulting page should have the field for "Abstract Service Proxy" set to http://adsabs.harvard.edu.ezp2.harvard.edu . Go to the bottom of the page and click on "Save Settings." If prompted for username and password, please enter your HCO/SAO ID and PIN to complete the procedure.
    4. You can now use the ADS from the usual web addresses:
      ADS Home Page: http://ads.harvard.edu
      ADS Abstract Service: http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abstract_service.html
      If not signed in yet, simply click on the link on the top-right corner of these pages to have the system use your newly updated linking preferences. However, when following links from pages generated by ADS that point to a publisher's web page, you will be directred to teh proper proxy service in order to have authorized access to the full text. Please note that because of this you will periodically need to enter your ID and PIN to authenticate yourself.

  • How can I have access to full text journals using ADS when working from home?

    Set up an ADS account and preferences as discussed in the previous step, and then simply log into the ADS with the email address used to create the account. The ADS will then know what to do when liks to external content are followed, and will proxy the requests throught the Harvard Library proxy servers. You will need to enter your ID and PIN to authenticate yourserlf, after which you will be granted access to all of the electronic resources as if you were at work.

  • How can I browse the tables of contents of the current issue of astronomical journals?
    Some publishers offer "Tables of Contents" email alerts to announce the contents of the current issues of some journals. The links within these email messages will not work to view full text articles, since we use a proxy server to control access to electronic journals. We suggest that you either access journals using the links on the journals page of the Library's website, or use the ADS TOC service page at this address: http://adsabs.harvard.edu/ast_toc.html Once on that page make sure you have logged into your ADS account so that you will have access to the fulltext via the library proxy.

  • How do I request a PIN to use new features of the HOLLIS Catalog and access restricted electronic resources?
    Many features of the HOLLIS Catalog and electronic resources that are available to the Harvard and CfA communities require a valid Harvard or SAO ID and a Harvard-assigned PIN.

    Please follow these instructions to obtain your PIN now. NOTE: There are slightly different procedures for Harvard and SAO ID holders.

    1. Go to http://www.pin.harvard.edu
    2. Click on "Request a New Harvard University PIN"
    3. In the "HUID (first 8 digits)" field, enter the ID number printed on your Harvard or SAO ID card.
    4. In the "Last name" field, enter your last name.
    5. In the "Date of Birth" field, follow these instructions depending on the type of ID you have:
      • Harvard ID holders (including those who also have an SAO ID): Enter your date of birth as indicated on the form.
      • SAO ID holders who do not also have a Harvard ID: Enter your actual month and day of birth, but enter the year 1900 instead of your actual year of birth (MM/DD/1900). This is because of a Smithsonian Institution policy that prohibits the distribution of employees' full birth dates. All SAO birth years have been set to 1900 in the Harvard University ID database.
    6. Click "Request New PIN" and follow the instructions on the following pages.
    7. If you have any problems obtaining a PIN, please contact the Library at library@cfa.harvard.edu or 617-496-5769.

  • How do I get a Library card?
    If you are affiliated with the CfA, your Harvard or SAO ID is your Library card. However, you must request activation of your card by submitting the Library privileges application form available on this site. After your card is activated, it can be used for door access, borrowing privileges, and access to restricted online resources. If you are a non-CfA Harvard affiliate, your Harvard ID can be used for borrowing privileges. Follow this link for more information on circulation and access policies.

  • Do I have to come to the Library in person to renew the books I have checked out?
    You may renew library materials remotely (online, phone) up to five times, after which materials must be renewed in person.

    • Online renewals: http://holliscatalog.harvard.edu (click on "Your Account" to log in)
    • Phone renewals: 617-496-5769 (Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 6:00pm), voicemail messages not accepted.

  • Can you tell me who has this book checked out so that I can borrow it from him or her?
    No. The Wolbach Library follows the official Harvard University Libraries policy regarding the confidentiality of patron records, quoted below:

    In accordance with the American Library Association policy on the confidentiality of library records,...information relating to what an individual has checked out...is private information. Positive identification must always be required of a person requesting information concerning materials he or she has on loan....Under no circumstances should a library staff member reveal to anyone other than the patron in question the identity of a person who has a certain book checked out. Likewise, recall and "on hold" information should be considered to be private information and should never be made public.
    Source: HOLLIS Newsletter, vol.10, no.10, October 1995 (Harvard access only)

    To request books that are checked out, use the "request" link that appears in the "Availability" screen of the material's record in the HOLLIS Catalog.

  • How do I get 24-hour access to the Library? (Also known as: My card doesn't work!)
    Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) and Harvard College Observatory (HCO) Employees and Official Visitors, Harvard Astronomy Department Graduate Students and other Center for Astrophysics (CfA) affiliates who have a current entry in the CfA Staff Database are eligible for 24-hour access to the Library. To apply, submit the Wolbach Library privileges application form.

  • How do I borrow books or get copies of articles from other libraries?
    CfA staff and Harvard Astronomy graduate students may obtain materials not available in the Wolbach Library collection through interlibrary loan. There is a material request form on this website. Harvard undergraduate students should request interlibrary loans through their undergraduate libraries.

  • How do I find SPIE proceedings in the HOLLIS Catalog?
    To view a list of SPIE proceedings in the HOLLIS Catalog in volume number order, follow these instructions:

    1. Select Search
    2. Browse for Series=proceedings of spie
    3. Click Sorted Index next to the "Proceedings of SPIE" entry to see a list of proceedings in volume number order
    4. If you know the volume number you want, type it in the Jump to Text box in the format v. nnn and click Jump to Text

  • Can I return this book that I checked out from another Harvard Library at the Wolbach Library?
    Yes. There is a Harvard University Libraries Messenger Service which transports materials between Harvard Libraries.

  • Can I use other Harvard Libraries with my SAO ID?
    No, the SAO ID is not accepted at other Harvard Libraries. However, an SAO ID does entitle you to a Harvard University Libraries Special Borrowers card, which is accepted at some (not all) Harvard Libraries. This card may be obtained at the Widener Library Privileges Desk for $3. Please contact the Wolbach Library or the Widener Library Privileges Desk (617-495-4166) for more information.

  • Can I use the MIT University Libraries with my Harvard or SAO ID?
    CfA staff members with valid Harvard or SAO IDs may request MIT University Libraries privileges at the Wolbach Library. The science libraries at MIT and Harvard have established a reciprocal agreement which allows staff at both institutions to use each others' libraries. Please contact the Wolbach Library for more information on this procedure.

  • How do I make photocopies at the Wolbach Library?
    The photocopiers in the Library accept the following methods of payment: Crimson Cash, cash (bills or coins), and internal CfA copy codes. Visit the Crimson Cash website for more information on Crimson Cash. If you are a CfA employee you may obtain a copy code from your division administrator.

  • Is there parking available at the Wolbach Library?
    There is a parking lot at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, which requires a parking permit. Temporary permits may be purchased at the Harvard College Observatory Administrative Office, subject to availability. The HCO Administrative Office is located in room C-26 of the CfA complex at 60 Garden Street.

  • Is there someone I can contact with my comments or concerns about the Library?
    Library staff members are always interested in hearing your comments or concerns about our resources and services. CfA staff may also contact their Library Committee representative to discuss Library issues. Each scientific division at the CfA is represented by a Library Committee member. A list of Library Committee members is located on the contact information page of this web site.

  • Can you state the value of the materials I have donated to the Library for tax purposes?
    Following Smithsonian Institution policy, no staff member may provide an appraisal of materials donated to the Library.

  • Can you give me information about copyright law?
    The most comprehensive source of information about U.S. copyright is the U.S. Copyright Office. Their website should provide answers to most questions about copyright. Another good resource is the © (Copyright) Primer, an interactive tutorial and introduction to issues concerning copyright ownership and use of information.

  
 

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