About
Mission and Values
Our Mission
Oesterle Library is a student-centered resource center focused on creating a diverse and responsive environment of access, creativity, and learning. We cultivate an ethically engaged and information savvy community by supporting open access to spaces and information, fostering the creative inquiry process, advancing teaching excellence, and cultivating diverse and responsive collections through intentional collaboration with the North Central College campus and surrounding communities.
Our Values
- Access - Open access to information, privacy, transparency, and intellectual freedom to support the NCC community and student success.
- Accessibility - Providing accessible virtual and physical spaces that are inclusive, diverse, respectful, and welcoming.
- Learning - Lifelong learning, exploration, and curiosity through academic and intellectual growth.
- Information - Accessible, diverse, and dynamic collections that support the research, teaching, and learning of the NCC community.
- Community - Engagement with the NCC community and surrounding communities through collaborative programming, spaces, and resources.
- Literacy - Fostering a community of information and media literate learners that are ethically engaged citizens.
The library adheres to the following professional guidelines:
- American Library Association's Bill of Rights
- Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries
- ALA Freedom to Read
- ALA Freedom to View Statement
- ALA Statement on Challenged Materials
- ALA Statement on Professional Ethics
- ACRL Framework for Information Literacy in Higher Education
- Social Justice Standards of the Southern Poverty Law Center
Policies
Information Resources and ServicesOverview
The mission of North Central College Library Services is to provide resources and services to meet the College Community's information and instructional media needs and to assist members of that community in developing skills for lifelong learning. To support this mission, the library has a Collection Development Policy that is reviewed no less than every three years.
The information resources selection process is a cooperative endeavor. Responsibility for developing a relevant and balanced collection depends on the efforts of faculty, library liaisons, and students. Each librarian serves as a liaison to a department or division. Library liaisons assist faculty with the following library-related needs:
- Collection development - selection and management of library materials in all formats.
- Library instruction - subject-specific instruction sessions tailored to the course's needs.
- Reference - online searches, specialized reference assistance, noteworthy additions to the collection.
Library liaisons accept book and media orders from the chairperson of each department or division to which they are liaison. Library liaisons also facilitate the selection of gift materials and the annual review of periodicals. For library assistance, faculty are encouraged to contact their library liaison.
Gifts to the Library
The library welcomes gifts of books or other materials that support the curriculum from members of the North Central College community. Please contact the Technical Services Coordinator at 630-637-5702 or email LTS@noctrl.edu regarding any possible donation.
Information Services Desk
Assistance in locating and using library resources or obtaining materials from other libraries is available at the Information Services Desk on the main floor of the library.
The Information Services Desk is staffed every hour that the library is open, and reference services staff are also "on call" for answering more in-depth reference questions.
Reference Questions
"Email a Librarian" is an electronic reference service which makes it possible for the NCC community to ask quick, factual reference questions via the Library website. The library will attempt to answer all questions submitted through "Email a Librarian" within a 24-hour period, Monday-Friday.
Patrons may call the Information Services Desk at 637-5700 for assistance.
Patrons with in-depth research questions are invited to stop by the Information Services Desk on the main level of the Oesterle Library and Learning Commons.
Website
North Central College Library Services website provides access to information resources in a variety of formats.
Most information resources are accessible from the website on and off campus, including CardinalCat, the library's online catalog of books, videos, and other materials; CardinalSearch, the library's one-stop connection to most databases; individual databases providing citations, abstracts, and full-text articles from newspapers, magazines, and scholarly journals.
The Library Services website also provides links to the Archives website, which includes information on archival collections, programs, and online exhibits.
Collection ManagementCollection Assessment and Evaluation
Subject liaisons continuously assess the library’s collections in order to identify collection strengths and weaknesses and to ensure that the collection supports the library’s ongoing mission.
Inventory/shelf reading and physical assessment of materials is performed on an ongoing basis to ensure that the library’s catalog accurately reflects the library’s holdings. This assures easy access to local and Interlibrary Loan users.
Deselection
Deselection, or weeding, is an integral part of collection management. Materials may be deselected for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to materials that:
- have not circulated in an appropriate duration of usefulness for the discipline.
- contain out-of-date, inaccurate, or obsolete information.
- cover subjects no longer covered by the curriculum or which are not appropriate for a college collection.
- are in too poor condition to be repaired in-house or easily rebound.
- are in a format that cannot be easily viewed or read.
- have been replaced by a more accessible format.
Disposition of Deselected Materials
The library will attempt to transfer deselected materials, including monographs that are the last held copy in Illinois, to an Illinois library following procedures established by CARLI.
All deselected materials that are not transferred to another library will be disposed of in the most efficient and economical manner available.
Collections
There are several separate and named collections within the Oesterle Library:
- Circulating Collection.
- Curriculum Collection - The collection houses K-12 textbooks and activity and resource materials needed by education students.
- Juvenile Collection - A collection of children's and young adult books is maintained to support the teacher education programs offered by the Education Department.
- Giere Audiovisual Collection.
- Reference Collection.
- Periodicals Collection.
- Archives and Special Collections - The North Central College Archives is to collect, organize, describe, preserve and make available for research materials on the history of North Central College, Shimer College, and the western Chicago suburbs after World War II. The Archives supports the College community's need for historical information and provides reference assistance to researchers from on and off campus. We collect archival material, including documents, audio, video, photos, and artifacts, in both analog and digital formats. The Archives does not function as the repository for current College records.
- Theses Collection.
- Cardinal Textbooks – This is a Reserve collection available for 2 hour increments and in-library use only. Items that are included are print books that are required texts for North Central College classes. Exceptions include course packets and workbooks.
- Tholin Chicagoana Collection - This reference collection consists of materials in many topics relating to the city of Chicago and is available for in library use only.
- Board & Card Game Collection.
Electronic Resources
Purchasing decisions for electronic resources, take the following factors into consideration:
- Cost - Electronic resources often have a recurring annual expense and cost is one of the most important factors when making a decision about electronic resources.
- Access - Access is of paramount importance to purchasing electronic resources. Preferences are given to resources that allow multiple or unlimited simultaneous users.
- Authentication – Resources must allow authentication for both on and off campus users.
- Accessibility – Preference will be given to resources that meet standard accessibility practices as laid out in X and that adhere to the Universal Design for Learning Framework (UDL).
General Reserves Policies
Materials placed on reserve are located at the Information Services Desk in Oesterle Library. These materials are for the use of North Central College students, faculty, and staff only. A valid North Central College ID is required to use reserve materials.
Due to limited resources and staffing, the library staff cannot photocopy items for reserve use.
A reserve form (available at the library or online in the Services for Faculty section) must be completed listing all titles, and the number of copies of each, to be placed on reserve for each course. Materials will be processed and on reserve within 3 working days.
For personal materials placed on reserve by Faculty, they will be returned via campus mail no later than two weeks after the end of the term. Faculty who wish to make other arrangements for the return of their materials may contact the Circulation and Reserves Assistant at 630-637-5711.
Reserves - Books
Single or multiple copies from the library's permanent collection
Personal copies are placed at the owner's risk.
Books may be placed on reserve for more than one term
Reprints and preprints are treated as books
Books that may not be placed on reserve:
- Books obtained through interlibrary loan (prohibited by the Interlibrary Loan Code)
- Books owned by another library
Reserves Photocopies (Copyright Revision Act of 1976)
Photocopies cannot be used as a substitute for purchase of anthologies, compilations, or collective works
All photocopies placed on reserve must have printed or typed on the first page the title, volume, date, and pages of the journal from which it is copied.
Photocopies that may be placed on reserve:
- One chapter from a book
- One article from a periodical or newspaper (multiple articles from the same issue must have copyright approval before they can be placed on reserve)
- One short essay or short poem per book or per periodical issue
- One chart, graph, diagram, drawing, cartoon, or picture per book or per periodical issue.
- Pages from copyrighted works intended to be "consumable" in the course of study or teaching, including workbooks, exercises, standardized tests, test booklets, and answer sheets.
- Photocopied anthologies or course packs will not be accepted for reserve unless full copyright clearance has been obtained for each excerpted item by the compiler of the anthology or pack.
Number of copies of a single work that may be placed on reserve:
- Limit of one copy of a work for which copyright permission has not been secured.
- Limit of three copies of a work for which copyright permission has been secured.
Length of time on reserve:
- Photocopies are limited to one course for a period of one term unless the faculty member secures written permission from the publisher.
- Copies of the permission must be presented to the library before the photocopies can be placed on reserve for subsequent terms.
All photocopies must carry a notice that the material may be protected by copyright law. This stamp will be applied by the library.
Archives and Special Collections
Mission
The North Central College Archives & Special Collections collects, organizes, describes, preserves, and makes available research and reference materials on the history of North Central College, Shimer College, and the western Chicago suburbs after World War II. The Archives supports the College community's need for historical information and provides reference assistance to researchers from on and off campus.
Special Collections consists primarily of rare books and publications that hold long-term historical research potential for the North Central College academic programs. The collections support a broad range of research and teaching activities in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
Use
Instruction and reference are available to individual researchers during the Archives open hours upon appointment. Appointments should be made with the Head of Archives and Special Collections. Course-specific instruction is also available and designed in conjunction with classroom faculty.
The preservation of materials is vital to the ongoing operations of the NCC Archives. The collections are housed in a secure, temperature-controlled environment. The Archives is a closed stack facility. All materials in both archival and special collections are non-circulating and must be used in the Archives reading room.
Further information about the archival collections, open hours, and contact information can be found on the NCC Archives website, specifically within the collection guides and the digital collections.
Individual items in Special Collections may be located by searching in CardinalSearch, Oesterle Library's catalog.
Circulation
| Patron Category | Circulating Collection | Reference Collection | Periodicals | Media Collection | Curriculum Collection | Reserve Materials | Cardinal Textbooks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCC Students | 4 Weeks | N/A | N/A | 2 Weeks | 1 Week | 2 Hours (May Vary) | 2 Hours |
| NCC Faculty, Staff, Retirees, Trustees, & Spouses | 4 Weeks | 3 Days | 2 Weeks | 1 Week | 2 Hours (May Vary) | 2 Hours | |
| NCC Former Students & Alumni | 4 Weeks (limit three items at a time) | N/A | N/A | 2 Weeks | 1 Week | N/A | N/A |
| Naperville Public Library Patrons | 4 Weeks (limit three items at a time) | N/A | N/A | 2 Weeks (CDs Only) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| I-Share Patrons | 4 Weeks | N/A | N/A | 2 Weeks | 1 Week | N/A | N/A |
Oesterle Library participates in reciprocal borrowing practices with other libraries and lending entities.
The library complies with the Copyright Law of the United States. Library services, including reserve materials, interlibrary loans, photocopying and acquisition services must comply with the U.S. copyright laws and principles.
Direct Loan Libraries
I-Share library members allow North Central College patrons to borrow materials in person may be found here. For further clarification of borrowing privileges, check with the Circulation and Reserves Assistant, 637-5711.
Placing Interlibrary Loan Requests
Interlibrary loan requests for books may be placed online via I-Share. Interlibrary loan requests for books not available in I-Share and for articles may be placed by filling out the appropriate online request forms. Incomplete or inaccurate information on forms delays the processing of requests. Library staff members are available to help patrons in placing requests. Interlibrary loan requests are not accepted over the telephone or by email.
Books
Books may be borrowed from libraries that are members of I-Share by placing a request online. Books can also be borrowed from non-I-Share libraries by filling out the appropriate online request form. For more information, contact a library staff member. While every attempt will be made to obtain materials, each library has the right to deny filling a request. For example, most libraries will not lend rare or valuable items, or materials in high demand at their institution.
Articles
- Copies of journal articles not in Oesterle Library's Periodicals Collection, including all print and online resources, may be requested by filling out the appropriate online request form.
- Title 17, United States Code limits the annual number of copies or periodical articles that institutions may obtain. These limits apply to copies from recent issues (five years old or newer) of a periodical title which the borrowing library does not own. No more than five articles may be obtained from a single title, and no more than one article from a single issue. If a request puts the library over its legal limit for the title or issue from which material was requested, the Interlibrary Loan Assistant will attempt to obtain a copy of the article via other services which provide for copyright compliance. If staff are not able to obtain a copy that meets these requirements, the patron will be notified that the request cannot be filled.
Fines and Replacement Costs
Patrons borrowing materials from other institutions are responsible for payment of any overdue fines or replacement costs for lost or damaged items. Patrons are reminded that failure to return material on time may jeopardize future borrowing not only for themselves but for Oesterle Library as well.
Delivery Time and Fill Dates
- Requests placed online via I-Share will stay in the system for 30 days, if they cannot be immediately filled. If patrons so choose, they can change this default at the time they place the request. Delivery time is dependent on availability of materials and the distance they must travel. Status of a request may be checked online by the patron.
- Interlibrary loan requests submitted to the Oesterle Library Interlibrary Loan Assistant are processed on a "first-come, first-served" basis. The library attempts to process all requests within a 24-hour period, Monday through Friday. The library will keep trying to fill a request for 7 days. Because interlibrary loan turnaround time is dependent on the workloads of staff at other libraries, Oesterle Library cannot guarantee that materials will be received by any specific date.
When Materials Are Received
- Patrons may check on the status of I-Share requests by using the "My Account" feature of CardinalCat. To check status of non-I-Share requests, patrons can access their Interlibrary Loan accounts. Both of which are available on the My Accounts page of the library website.
- An email message indicating specific items that have been received will be sent to the patron's NCC email account.
- Email regarding requests for articles will contain a link to an electronic copy of the article.
- Other materials must be picked up at Oesterle Library.
- No materials will be mailed to patrons.
- Materials not picked up within two weeks of receipt will be returned to the lending library.
Cancellations
I-Share requests can be canclled online using the "My Account" feature of CardinalCat. If patrons wish to cancel any other interlibrary loan order, they can access their Interlibrary Loan accounts. Both of which are available on the My Accounts page of the library website.
Direct Loans
In addition to requesting materials through interlibrary loan, patrons may also be eligible to borrow materials in person from selected institutions. Patrons are responsible for the return of these items and for all overdue fines or lost book fees as applied by the lending library.
A-Z Staff Directory
Liaison Librarians
| Subject | Name | Title | Phone | Send an E-mail | Book an Appointment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting | Proulx, Melissa | Head of Outreach and Liaison Services | (630) 637-5708 | mlproulx@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Art & Design | Jencks, Thom | Digital Services Librarian | (630) 637-5712 | tmjencks@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Biology | Boule Smith, Michelle | Director of Library Services | (630) 637-5701 | mlboulesmith@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Business Administration | Proulx, Melissa | Head of Outreach and Liaison Services | (630) 637-5708 | mlproulx@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| CARD | Cameron, Laura | Academic Services Librarian | (630) 637-5707 | lcameron@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Chemistry & Physics | Boule Smith, Michelle | Director of Library Services | (630) 637-5701 | mlboulesmith@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Communication & Media Studies | Cameron, Laura | Academic Services Librarian | (630) 637-5707 | lcameron@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Computer Science & Engineering | Boule Smith, Michelle | Director of Library Services | (630) 637-5701 | mlboulesmith@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Economics and Finance | Proulx, Melissa | Head of Outreach and Liaison Services | (630) 637-5708 | mlproulx@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Education | Cameron, Laura | Academic Services Librarian | (630) 637-5707 | lcameron@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| English | Cameron, Laura | Academic Services Librarian | (630) 637-5707 | lcameron@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Environmental Studies | Proulx, Melissa | Head of Outreach and Liaison Services | (630) 637-5708 | mlproulx@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Health Sciences | Jencks, Thom | Digital Services Librarian | (630) 637-5712 | tmjencks@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| History | Maldre Jarosik, Kris | Head of Archives and Special Collections | (630) 637-5714 | klmaldrejarosik@noctrl.edu | klmaldrejarosik@noctrl.edu |
| Kinesiology | Jencks, Thom | Digital Services Librarian | (630) 637-5712 | tmjencks@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Leadership Studies | Proulx, Melissa | Head of Outreach and Liaison Services | (630) 637-5708 | mlproulx@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Management & Marketing | Proulx, Melissa | Head of Outreach and Liaison Services | (630) 637-5708 | mlproulx@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Mathematics & Actuarial Science | Boule Smith, Michelle | Director of Library Services | (630) 637-5701 | mlboulesmith@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Mechanical & Electrical Engineering | Boule Smith, Michelle | Director of Library Services | (630) 637-5701 | mlboulesmith@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Medical Sciences | Jencks, Thom | Digital Services Librarian | (630) 637-5712 | tmjencks@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Modern & Classical Languages | Proulx, Melissa | Head of Outreach and Liaison Services | (630) 637-5708 | mlproulx@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Music | Jencks, Thom | Digital Services Librarian | (630) 637-5712 | tmjencks@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Occupational Therapy | Jencks, Thom | Digital Services Librarian | (630) 637-5712 | tmjencks@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Philosophy | Jencks, Thom | Digital Services Librarian | (630) 637-5712 | tmjencks@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Physical Therapy | Jencks, Thom | Digital Services Librarian | (630) 637-5712 | tmjencks@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Political Science | Proulx, Melissa | Head of Outreach and Liaison Services | (630) 637-5708 | mlproulx@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Psychology & Neuroscience | Jencks, Thom | Digital Services Librarian | (630) 637-5712 | tmjencks@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Religious Studies | Jencks, Thom | Digital Services Librarian | (630) 637-5712 | tmjencks@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Shimer Great Books School | Boule Smith, Michelle | Director of Library Services | (630) 637-5701 | mlboulesmith@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Sociology & Anthropology | Boule Smith, Michelle | Director of Library Services | (630) 637-5701 | mlboulesmith@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
| Theater | Jencks, Thom | Digital Services Librarian | (630) 637-5712 | tmjencks@noctrl.edu | Book an Appointment |
