Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access the NCU library catalog?

Our online catalog, called OPALL, can be accessed on the Internet at www.nwcu.edu/library.aspx. You do not need a password to access the online catalog. On campus, the catalog can be accessed at the computer carousel in the library reference room, or in the computer lab. The OPALL catalog contains information on booksf, journals, videos, CDs, and other materials in the NCU library and also over 500,000 titles at other libraries in the OPALL consortium.

NCU Catalog

Try a new way to search for books in Kellenberger Library and beyond: northwestchristian.worldcat.org

Research Databases

How Can I Access Library Resources Long Distance?

First Steps for Current Students, Faculty, Staff

Obtain an NCU Network account by signing an "Acceptable Use Policy" found on NCU's web page under BeaconNet. Mail or fax the signed document. (Fax # (541) 684-7307) It may take up to 48 hours from the time we receive the Acceptable Use Policy until you are able to logon to the network.. If you have problems or questions, call the IS dept. (541) 684-7272 or email at helpdesk@nwcu.edu.

How long can I get a library card?

Obtain an NCU ID card with your picture and a barcode. The NCU ID card is your library card. It can be used to request books online from our OPALL catalog. Please also present it to check out materials on campus from the Circulation Desk at the library. Your NCU ID card also allows you to check out books directly from the University of Oregon Knight Library, OPALL, WorldCat, and through Interlibrary Loans. You must obtain a sticker on the back of your card for the current term to authorize you as current student/faculty/staff. The sticker is available in the NCU Business Office.

How long can undergraduates check out library materials?

Books and some media materials can be checked out for 3 weeks. Videos and CDs can be checked out for 7 days. Reference books and journals cannot be checked out.

How long can graduate students check out library materials?

Books and some media materials can be checked out for 2 months. Videos and CDs can be checked out for 7 days. Reference books and journals cannot be checked out.

What services are available for printing or photocopying?

Black and white printing is available from library computers, and most online databases provide an option to email documents. Two photocopiers are also available for public use. The printer and copiers all require a print/copy card and cost $.05 per page, with a one time charge of $.50 for the card. Cards may be purchased at the circulation desk. One copier also has a coin-op option that charges $.10 per page. Printing/copying is free for faculty for school related use. Please inquire at the circulation desk.

How can I check out materials from the library?

Please fill out an NCU library patron application form with your campus address and permanent address, email, etc. We need this information to put you into our automated circulation system. The form is found at the library circulation desk or on the library web page on the drop down menu under "check out materials."

How long can faculty check out library materials?

General circulating books owned by NCU library can be checked out for three months by faculty, with the understanding that they may be recalled if needed by another user. Media materials (DVDs, videos, CDs, etc) are checked out for one month. Reference books and journals cannot be checked out.

How can I see what I have checked out and renew a book online?

Using your NCU ID Card, log into the OPALL catalog. Click "Patron" on the top bar. Type your barcode and last name, click "login," to see your circulation records. To renew an item, check the renew box in front of the item and click "Renew items". You may renew books twice and media once, unless a hold has been placed on the item by another person.

What is OPALL?

The Online Private Academic Library Link is a consortium of eight private college and university libraries in Oregon and Washington. The OPALL catalog accesses the combined collections of the seven Oregon Christian colleges and universities within OPALL. Users may search the combined catalog or limit their searches to NCU. Materials at any other OPALL library can be requested directly from the catalog (see below).

How can I request a book online from another OPALL library?

The online catalog, OPALL, allows you to request books online using your NCU ID card with your last name and barcode number. (1) Select the item you want to request and check that the item's status is "not charged." (2) Click on the "Request" button. (3) Type your barcode number and last name, click "login" (4) Choose type of request and click OK. (5) Type in "Pick up at: ncNWCC Library", type in your barcode again. Click "submit". NCU library will contact you when your requested item has arrived. If you need help or have a problem contact Karen Head, Circulation Supervisor, 541-684-7234.

How can I get materials not in OPALL?

Check the UO catalog (see "How can I check out material from U of O..."). Check "Worldcat" on OCLC first search. You can request an interlibrary loan from other libraries by filling out an interlibrary loan request for, directly from Worldcat, or on the library web page, click on the drop down menu under "Checkout materials," "policies," "interlibrary loan," to find the form. Our library has access to millions of titles from libraries throughout the U.S. Interlibrary loan forms are also available at the library circulation desk.

How can I put books and other materials on reserve?

Circulating books, reference books, journal articles, objects, etc. may be placed on reserve for students at the circulation desk. The reserve borrowing period can range from one hour to three days. You may also put a personal copy of a book or other materials on reserve. Personal copies and reference books cannot be taken out of the library building. Fill out a "Library Reserve form" which can be found either at the circulation desk or online through the library web page on a link under "Faculty Services." Indicate how long students can check out the reserve. If you put a photocopy on reserve , write the bibliographic citation on the top of the first page to comply with copyright laws.

How can I find a journal?

The library subscribes to over 265 print journals. The latest issues are shelved alphabetically in the current peiodicals area. Back issues are located in the Bound Periodical Room. Indexing for journals can be found through our online databases or print indexes.

What online resources are available?

NCU Kellenberger Library subscribes to online citation and full text journal article databases and other online information resources. Articles not found in full text may be found with Kellenberger library's print journals, UO Knight Library print journals, or obtained through interlibrary loan. You can access the online resources in the library or from the "BeaconNet" link on any NCU web page.

EBSCOHost: Several databases are within this service with full text articles from scholarly to popular journals in many subjects, and selected articles from U.S. newspapers.

Gale online: Like EBSCOHost, several databases are within this service with full text articles from scholarly to popular journals in many subjects, and selected articles from U.S. newspapers, as well as electronic books.

Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe: This service covers full text articles from international and national newspapers, articles in business, legal, medical and health from professional journals, biographical information, country and state profiles, and more.

OCLC First Search: This service includes over 80 subject databases with citations and abstracts to journal articles, as well as facts, statistics and directory information. "Worldcat" is a catalog of over 67 million books and other materials in libraries worldwide.

LexisNexis: The Oregonian provides full text articles from the Portland newspaper.

Selected Web Resources

WorldCat.org

How can I suggest books and media for the library collection?

We encourage you as experts in your subject field to request books and media which will enhance the library's collection and will be useful for students in your classes. You may send suggestions from brochures, fliers, catalogs to the library's Technical Services Librarian. There is also an online request form on the library's web page under "Faculty services." Use the drop down menu and click on "Title Request." Please be sure to include your name on all requests. Those without a name may not be ordered. Please plan ahead if you need materials by a certain date since some materials may take 4 - 6 weeks to arrive. Materials for the library collection should fall under the guidelines of the Collection Development Policy. For example, the library generally does not order textbooks for the library collection. The library director has the final authority over all selection decisions.

How do I request a librarian to come to my class?

We want to visit your classes and encourage you to invite us. Contact the library director by phone or email to discuss arrangements. Please contact the librarian well before your desired class date, so a most beneficial and effective session can be planned.

What kind of resources are available at the library?

The library contains over 75,000 books, journals, newspapers, online research databases, and media materials, including CDs, DVDs, videos, cassettes, slides, media kits, and much more. The library includes recreational/fun materials in our Browsing Collection. The Kendall Collection includes children's books from pre-school -high school. Special collections include NCU archives, rare books and Bibles, Disciples Historical, and more.

How can I get a library card?

Your NCU ID card is your library card. It can be used long distance to request books online from our OPALL catalog. Please also present it to check out materials on campus from the Circulation Desk at the library.

How can I check out material from U of O Knight Library?

Your NCU ID card allows you to check out books directly from the University of Oregon Knight Library (you cannot check out videos or other media). You must obtain a sticker on the back of your card for the current term to authorize you as current faculty/student/staff. Pick up your sticker in the NCU Business Office. There is a link to their catalog on the Kellenberger Library web page. You are responsible for paying your own fines and fees at the UO Business Office in Oregon Hall.

How is NCU Kellenberger Library organized?

Books are classified by the Dewey Decimal Classification system and are located on three levels of the library. Journals are on the first floor in the "Periodical Room" and arranged alphabetically. Videos (DVD and VHS) and CD's are on the first floor near the circulation desk. Other media are stored behind the circulation desk-just ask!

If I have a suggestion, what do I do?

Call or email the Library Director. There is also a suggestion box on the Circulation Desk.