The A. Holly Patterson Library, which contains approximately 175,000 volumes, is the learning resource center for the campus. It houses sophisticated audiovisual equipment and the latest in computer technology. In addition, the Library subscribes to approximately 500 periodicals in print format, and has full-text access to many more through SUNYConnect, the SUNY Virtual Library initiative and NOVEL, the New York State Library initiative. Supplementing the print and electronic collections are more than 50,000 audiovisual items: audio tapes, phonorecords, videotapes, 16mm films, filmstrips, slides, compact disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs and other materials.

The spacious four-story Library is open seven days a week during the fall and spring semesters. Summer, Winterim, and intersession hours are also scheduled. Expert librarians are available for reference assistance. The Library promotes information literacy through individual and group instruction on library research, using both print and electronic resources. Community residents are encouraged to use the Library.

The Reference area, Circulation, Periodicals and Reserve check-out counters, exhibits, a networked electronic classroom, and a large, quiet study area are located on the first floor. On the lower level, there are two classrooms for library instruction, one of which is a second networked electronic classroom. The second and third floors house the circulating book collection, media, microform area, study areas and the Academic Computer Center. Media also features a well-equipped screening room, which is available for class presentations.

Librarians provide instruction in the use of library facilities, the internet, and effective research techniques. Lectures on library research are available to classes in all subject areas. Credit-bearing courses – Introduction to Library Research (LIB 101-3 credits), and Essential Research for College Success (LIB 100 -1 credit) – are offered as part of the regular College curriculum.

Off-campus access to many of the Library’s services is available at www.ncc.edu (click on “Library”). From the webpage, students, faculty and staff may search the Library’s catalog, use periodical databases and access many other Library services.

The Library is also home to several special collections, including the Dozenal Society of America, the College Archives and the G. Wilson Knight Interdisciplinary Society.

Adjacent to the second floor Media Unit is an adaptive equipment lab managed by the Center for Students with Disabilities. Services to the physically challenged include a Reading-Edge optical character reader that converts printed text to spoken information, PCs with special keyboards and software, closed-captioned decoders and Visualtek equipment to enlarge print materials for easier reading.

For more information, call 516-572-7408 or visit the Library's website at: http://Library.ncc.edu.