Frequently Asked Questions
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Where are the quiet places in the Library? Where can I find a space for my group to study?
How do I search Library databases from off-campus?
How do I access online journals?
How do I borrow books or get copies of articles from other libraries?
My library books are due, but I still need them. Can I renew them?
Can you tell me who has this book checked out so that I can borrow it from him or her?
Can you give me information about copyright law?
Can I eat and drink in the library?
Are there any job openings for students?
Where are the quiet places in the Library?
Where can I find a space for my group to study?
The Library is committed to providing a welcoming environment that is conducive to research and study. Library staff reserve the right to address any circumstances seen as disruptive.
Our main level is “noise friendly” and is a great place for quiet conversation. Our upper level offers a silent study area, as well as the “Chart Room,” where quiet conversation is permitted.
Our three study pods are semi-soundproofed and are an excellent option if you need quiet. Room 106 seats up to 8 and is available to reserve for group study. Reserved use of these spaces takes priority over users who do not have a reservation, so we strongly encourage you to book these spaces in advance.
How do I search Library databases from off-campus?
Mostof the Library’s databases and other electronic resources are available for off-campus access. Your login for off-campus access to these resources is your MMA login (typically firstname.lastname) and password.
For more information on which databases are available off-campus, or if you have difficulty logging in, please contact Library staff at 207-326-2263 or email us.
What is a database?
We’re glad you asked! Click here for more information.
How do I access journals, newspapers, and other periodicals?
The Library has a combination of print and online journals and periodicals. Although our print periodicals are in staff-only areas of the building during the Fall 2020 semester, we are happy to help you locate articles from current and past issues of our print periodicals. Many more publications are accessible online. Please ask a Librarian for assistance with finding articles – it’s much easier with some expert guidance!
Please note that a select few of our online journals are available only for use on campus; you will need to ask a staff member to log you in to use these resources.
How do I borrow books or get copies of articles from other libraries?
When you search Minerva, you can either limit your search to what we have on campus, or expand the search to all of the 60 Minerva Libraries across the state of Maine. Any items that circulate to that Library’s patrons (ie not Reference or Archival material) should be available for you to request. To do so, click on the item’s title in the catalog, click “Request,” and then enter your name (FirstName LastName) and Library barcode. If your barcode begins with a “0,” you’ll need to type “mma” (mma000012345). If your barcode begins with a “2,” simply enter all 14 digits. Then, click “submit.” If the request was successful, you will be brought to a landing page that says your request was successful.
If a book is not available in Minerva, click “Search MaineCat” on the right side of the page. You will be brought to the same search in MaineCat, which includes both Minerva results as well as catalogs from other libraries around Maine (including URSUS [the University of Maine, Bangor Public Library, Portland Public Libraries, and others] and the Colby/Bates/Bowdoin collections). You can request items following the same steps as you would in Minerva. If a book you need is not available via MaineCat, you can search WorldCat for the bibliographic information and place a request via our online Interlibrary Loan form.
Once you place a request, the item will be sent by van to MMA as soon as it’s available. We receive deliveries on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. When the item is delivered, you will receive an automated email letting you know you can pick up the book at the Library’s front desk at your convenience. Items are held for 7 days at the Library, and are then returned if they are not picked up. Loan periods for these items vary depending on the item, patron type, and the lending Library’s policies.
To place a request for an article that is not available through the Library, enter the bibliographic information (article and publication titles, author, page numbers, date, volume and issue number) into our online Interlibrary Loan form.
Interlibrary loan items generally take 5-10 days to arrive, but articles are often sent electronically and arrive much sooner. You will be notified via email when an item you have requested is ready for pickup. If you have any questions about Interlibrary Loan or obtaining an item not held by the Library, please send us an email.
ILL Borrowing Policy Information:
The library provides Interlibrary Loan services for Academy students, faculty, and staff. ILL books that are damaged or not returned will result in bills for the borrower set by the lending library as well as a non-refundable Nutting Library fine of $25.00. Please note: the borrower is responsible for any ILL materials lost or damaged in transit to the library.
How do I get a Library card?
If you are a student or employee of Maine Maritime Academy, you already have one! Your library barcode number is on the back of your student/staff ID, and will either begin with the prefix “mma” (eg mma000012345) or with the numbers “21941” (eg 21941000011110). If you are not a student or employee of Maine Maritime Academy but live in Maine, a courtesy card will be issued free of charge.
My library books are due, but I still need them. Can I renew them?
Sure! Visit My Library Account. (Your library barcode is the barcode on the back of your ID card; if it begins with the numbers “21941,” simply enter that entire 16-digit number; if it begins with a “0,” type the prefix “mma” and then the number, ex: mma001234512). Academy Library books renew for four weeks for students, staff, and community patrons. An item can be renewed unless a hold has been placed on it by another patron, it has reached the maximum “overdue” level, or it has been renewed the maximum number of times already. If you are having trouble renewing items, please send us an email, and we will be happy to assist you.
Can you tell me who has a book checked out so that I can borrow it from them?
Maine state law protects the privacy of the borrower, so this is not information that can be shared. If you need an item that is currently checked out, we’ll be happy to place a hold on the item for you.
How do I make photocopies?
The Library has a color printer/copier on the main level, as well as a black and white printer available in the 24-hour computer lab. You can also use the copier to scan materials directly to email free of charge.
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 will provide answers to most questions about copyright.
Can I eat and drink in the library?
Yes! Lids are strongly encouraged on beverages, and we ask that you please clean up after yourself.
Where are the rest rooms?
Rest rooms are located downstairs by the exit, across from the computer lab, and on the upper level.
Are there any job openings for students?
Student workers are an essential part of the Library staff! Please send an email to the Library if you’re interested in learning more about working as a Student Worker. Hiring typically occurs at the beginning of each semester, and the position is posted on the Career Center’s website. You can view the current job description from that site, and it also provides a link to the current application.
I’m working on a research paper and need to find books and journal articles. Is there someone who can help me?
Yes! That’s why we’re here. Contact us by phone, text, chat, or send us an email. You can drop in or make an appointment for in-depth, expert research assistance – we look forward to your questions!
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