Audiovisual Services | Circulation and Renewals | Computer and Network Access | Cooperative Library Agreements | Course Reserves | Genealogical and Local History Research |
Interlibrary Loan | Library Instruction | Library Materials by Mail |
Photocopying and Printing | Research Assistance |
Seminary Distance Education Services
Audiovisual ServicesMcCain Library provides equipment for viewing and listening to audiovisual items. An audio listening station, located on the library mezzanine, contains a cassette player/recorder, a CD player, a phonograph record player, and a radio. The Media Room has a large-screen TV, a DVD/VCR player, and a campus computer network connection. The Media Room is located on the lower level of the library and may be reserved by contacting the circulation desk. The library also provides a LCD multimedia projector (in-library use only) and an overhead transparency projector. |
Circulation and RenewalsBooks circulate for thirty (30) days, with a few exceptions. Audiovisual items (cassettes, CDs, videos, etc.) circulate for seven (7) days. For more detailed information, see the library's circulation policies. A current Erskine photo ID or McCain Library Borrower's Card is required for checkout. Books and government documents may be renewed at the circulation desk or online via the McCain Library Catalog. (How do I do this?). Audiovisual items (audiocassettes, CDs, DVDs, videocassettes, etc.) may not be renewed. |
Computer and Network AccessDesktop computers are available for access to the library's electronic resources, the Internet, the campus network, email, and the Microsoft Office suite. All library computers print to a networked printer located in the library foyer next to the copier machines. The cost is $0.05 per print. The library building has a wireless network and network ports for access to the Internet and the campus network. |
Cooperative Library AgreementsMcCain Library has cooperative agreements that allow for Erskine students and faculty to borrow items from other libraries. One agreement with other college and university libraries across the state of South Carolina is PASCAL Delivers. PASCAL Delivers is a rapid book-delivery service that allows students and faculty at South Carolina's colleges and universities to place an online request for books from any academic library in the state. Requested books are delivered to McCain Library for pick-up, typically within 3-4 days. The online requesting system is seamlessly tied into the McCain Library Catalog. Search our catalog first for a book. If we do not own it, you then have the option of clicking through to the statewide PASCAL system which lets you know if a copy of the book is available at another library in SC. If so, you can make an online request for the book and simply wait for it to arrive at Erskine. The library's website provides more information on how to use PASCAL Delivers. McCain Library also maintains cooperative agreements with other individual libraries. For more information on current agreements, contact John Kennerly (email or 864-379-8788) See also Interlibrary Loan |
Course ReservesTraditional Print Reserves: Professors may place print and other physical materials on "reserve" for a specific course. These materials are available at the circulation desk. Print and other physical course reserve materials are available for 3-hour in-library use only. Occasionally a professor may allow reserve items to be checked out of the library for a 7-day period. For more information, see the course reserves policy. Electronic Reserves: In addition to print and other physical materials, the library makes electronic reserve materials available online for a class at the request of a professor. These materials are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the duration of their time on reserve. A listing of current course reserves may be searched by course number, name, or professor in the McCain Library Catalog. Search current course reserves FOR FACULTY: For more information on how to place an item on reserve, see the course reserves policy. |
Genealogical and Local History ResearchThe Erskine Archives is a part of the collection of McCain Library and serves as a central location for the preservation of and access to records relating to the intertwined histories of Erskine College, Erskine Theological Seminary, the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, and Abbeville County, South Carolina. The genealogical collection contains information on persons having connections to any or all of theses institutions and locations as well as general resources useful to those conducting family history research, including the Miller Family History Center. McCain Library has assisted genealogical and local history researchers from nearly 30 states as well as Australia, England and France. The archival research and photocopying policies are available online. The McCain Library Department of Archives and Special Collections is located in Reid Hall and includes the Wofford E. Baldwin Reading Room. The Archivist is available Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon, or by special appointment. To Contact the Archivist: Phone: 864.379.8763 or 864.379.6576 |
Interlibrary Loan (ILL)If McCain Library does not own a particular item, we may be able to borrow the item for you from another library. This service is available for obtaining books, copies of articles, and more. Items requested through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) are sent to McCain Library where they may be picked up. Please allow 2-3 weeks to receive the material(s). There is an overdue fine of $1.00/day for overdue ILL items. You will need to complete and submit an ILL request form to utilize this service. ILL request forms are available in the library and online. Please read the ILL policy before placing a request. See also Cooperative Library Agreements |
Library InstructionThe librarians provide library instruction for classes and other groups as well as individuals. Typical sessions address such issues as the use of the library's online catalog, the use and evaluation of print and electronic resources, and basic information-gathering skills. Structured sessions often include printed or Web-based handouts. To request a library instruction session (either for a group or an individual), contact the library. |
Library Materials by Mail (for Seminary students and faculty only)McCain Library will mail books or copies of journal articles from our collections to Seminary students enrolled in one of the ETS degree programs or to Seminary faculty. (Copies of journal articles may also be faxed or electronically delivered.) Should you wish to use books or articles from the library's collections but are unable to visit the library in person for whatever reason, you may request materials through this service. The library will check books out in your name and/or photocopy articles and mail all items to you through the U.S. Postal Service. You will be responsible for returning books to the library either in person or via postal mail. (A return address label will be provided for you. You may keep any photocopied articles.) The only cost to you for this service is the cost of postage for returning books. You may request materials through the Library Materials by Mail service via phone (864-379-8784 or toll free 877-876-4348), email, or fax (864-379-2900). To determine whether or not McCain Library owns a particular book, use the McCain Library Catalog. To see if the library has a particular journal, magazine, or newspaper in its collection, check the Journal Finder. The Library Materials by Mail policy is available online. |
Photocopying and PrintingPhotocopiers are available for use in McCain Library. The cost is $0.05 per copy. The copiers are located in the library foyer. A networked printer is available for printing from all library computers. The cost is $0.05 per print. The printer is located next to the copiers in the library foyer. For more information on these services, see the photocopying and printing services policy. |
Research AssistanceThe librarians are available for assistance with general informational questions and indepth research needs. The Reference Desk is located in the Reference Area on the main level of McCain Library. You may contact a librarian for assistance in several ways:
Online Research Guides: McCain Library also provides general and subject-related online research guides designed to assist with research needs and to instruct in the use of various library services. The library is continually updating the guides, so continue to check this area of the library website. |
Seminary Distance Education ServicesMcCain Library provides several resources and services to Erskine Theological Seminary students who live a considerable distance from campus or may be taking classes at the Seminary's Columbia Campus, one of the Seminary's extension sites, or through the Erskine Virtual Campus. See the Resources and Services for Seminary Distance Education page for a full listing of available services. |
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Last updated: 3/11/2011 |