Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Library?
Located between the Medical Science and Medical Education buildings, the Schaffer Library is centrally located for easy access. (See Directions)
Is the Library open to all AMC employees?
All AMC employees and students have access to Schaffer Library's resources and facilities. AMC medical and graduate school alumni as well as faculty and staff of the Capital District Psychiatric Center (CDPC) are also eligible for a complete service library card. For other available categories, contact 518-262-5530.
Is the Library open to the public?
The public is welcome to visit the Library and use the research collection onsite weekdays between 8 am - 6 pm. Call 518-262-5530 with any questions.
Does the Library participate in the Capital District Library Council Direct Access Program (DAP)?
The Library is a level 3A participant: faculty and graduate students from other participating institutions may register to borrow up to 2 items at a time.
How do I get a library card?
Just stop by the Circulation Desk anytime and present your AMC ID card. A library card will be issued within minutes.
Where can I go for assistance in using the Library or finding information?
Librarians at the Reference Desk on the first floor help library users answer questions, conduct research and use library resources. You may contact the reference desk at 518-262-5532 or library@mail.amc.edu . The Reference Desk is staffed Monday through Friday, 9 am - 5 pm.
How do I look for a book?
Electronic:
The Library subscribes to over a hundred electronic books. Access is available through the AMC Intranet page. Go to the "Academic" tab, and then the Schaffer Library section. Select "Electronic Books. "
Print:
The Library's online catalog provides access to all print titles in the collection and includes information about the circulation status of items. Books are shelved according to their call numbers and date of publication. Books that have been published since 1985 are on the first floor, books published prior to 1985 are on the fourth floor. Books published before 1900 must be requested at the Circulation Desk.
How can I access the Library's journals?
Electronic:
The Library subscribes to over 3,000 electronic journals. To access available titles go to the AMC Intranet page. On the "Academic" tab go to the Schaffer Library section. Then select "Electronic Journals." Many of the Library's databases also provided links to subscription full-text articles.
Print:
This information is available in the Library's online catalog. A computer printout of a complete list of print periodicals can also be found near the catalog workstation on the first floor and at the Circulation Desk.
Where are the print journals found?
Journals from 2000 to the present are shelved alphabetically by title on the first floor. Journals from 1945 - 1999 are shelved on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors according to title:
2nd floor - A-D
3rd floor - E-Prof
4th floor - Prog-Z
Journals from the mid 19th century to 1944 must be requested at the Circulation Desk.
What if the Library does not have a journal or book that I need?
AMC faculty, staff, and students can obtain material not owned by the Library by requesting it online at http://cdlc-amc.sage.edu/illiad/logon.html or through the AMC Intranet. On the "Academic" tab go to the Schaffer Library section. Then select "Interlibrary Loan." There is no fee for this service but registration is required. Requested articles usually arrive within 1 to 3 days; requested books usually arrive within 5 to 7 days. For more information contact 518-262-5569 or Library@mail.amc.edu
Can I search the Library's catalog from my office or home?
In addition to being available on the Intranet, remote access to the catalog is available through http://webcat.amc.edu . For details call 518-262-5532.
How can I access the Library's resources from home?
Remote access is available. AMC students are automatically given remote access; all other eligible AMC employees need to fill out a request form and have it signed by their supervisor. For information on eligibility, applying for remote access through AMC Information Services, and obtaining the necessary form visit http://intranet/IS/ (must be an internal user).
How can I find what databases I can access through the Library?
The Library has access to over 30 databases including: PubMed, UpToDate, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews, BioMed Central, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Essential Evidence Plus, ISI Journal Citation Reports, and DXplain. For a complete listing, go to the Intranet, select the "Academic" tab, and then select "Databases" in the Schaffer Library area.
How can I copy or print material in the Library?
A ComDoc card is needed for photocopying and printing in the Library. ComDoc cards cost $1.00 to purchase and additional money must be added to print or copy. Photocopy machines are available on the 1st and 2nd floors of the Library. Black & white copies are 10 cents each with a ComDoc card, 15 cents each with cash. Color copies are 25 cents a page with a ComDoc card, 30 cents with cash. Printing is available in each computer area: 10 cents/page for black & white, 30 cents/page for color printing.
Are study rooms available?
Yes, there are study rooms on the second and fourth floors for AMC students, faculty, and staff. Keys to study rooms may be signed out for short-term (4-hours) at the circulation desk on the first floor. Renewals are possible if no other groups are waiting.
Are there page phones in the Library?
Page phones are available on the first, second and fifth floors.
