Library FAQS

Contacts

Sofia Birden
207-834-7527
sbirden@maine.edu

Fax: 207-834-7518

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Books

Periodicals On-line Resources Special Needs Blake Library Trivia

Books

How are the books organized?
The Blake Library uses the Library of Congress classification system. Each book is given a call number when it is catalogued. The call number represents the main subject of the book; therefore when all of the books are shelved in order, books on the same topic are shelved together. Call numbers beginning with letters A-N are shelved on the first floor; P-Z are shelved on the second floor (see map). If you need assistance finding the book you need, do not hesitate to ask.

How do I find a book?
All of our catalogued material can be accessed through URSUS, the online catalog. Material can be searched by Title, Author, Subject and Keyword. For more information on URSUS, see the URSUS FAQs.

The book I want isn't here. How do I get it?
The Library staff is committed to helping patrons access information from off-campus as easily as possible. The process does require some time, however, so it is important to plan ahead. Also, all interlibrary loan activity is subject to limitations as defined in federal copyright laws and accompanying guidelines. Patrons should be aware that books borrowed from other libraries may also be subject to late fees, and the fees levied depend upon the lending library's circulation policies. Please be aware of the due dates of your materials.

There are three ways to request books from other locations:

  • Online Requestor Function: Patrons may request materials from other University of Maine System libraries electronically through the online requestor function in URSUS. When you find a book you need from another library, follow the prompts on the screen to 'Request'. You will need your library card handy in order to enter your barcode number. Please note that your record must be free of fines and holds in order to request materials. Should you receive the response on screen that 'Items from this location cannot be requested', please ask a librarian for assistance. You may still be able to receive the item.

  • Info Net Function: If the book you are looking for is not in the URSUS online catalog, you can then use the Info Net tab located at either the top or bottom of the URSUS screen. Once you have clicked on this tab, you will be taken to the Info Net screen which will do the same search as you did in URSUS. If your item is located, you may then request the item as you would if you were using the Requestor function. The only difference is you will be prompted to select who you are "affiliated" with. Here you would select URSUS.

  • Interlibrary Loan: Requests for articles or requests for books from libraries outside of the University of Maine System may be submitted to the Interlibrary Loan staff. Patrons may stop by the Library to fill out an Interlibrary Loan Request or may fill out the Interlibrary Loan Request Form found on the forms page online.

What borrowing privileges do I have?
Borrowing privileges depend upon your patron status: student, faculty/staff or community patron. Please see the Circulation Policies in order to learn about your borrowing privileges.

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Periodicals

How do I find articles in periodicals?
The Indexes and Databases are the access tools for periodicals. One issue of Time Magazine has many articles, each on a different topic. Indexes organize information about these articles so that you can search for articles by author, title, subject, etc. There are many types of periodicals - journals, popular magazines, newspapers - therefore there are many types of indexes to search for articles. Please ask for assistance in finding the right index for your needs. Also, when using the Indexes from home, you will need to have your library card barcode handy in order to verify that you are a UMFK student. If you are a resident of Maine you can also access the State of Maine's online Databases. When you find an article you would like, and it is not available in full text online, check the Periodical Holdings in Featured Lists to see if Blake Library owns the periodical the article is in. If we do, then you will need the citation in order to find the article. The citation includes: title and author of the article, the title of the periodical, the date of publication, and the volume and issue number. If we don't have the periodical, then you can fill out an interlibrary loan request found on our forms page or fill a paper form out in the library (be sure to attach the citation to the form).

How are the periodicals organized?
The current periodicals are located on the first floor of the library. They are organized alphabetically. If you cannot find an issue you are looking for, it may be stored with the back issues. Please ask a staff member for assistance in retrieving back issues.

How do I get an article from a periodical that UMFK doesn't own?
When you find an article you would like, and it is not available in full text online, check the Periodical Holdings in Featured Lists to see if Blake Library owns the periodical the article is in. If we do, then you will need the citation in order to find the article. The citation includes: title and author of the article, the title of the periodical, the date of publication, and the volume and issue number. If we don't have the periodical, then you can fill out an interlibrary loan request found on our forms page or fill a paper form out in the library (be sure to attach the citation to the form).

The Library staff is committed to helping patrons access information from off-campus as easily as possible. The process does require some time, however, so it is important to plan ahead. Also, all interlibrary loan activity is subject to limitations as defined in federal copyright laws and accompanying guidelines.

Are there any periodicals on the Web?

Yes! Some of the periodicals we subscribe to have corresponding web pages. The information available on these pages ranges from basic editorial information, table of contents, indexes, and full-text. A list of Blake Library periodicals with web pages can be viewed on our Serials page.

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Online Resources

What is Mariner?
Mariner creates a common gateway to the digital resources and collections of the University of Maine system libraries. Though we primarily use links from the Blake Library site to these collections, Mariner is one way to get to the common resources if our site is down. In addition Mariner has other useful links such as the tutorials which help patrons learn how to use our resources.

These are some of the shared resources in Mariner:

  • URSUS: You can look up books by Title, Author, Keyword or Subject in URSUS, our on-line catalog. Each record in the catalog displays the location, status and call number for a book.

  • Indexes and Databases:Indexes enable you to find articles in newspapers and periodicals. There are many kinds of indexes, because there are many kinds of periodicals. If you need help choosing one, ask a staff member for assistance. Other resources such as Books in Print and Britannica are available here as well. The difference between the Blake Library Indexes & Databases interface and Mariner is the list of databases is already limited to just what Fort Kent is able to use. In addition, we have a subject search which allows you to search for a database (not article yet) by subject.
How can I find good Internet resources?
The Internet is a vast resource of information. The librarians at UMFK have carefully chosen quality web sites to help you with your research and have created a database to include these sites. The Subject Guides database can by searched by topic. Otherwise you are welcome to set up a one on one instruction session with a librarian. See the Instructional Services page to find out more.

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Special Needs

What services are available for distance learners?

Distance learners are those students who are registered and take UMFK classes but who do not come to campus for their classes. The Library staff endeavors to make the same services available to on-campus and distance learners. A useful web site for distance learners is UMFK's Distance Learning Site.

For help at UMFK refer to the following:

  • Reference Assistance: Sofia Birden will help with questions regarding research, URSUS, Indexes and Databases, general computer questions, etc.

  • Interlibrary Loan: Books within the University of Maine System can be ordered online using the Requestor Function Articles and books from outside the University of Maine System can be requested through the Interlibrary Loan Request Form. Be aware that these materials generally cannot be sent directly to your home. Therefore you will need to identify a nearby pick-up location within the University of Maine System for these requests. Contact Debra Durkin if you need assistance finding a local pick-up location, or if you have any other questions about Interlibrary Loan.

  • Library Cards: You will need a library card barcode number to order books or access databases from home. If you are registered through UMFK, you must receive a UMFK library card. If you are taking UMFK classes, but are registered through another campus, you can request a library card at the University College off-campus Library Services site.
What services are available for patrons with disabilities?
The Library staff endeavors to make all of our services available to all of our users. The first floor of the Library is wheelchair accessible through the main entrance of the building. An assisted learning center computer is also available for patron use. The staff is happy to help those with special needs access our materials.

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Blake Library Trivia

What is the history of the Blake Library?
The University of Maine at Fort began as a regional teachers' college in 1878. A library was created soon afterward in 1885 to support the students. The library was housed in a classroom for many years until a growth spurt in the late 1950's. The gymnasium, built in 1929, was converted to the library in 1965-66. The library was dedicated as the Waneta T. Blake Library, and its collection numbered 15,000 volumes at the time. The building has been expanded since then and now holds nearly 60,000 volumes.

Who was Waneta T. Blake?
Waneta T. Blake was an instructor and part-time librarian at UMFK from 1933 until 1963. She oversaw a large increase in the collection during her time at the library. After her retirement, the library was moved to the former gymnasium and was dedicated with her name. She died in 1971 and is buried in the cemetery adjacent to the campus.

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