Frequently Asked Questions
Using the Library
Accessing Online Resources
Getting Research Help
Using Technology in the Library
Using the Library
1. Who can use Hamilton Library?
Hamilton Library is open to all students, faculty, and staff of Franklin College with full borrowing privileges. County Patrons and alumni may visit as well with some borrowing limitations.2. Is Hamilton Library open to the public?
Hamilton Library is not open to the general public. However, members of the community, who are at least 18 years of age and have a library card with Johnson County Public Library, may register at Circulation for borrowing privileges.
3. What are the library’s hours?
Hamilton Library’s hours vary by session. View the library’s hours.4. How do I borrow and renew materials?
Checking out a book, DVD, or another item is easy. All you need is your FC ID card.
You can renew your items online or in person. Renew your materials online.
5. What if an item I need is checked out to somebody else?
You can request a hold on an item if it is checked out. We will notify you when it becomes available. You can request the hold in person or online.
You can also request the item through interlibrary loan, and we will get it from another library for you. Learn more about interlibrary loan.
6. What do I do if Hamilton Library does not have the materials I need?
If we do not have the materials that you need, we can borrow them from another library. Learn more about this process called interlibrary loan (ILL).
7. Where do I go for Course Reserves?
You can pick up Course Reserves at Circulation. Please bring your FC ID to the front desk. Be prepared to share your instructor’s name and the course number with the desk attendant.
You will then be allowed to use Course Reserves in the library for two hours.
8. Are food and drinks or tobacco allowed in the library?
Food and drink are allowed in the library. Please clean up after yourself. Users are liable for any damage to library property and equipment caused by food or drink. Tobacco and e-cigarettes are prohibited in the library, as Franklin College is a tobacco-free campus.
9. Is there a quiet place in the library for individual study?
The second floor is the quiet floor in the library. There are study carrels and tables available on the second floor.
10. Where is the closest JCPL branch, and will they give me a library card?
The closest public library is the Franklin Branch of JCPL. It is located at 401 State Street in Franklin. The library sits behind Franklin College’s football stadium.
If you present your FC ID at the Franklin Branch, you can get a library card there.
11. If I go to another PALNI library, can I check out books in-person?
There are 24 PALNI libraries. Butler, DePauw, Hanover, Marian University, and the University of Indianapolis are geographically closest to Franklin College.
If you visit in-person, you can use your FC ID to check out books at these PALNI libraries.
Visit the PALNI website for a complete list of PALNI libraries.
12. I study at another academic institution in Indiana, but I live in the Franklin and/or Johnson County area. Can I check out books in-person?
Yes, if your academic institution participates in the ALI Reciprocal Borrowing Program, you can borrow in-person.
Check the participating libraries list to verify that your school participates.
Then, ask your school library for an ALI Reciprocal Borrowing Card to use at any of the participating libraries.
For more information about the ALI Reciprocal Borrowing Program, visit the Academic Libraries of Indiana guide.
Accessing Online Resources
1. How do I access the library’s resources when I am off campus?
When you are off campus, you will be asked to enter your FC username/password either before or after you do a search in any Online Resource.
2. Does Hamilton Library have ebooks?
Yes, Hamilton Library has ebooks. The majority of these ebooks are in the Online Resource called Ebook Central.
Getting Research Help
1. How can I get help with my assignment or research paper?
You are welcome to seek research help at the library. Jessica Mahoney is located in HAM 100 and is available Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm. If Jessica is unavailable, please ask for help at Circulation, and another librarian will assist you.
If you prefer to, you may email Jessica Mahoney, jmahoney@franklincollege.edu, to schedule a research appointment.
2. How do I find peer-reviewed articles/journals?
Most of our peer-reviewed articles/journals are available online. You can search a topic in OneSearch 2.0 and then choose “Peer-reviewed” as your resource type from the left-hand side of your results.
Using Technology in the Library
1. What computer access is available in the library?
There are many networked computers in the library, available to the Franklin College community. There are 12 on the first floor, 20 in HAM 211, and 30 in HAM 309, the 24-hour lab.
2. How do I print, copy, and scan in the library?
Printing, copying, and scanning machines are available on the first and third floors of the library.
