About Freel Library

About the Building

Freel Library, constructed in 1970, houses two information centers of the college: the Library and Learning Services. The Library offers a quiet study atmosphere on the upper level, and comfortable seating that allows for group study and collaboration on the main level. Students are welcome to bring their laptops to the library, which has wireless access throughout, or to use the library computers located on the main and upper levels. Three computers at the circulation desk provide easy access to the library's catalog, which allows students to locate books, DVDs, and other materials Freel owns.

The library is open over 90 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. The library posts the hours at the library and on the library website.

Library Resources

The library offers a full range of resources and services to meet the needs of the academic community. A collection of over 165,000 volumes, and 30 online subscription services, which include full-text articles from more than 20,000 journals, allow state-of-the-art searching for research topics. Students may find these online materials at any location with internet access by visiting the library's website at http://www.mcla.edu/library. In addition to its own extensive resources, the library offers an interlibrary loan program through which students can obtain materials from other libraries.

Computers in the Library

Freel Library offers wireless internet and printer access for MCLA laptop users. For additional information on the extent of the campus wireless network and how to set up your PC or Mac laptop for wireless access, please go to http://techhelp.mcla.edu/index.php/MCLANET_Wireless_Network

You will find electrical outlets on all three floors of the library, including in our new student study lounge, so save your battery for the classroom!

Computers available for student use (unless otherwise noted you will need to log in)

Main floor
5 computers for internet access, word processing and email (login required) 3 computers for finding books and videos in the library (no login needed) 4 computers for searching our online journal, magazine and newspaper databases (no login needed). Articles can be printed, downloaded or emailed

Top floor
10 computers for internet access, word processing and email (login required) 1 computer for finding books and videos in the library (no login needed)

Laptop computers can be borrowed from the Circulation Desk for use in the library only. You must have your MCLA ID with you.

Research and Reference Help

Freel reference staff provides MCLA students with individual assistance as well as formal instruction in information and research strategies. Freel offers drop-in reference services most hours the library is open. Students may also call ahead (413-622-5325) to set up an appointment with a reference librarian. See also the library's webpage on Research and Writing Tools

Borrowing Books and Videos

MCLA student ID cards serve as Freel Library cards. The first time students present an MCLA ID card at the circulation desk, the library staff will register students in the library system so they can renew books, place holds on materials, and make inter-library loan requests, all through the online catalog. Freel Library belongs to C/W MARS, a library consortium that allows students to make online requests for quick delivery of specific materials from over 140 member libraries. Materials not available through C/W MARS may be requested on inter-library loan by visiting the reference desk. Materials that students request from libraries other than C/W MARS libraries may take two weeks to arrive for books, usually less for articles. Planning ahead or beginning assignments early will help ensure that students who need specialized resources receive interlibrary loan materials in time to meet their deadlines.

Since visual information is an integral part of college instruction, faculty often ask students to watch videos that are placed on reserve in the library. These instructional videos may be checked out only by faculty since they are required for specific classes. However, students may view any of these instructional DVDs in the library by using their laptops or the video viewing carrels located on the lower level. In addition to instructional videos, the library has a collection of popular videos, which students may check out or view in the library. The library staff will be happy to give or take recommendations on videos, books, or other resources students may be interested in.