The CEU Weekly asked Kati Tikos, Head of Public Services in our Library about the special facilities provided by the Library during the winter break and accessing the digital databases from home. Though the Library is usually quite packed, we think students may not be aware of all the services the Library has to offer, and would therefore like to call attention to some resources and services.
The CEU Weekly: How long have you been working in CEU’s Library and in what capacity?
Kati Tikos: I have been working here for nine and a half years; actually, it is going to be ten years next August. I have worked as head of public services from the beginning. It has always been our main priority to serve the CEU community’s study and research needs while maintaining the integrity of the Library.
For example, some people do not understand the need for the rule of checking in borrowed books while coming to the Library, even if you intend to keep the items. Our intention with this rule is to prevent problems for students and it is based on numerous experiences. We started this policy after many library users accidentally forgot to take checked out books with them when leaving the Library. These titles remained on their accounts and the system sent them reminders to return books which were physically already on the shelves.
TCW: Please tell us about the use of the Library during the winter break. Although most of the CEU students are not in Budapest in the break, you provide the possibility of visiting the Library for those who absolutely need to or want to study in the Library. K. T.: From December 16 till January1, the Library will be open from 1 pm - 7 pm. every day with the exception of days the university is closed (24-27 December, 31 December -1 January). January 2 and 3 students can continue using the Library from 8 am till 8 pm, and from January 4 you can visit us again during the normal operating hours (weekends: 1-7 p.m., weekdays: 8 a.m.- 10 p.m.)
During the winter break we modify our policy regarding overdue books. Between December 20 and January 2 we will not send out overdue notices for borrowed books. However, the recall service for reserved titles will work. So we will send out recall notices for books on which someone puts a hold. I would like to emphasize that it is worth putting a hold on books you need (when they are checked out) because these books could be renewed and then you would have to wait longer. Students can return books anytime during the break by depositing them in the dropbox at the reception of the Nádor 11 building.
TCW: The use of Library resources is shifting towards the electronic services provided, such as online databases and academic journals. How can these databases (such as JSTOR) be reached from outside the Library?
K. T.: Most of the current academic journals and online databases are available for CEU Members even when the Library is closed or they are far away via remote access. Please check out the information on our home page regarding remote access through VPN (Virtual Private Network) (http://www.library.ceu.hu/vpnh.htm). If you have problems with using the databases, the Library provides trainings throughout the year. You can sign up for an individual training session (Services/Training Sign-Up ) or even a group session can be organized on request. If you missed out on any information provided during the orientation week, you can always ask the Librarians at the Library or via Help Chat. I would also like to point out some other online services, such as Interlibrary Loan Request and CompSearch. We are committed to helping the students, so you are welcome to utilize our knowledge and proficiency, for instance in research strategies and use of academic resources all year round.
TCW: As The CEU Weekly has learned, the Library also has some good news for its users. Could you tell us about it?
K. T.: Our fresh good news is that from December we will provide see-through plastic bags in order to help with the bringing in of personal belongings, laptops, etc. into the Library. These see-through bags will be available free of charge at the coat-check desk and at the Library entrance from the security officer. They can hold up to 4 kg, so you can either put your laptop or a few books in, with your personal belongings. We only ask for you to return them when you leave, since we wish to use them for a long time in order to be more sustainable.
Interview by Agnes Kelemen
Image: library.ceu.hu
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