Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Where are the Libraries?

Ryan Library is located to the right of the guard booth when you enter campus from North Avenue and The Helen Arrigoni Library/Technology Center is located across North Avenue from Ryan Library, adjacent to Murphy Center and below the Summit Avenue parking lot.

The Iona College Rockland Graduate Center Library serves graduate programs offered there with a core collection of resources.

Find addresses and directions here »

What are the differences between Ryan Library and Arrigoni Library?

Ryan Library is the main library and houses the majority of the Library's print collections and offers Reference, full IT Help Desk services and Group Study Rooms.

Arrigoni Library is an extension Library and houses the mass communication, education and computer science collections. Both have computers for individual student usage.

What are the Libraries' Hours?

Both Libraries' hours are listed on library website. Hours are extended for end of term and final examinations. Please be sure to check the library web site for updates.

Where do I go to get help with Research?

Reference Services are available to assist you in locating resources and answering research questions. The Reference Desk is located in Ryan Library, around the corner from the Help Desk. Reference Services are available seven days a week during the fall and spring terms.

The library website provides information on how to get started with research, citing sources, and finding resources on specific subjects. Please take a look and become familiar with all of the available resources!

Does the Library have Textbooks?

The Library does not purchase textbooks. Textbooks are updated much more frequently than the traditional library book, thus making them difficult to keep up-to-date. You can check the Online Catalog to see if, by chance, we have the textbook. Be sure to verify that you've matched editions.

Ask your professor if they will be placing materials on reserve in the library. Browse the Library's Course Reserves to determine if your professor has placed the textbook or other reading materials on reserve.

For assistance locating a "Course Reserve" please visit the Reference Desk. or see below.

How do I find a Course Reserve?

You can find books and media put on "reserve" by a professor, for a class, by using the "Course Reserve" search tab in the online library catalog. If an item is on course reserve you can retrieve it from the Help Desks; be sure to provide the professor's name and the title of the book.

If you need additional help finding a course reserve item please visit the Reference Desk.

How do I find Books owned by the Libraries? Where do I check out Books?

Books in the Iona College Libraries' collections can be found by searching the online library catalog. Both Libraries have a Help Desk where you can check out books and get assistance with technology and computers.

Do the Libraries have Online Research Materials?

The Library subscribes to over 90 databases, providing access to millions of articles on almost every topic. Please visit or contact Reference Services if you need locating online resources.

How do I access Online Research Materials from off-campus?

It's easy! When you click on the link to a restricted database or journal, you will be asked to enter your Computer ID and password. For more help and problems, see the Off-Campus Access webpage.

What if the Library doesn't have the Books or Article I need?

The Iona Libraries take part in OCLC's Interlibrary Loan Program. This program allows Iona students and faculty to borrow books and journal articles not available at Iona - usually at no cost to the borrower - from other libraries around the country. Most articles are emailed to you when received; books can be picked up at the Ryan Help Desk. Use the OCLC FirstSearch database to search the collections of all libraries, worldwide, that participate in this program.

What if I need to listen to something on the Computer?

If you would like to listen to sound on a computer, headphones must be used. If you don't have your own set of headphones you can borrow headphones from the Help Desks at both Ryan and Arrigoni Library.

How would I use the "Save to My Research" function in the library catalog?

The "Save to My Research" function allows you to save catalog records to your "My Account" for future use and to create collection bibliographies within your online catalog account.

From with a search results list, you can select the checkboxes next to all records you want to save and click the "Save to My Research" button in the "Record Options" box at the bottom of the screen. Then log into your "My Account" and your records will be saved for future use.

How do I cite online/electronic articles for my paper?

Quick tips as well as call numbers for citation style guidebooks are available on our Citing Sources page.

How do I renew books online?

From the Books & Multimedia Research webpage, click on "My Account". Enter your Iona barcode (on the back of your ID card) or Student ID # (on the front of your ID card) and your last name. You can also call the Ryan Help Desk at (914) 633-2343.

Where do I pay a fine for an overdue book?

The late fine is $.05 per day. The charge for any lost or damaged item is its current replacement costs (a minimum of $40), $10.00 for processing, plus any late fines accrued. You can check your fines using the "My Account" portal, found through the online library catalog (click on navigation link: Find Books & Multimedia). You can pay at any Circulation Desk.

Where do I go to find out which journals the Library owns?

Use the Journal Titles search tool, also found on the library's Find Articles & E-Resources page. If you are not sure of the title, you can use the alphabet navigation links to browse the listing of over 12,000 journals in electronic and print format.

Where do I go to make a photocopy?

Photocopies are $0.10 per copy. Machines accept coins and dollar bills. Photocopiers are located in the Ryan Reference Room and at the back of the Periodicals Room. There is also one photocopier in the Arrigoni Library.

How do I get access to other academic libraries in the area?

Read the options listed on the Interlibrary Loan webpage. For more information contact ILL, at (914) 633-2352 or docdelivery@iona.edu.

How do I request a search for a book that the library catalog says is available on the shelf, but I cannot find?

Ask for help at the Help Desk. A search forms can be filled out, and you will be notified if the item is found.

What are the food and beverage policies in the Libraries?

Ryan Library: Closed beverages only; food and beverages are allowed in the Castle Café and the area outside Romita Auditorium only. No food is allowed in the Group Study Rooms, Seminar Room and the labs.

Arrigoni Library: No food allowed, closed beverages only.

Is talking allowed in the Libraries?

For the consideration of your fellow students, talking should be kept to a low conversational level. No talking is allowed in silent study rooms.

What are the policies on cell phone usage in the Libraries?

Ryan Library: Cell phone use is allowed in the Lynch Pavilion, landings and stairwells. Cell phone use is not permitted in the Group Study Rooms, Seminar Room, study areas, cafe or labs.

Arrigoni Library: Cell phone use is allowed at the Library entryways only.

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