Getting Started
To get started exploring the resources for students and library online resources all you need is your Colby username and password. You will also need to enroll in Okta and IT system, to get access to all of the libraries online/digital content.
Colby Card
Use your Colby Card to borrow books at any Colby library, or to pay for photocopies or library fines.
Books and More!
Renew your books in your online library account using your Colby username and password. See student loan periods and policies here.
To request books from Bates and Bowdoin, click on the CBB Request button which can be found in an item record in the Books and More search (CBB catalog) and then enter the barcode numbers only (no letters) on the back of your Colby Card.
Laptops and More for Loan
Explore items (laptops, cameras, etc.) available for loan at the library.
Borrowing/Accessing Materials from other Libraries
To borrow books or get copies of articles from other libraries, etc., use your interlibrary loans (ILL), account. Set up your interlibrary account here, which is also know as an ILL or Illiad account.
Course Reserves
Faculty members sometimes will put materials (books, DVD’s, etc.) on “reserve“, which means that these materials can only be borrowed by students in the course, usually for a shortened loan period. Search for reserves here and from the home page using the reserve search. Additionally faculty members will sometimes put course textbooks (books that offer students a comprehensive compilation of content) on reserve. Examples of these textbooks would be textbooks used in science and language classes. The library currently does not purchase these types of textbooks for loan.
Work with Subject Specialists
Subject Specialists are available to help you learn to find books, articles, data, websites, and other resources for your papers or projects. Any student, whether on or off-campus, should email a librarian to set up a meeting for help with your projects!
Use our Research Help page for tips and guides on student research. We’ve collected some of our best tips, databases, and guides for you here.
Special Collections: Our Special Collections librarians would love for you to use our amazing digital archives and old manuscripts. See their resources and work opportunities here.
Support for Senior Year Honors or Senior Research Projects
If you are pursuing an Honors or Senior Scholars project, meet with a subject specialist for suggestions on research, resources, and how to deposit your finished thesis with the library.
Using Our Study Spaces
Colby has three libraries with many spaces for studying. These include Miller Library‘s quiet Reading Room, study carrels, the Science Library’s scenic bay windows study area and study rooms, and the Bixler Art and Music Library’s relaxing atmosphere and media lab for access to design and music programs.
Please set your cell phones to silent or vibrate (policy). Review our policies for using the spaces (food, music, etc.).
Reserving a Study Carrel/Desk for a Long-term Use
There are three study rooms in Miller where we offer 10-12 individual desks (carrels) and a personal locker for student use. There are limited spots and students should show demonstrated need (senior thesis, major research project, documented learning differences). We also have individual storage lockers if you do not need a private desk. To apply for using a study space please contact the Dean of Studies Office at x4560 for an application.
Ask Us!
Didn’t find what you where looking for? ASK US!
