What and where is the CAGE?
This is where our Special Collections are housed, on the lower level of the Library. They include artists' books archives, graphic design and illustration annuals, and other rare and/or fragile materials. Only Decker staff librarians may enter the Cage.
How can I see artist books from the CAGE?
There is an online database where you can view the collection. You can access it from the Library’s homepage by clicking on the Artists' Books link or go directly here: http://danube.mica.edu/library/ABCat/site/index.cfm
There is also a printed copy of the collection kept in the Reference area. CAGE materials can only be used at a designated table within the Library by presenting your valid I.D. card to a librarian on the lower level.
How many books are in the Library Collection?
The Library contains almost 64,000 monographs; the main focus of the collection is in the visual arts, while maintaining a broad, balanced collection in the humanities.
Why are the books organized by size?
The collection is divided into sections like “quarto,” (books over 12 inches tall) and “stacks” (books under 12 inches tall) to make maximum use of shelving space, i.e. all the smaller (“stacks”) books are grouped with a uniform shelving height. This also allows for large books like “folios” (books over 15 inches tall) to lay flat on special larger shelves.
What folio books can I check out from the Folio Room?
The folio collection comprises reference and circulating books. Any book that is not reference may be borrowed for 21 days. Only faculty members may borrow reference materials.
How do I request a book that’s checked out?
If a book is checked out to another patron, a circulation staff member can place a hold on it for you and then notify you once it has been returned.
How do I renew my books online?
You can view a list of your checked-out items -- and renew items -- using the Library Catalog by clicking on My Account. This feature requires a PIN number which can be obtained by visiting the Library Circulation Desk or calling (410) 225-2272. You will also need your MICA id number, and to be a currently registered Library user. Items can be renewed just once through the catalog; for further renewals, visit or call the Circulation Desk.
How can I find out what books or periodicals other libraries have?
WorldCat Libraries can show you materials located in other libraries nearby by keying in your zip code. You can also use local libraries (there is a link located on the Library’s homepage) to directly borrow materials by using your currently validated MICA I.D. card. You can search their library catalogs from this page.
How do I request books from other libraries?
If you need a book or article that is not owned by Decker Library, you can request a copy from another library. InterLibrary Loan requests can be made in person at the Reference Desk, on-line through the Library catalog (click on "I need material"), by e-mail (refer@mica.edu), or by phone (410-225-2273).
I came to the Library with my class recently. How can I listen to your instruction again?
At this time we do not have audio instructions (watch for them in the future). However, the Library website contains a lot of the information that was presented during your class. For instance, there are INFO links for many research databases as well as User Guides which give information about using the databases. Stay tuned for future online tutorials and more.
How do I navigate the Stacks and Quarto sections of the Library?
The books are organized by the Library of Congress Classification System which uses a combination of letter and numbers and decimal points. You can learn more about that here. There is also a handout with a summary of the system at the Reference Desk.
Once you have the call number and location of the book from the book catalog, you can begin your search by locating the appropriate call number range by looking at the signage on the ends of the book stacks. The system begins with the letter “A” on the far right of the stacks, whether they are stacks books or quarto books. The alphabet continues from right to left, through the letter “Z.” First you find the section for the first letter(s) of the call number, (e.g. NA) then look for the numbers which are arranged numerically (e.g. 15.5). Then, look at the next letter and numbers. (e.g. .C41) An example of books shelved correctly is here.
Tell me more about the Media Resources Center (MRC). Where can we view slides; is there a projection room?
The Media Resources Collection contains a collection of over 215,000 slides and 4,000 videos, DVDs and CD-ROMs. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to borrow materials for classroom and individual study. Slides, DVDs and videos may be viewed there during regular MRC hours. For information about the MRC collection click here.
Can Library open hours be longer? Can you extend weekend hours?
If there is enough need for longer hours we would extend them but we would need additional staffing, according to the Library Director.
How do you choose what magazines you subscribe to?
All materials are selected on the basis of relevance to the curriculum and also considering the recreational interests of the students, faculty and staff.
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