For Faculty

The mission of the Marvin K. Peterson Library  is to support the academic programs of the University by providing information, materials, and a wide range of library services to our faculty, students, and staff. 

This page gives UNH faculty an overview of library services that support their teaching and research endeavors.  If you are new to the UNH Library, you can find an introduction to basic library operations in the Guide to the Marvin K. Peterson Library, available in the Library, or on the General Information page of the Library’s home page.

Did you know that many Library resources are available 24/7?

You can access many library resources from off-campus via the Peterson Library’s web site at http://library.newhaven.edu

You can renew books and check on your library account via the Library homepage. The link to Renew Books and View your Library Account can be found under Library Catalog.  Additional information about Borrowing Privileges and Circulation Services is available in the guide.

You can suggest a book for purchase by using the electronic order form available after logging into your account through the Library’s online catalog.  The procedures are explained in the guide on "Recommending New Books and Journals."

If the Library does not own what you need, we can usually get it for you through our Interlibrary Loan Service, which is also available via the web site. The ILL form is found above the list of databases obtainable via the Proxy Connection.   Our guide on "Interlibrary Loan Services for Faculty" includes additional information about interlibrary loan.

Your UNH faculty ID card is your Library Card and the ID number allows you access to online databases, your library account, as well as to full text electronic journals. When you click on Proxy Connection on the Library homepage you will be required to "sign in" with your ID card number (the sixteen-digit number on the front of your card.) All of this is accessible 24/7.

You will receive library notices (overdues, holds filled and ILL requests) via email. If you prefer, we will call you to let you know when ILL material has arrived.

Most of the online commercial databases are available through the Library's web page.  An alphabetical list of databases, an annotated alphabetical list, and  a subject breakdown of the databases is provided.  Examples of the databases available for research are LEXIS/NEXIS (Academic & Statistical Universe), Lexi-Comp Online for Dentistry, PsycArticles, GeoRef, Hoover’s Online, CCH, Conference Board, Criminal Justice Periodicals and Education Journals.  In addition, most of the subscription trials that the Library obtains to review a database prior to purchase are available on the alphabetical list of databases page.

The Library's web site provides a number of guides and informational handouts on many subject areas. For example, writing style guides (APA and Chicago/Turabian), subject guides (Criminal Justice, Engineering Resources, National Security Resources and Business Information) plus hints on finding biographical information, government documents, also Federal and State laws.

To determine if the Library has a journal use the link to "Journals at the MKP Library." This list will locate specific journals online in full text, or in the library in print or micro format.

Library facilities and resources

The Marvin K. Peterson Library has more than 300,000 volumes and receives over 1,000 periodicals. Newspapers, pamphlets, maps, videos and some CDs are available for use in the library. Many older newspapers, journals and annual reports are available via microform. In addition, the Library offers racks of paperbacks for leisure reading, should you find some free time. You are also welcome to browse our Book Sale table and shelves for items of interest.

Study carrels, tables and comfortable seating are available throughout the three floors of the Library. When the library is closed, there is a book drop around the rear of the building where books can be returned. When we are open, simply place books to be returned in the slot at the Circulation Desk.

As a partial U.S. Government Depository, the Peterson Library receives over a third of all U.S. government documents. Many are available directly via links in the Library’s Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC). OPAC  allows you to search the Library’s collection of books, journals, videotapes and microform material that will be useful in your studies.

While some material is cataloged as Reference and cannot be removed from the library, we do have a photocopy machine located near the Circulation Desk for faculty use. A form to use this photocopy machine is available online. You may also place materials on Course Reserve for your students. The UNH Course Reserve Form is also available online.  You can find exactly what your classes have on Course Reserve by doing a search via the Library homepage. You determine if this material can be charged out of the Library or used in-house for a limited period. As in the case of Reference material, Course Reserve items can be photocopied on the premises.

If you discover that you need material from other libraries, our Interlibrary Loan Department will do all they can to retrieve either books or magazine articles for you. While we try to get the material quickly, please realize that it may take up to two to three weeks in some cases to get a book. Articles can generally be retrieved in a matter of days. These forms are available in the library, and they are also available electronically on our homepage.  For additional information please see our guide on Interlibrary Loan Services for Faculty.

Computers in the Library

The Peterson Library has over thirty Dell computers for use by our students and faculty. These new terminals have been loaded with Microsoft Office 2000 that allow use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Power Point. The computers also have shortcuts giving you direct access to the electronic databases.

The entire library is a UNH wireless zone. In ddition, there are 130 network connection boxes on the walls and columns near individual carrels and desks that allow you to plug your laptops directly into the UNH network. They are located on all three floors. All you need is an Ethernet card and network cable to connect to the campus network.

Never hesitate to ask for assistance while in the Library, our staff is here to aid you in your research. If you can’t get to the Library, you are welcome to call the Information Desk at 203-932-7189, during regular Library hours, or e-mail your question through the link on the Library’s homepage.