Services
Self-Assisted Computer Searches:
The Reference Room has three public Macintosh workstations which are connected to the Internet. Instruction and assistance with searching is available at the Reference Desk, upon request. The following sources are easy to access from the public Macs and are highly recommended:
The HOLLIS Catalog contains over nine million records, from all Harvard libraries. All current journal subscriptions (print and electronic) and recent books are represented, as well as most older materials. The range of materials included varies from library to library. The HOLLIS Catalog includes records of all of the Ernst Mayr Library’s holdings.
The Harvard Libraries page offers databases and electronic journals on diverse subjects, information about libraries at Harvard (hours, policies, etc.), and other library-related information.
Zoological Record (CSA) (1978-present) is a comprehensive bibliographic index of zoological literature. Produced jointly by the Zoological Society of London and BIOSIS, U.K., it covers over 6000 international journals, as well as books, dissertations, and conference proceedings. The full text of some articles may be downloaded via the “Locate Document” feature.
BIOSIS Previews (OVID) (1989-present) is a comprehensive reference database for life science research. It covers original research reports and reviews in biological and biomedical areas. Coverage includes a broad range of topics such as botany, zoology, cellular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, biophysics, biomedicine, agriculture, pharmacology and ecology. Nearly 5,500 serials are monitored for inclusion. In addition, the database covers content summaries, books and meeting abstracts, papers and posters. BIOSIS Previews is updated weekly.
MEDLINE (PubMed) (1966-present) indexes the international literature on biomedicine, including the allied health fields and the biological and physical sciences, humanities, and information science as they relate to medicine and health care. Information is indexed from approximately 3,600 journals published world-wide, as well as selected monographs of congresses and symposia. Users with a Harvard ID and PIN may download the full text of articles marked “Full text from Harvard.”
Staff-Assisted Searching:
Reference staff are available to assist with searching the databases listed above, as well as other information resources. Please feel free to ask for assistance.
Photocopiers and Equipment:
Photocopiers. Two copiers, which take three sizes of paper and can enlarge, reduce, and make double-sided copies, are available. The machines operate with cards that can be purchased at the Circulation Desk or the OEB financial office. One photocopier can be operated with cash (coins, $1 and $5 bills). The price per copy is 5 cents. Most photocopying is done on a “self-serve” basis; staff assisted photocopying is available for an additional fee.
Microforms. Microfiche, microfilm and readers are located in the Reference Room. We regret that no self-service microform printers are available. Staff-assisted printing is available for a fee.
Computer Workstations. Networked computers are available in the Reference Room as well as in the stacks. Data jacks for laptops are available in the Reference Room.