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Moving to HELM: Home

This guide will describe the benefits of the move and the process involved.

A New Partnership in 2020 for the STCC Library:  HELM.

In June 2020, the STCC Library will become a member of the HELM consortium and will part ways with C/W MARS. This page will describe the benefits of the move and the process involved.  New resources from community college libraries across Massachusetts will be available to the STCC community this summer! 

Q&A

What is HELM?

Founded in 2017, HELM (Higher Education Libraries of Massachusetts) is an association of Massachusetts college libraries in public higher education.   By the end of 2020, it will include 12 community college and state college libraries, including Springfield Technical Community College Library,  Holyoke Community College Library and the Berkshire Community College Library.

How is this better?

The HELM consortium includes many community college libraries and the shared resources we gain access to are closely aligned with the needs of academic library users. HELM’s mission is to keep Academic Users' needs paramount.

Will I be able to use my RAM card at public libraries in the area?

No.  You will no longer be able to use your RAM card at local public libraries affiliated with C/W MARS.   This also means you won’t be able to  use your local public library card at the STCC Library.

How will this impact borrowing?

You’ll still be able to check STCC Library materials as you’ve always done.  
  • All HELM member libraries will share the same online catalog and this will be available on the STCC library website.
  • Materials from all HELM collections can be requested and delivered to the STCC library for pickup.
  • You could also use your RAM Card at other HELM libraries, such as the Holyoke Community College Library.
  • A Ram card can still be used to borrow C/W MARS material through ComCat (Commonwealth Catalog).
  • A library card from your local public library will also let you keep using C/WMARS materials too!

When does this start?

June 1st 2020

What do I have to do?

Nothing yet. All library materials will be due at the end of the Spring semester. You’ll have to activate your RAM Card in August/September 2020 for use during the 2020-2021 school year.

Where can I go if I still have questions?

  • Come to an info session during college hour - Friday April 3rd in the Library Lab on the second floor of Building 19.  
  • Stop by the library anytime and see a member of the library team or email us at stcclibrary@stcc.edu. 
 
​>We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about this exciting transition!

HELM Q & A May 4th 2020

For more information, contact us!

STCC LIBRARY

Contact:
Building 19, 2nd Floor
Springfield Technical Community College
One Armory Square
Springfield, MA   01102

CIRCULATION EMAIL: Library_circ@stcc.edu

CIRCULATION VOICEMAIL: 413-755-4532

EMAIL A LIBRARIAN: stcclibrary@stcc.edu

CALL/TEXT A LIBRARIAN: (413) 200-8429 

 
 

 

Library Staff available during Library Hours