Collection Spotlight: Graphic Medicine
Puksta Library’s Graphic Medicine Collection is a growing resource that uses comics to explore personal and professional experiences in healthcare. Thanks to the support of the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) this collection has become a vibrant part of the library’s offerings, helping students and faculty engage with complex health topics through accessible and empathetic storytelling.
In this NNLM Region 7 blog post, RVCC’s Library Specialist Shana Elburn shares how a generous partnership with NNLM helped launch the collection and expand its use in classrooms across disciplines. Writing about how faculty and students alike are embracing graphic medicine as a meaningful tool for learning and reflection.
If you have any questions about the collection or how to make the most of it make sure to stop by and ask Shana!
Click here for the research guide to this collection!
Online our resources are always available to serve RVCC students!
RVCC students, faculty, and staff are welcome to ask for research or reference help at the Library Help Desk during our operating hours. We’re happy to help, and for most questions you do not need an appointment.
If you would prefer in-depth assistance on an assignment, research question, or library resources and services you are welcome to book ahead!
Hagen Mendrykowski, Librarian
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Shana Elburn, Library Specialist
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Information Tabs
About Us
The Charles P. Puksta Library supports the curricular and research needs of River Valley Community College by providing information resources, student-centered library services, and instruction. The library houses an instructional classroom, group and individual study rooms, a parents’ room, treadmill desks, computers, color printing, copying and scanning, and WiFi.
In addition to serving students, staff, and faculty at the main location in Claremont, the library extends services with rotating collections to the College’s academic centers in Keene and Lebanon, New Hampshire. Students who attend courses at any campus location are entitled to full access to library resources and services. Local community members are welcome to use the library and borrow physical materials, but electronic resources and Interlibrary Loan services are unavailable for non-members of the College.
The library collection is built to support the specific programs at RVCC as well as to provide recreational reading and enrichment opportunities for the community. Puksta Library collects several different formats: newspapers, books, DVDs, picture books, graphic novels, study guides, flashcards, and anatomical models are included in the physical collection. Digital materials include eBooks, open educational resources, electronic databases from the EBSCO and ProQuest suites of products, video streaming from our Kanopy collection, and PrepStep, which is an online platform that helps students prepare for occupational exams or the ATI TEAS. Additionally, the library has a small Library of Things that includes activity kits, yard games, puzzles and board games, as well as a few instruments.
At faculty’s request, library instruction is available for classes and small groups to assist with accessing library resources and to ensure students are conducting effective research. For students, drop-in research and resource discovery assistance is available during regular hours of operation. The library help desk is staffed Monday – Friday, from 8 AM to 4 PM. Please direct questions about library resources, services, or support to library staff at [email protected], or call the library at 603-542-7744, ext. 5465.
Library Mission Statement
All programs are supported by the informational resources of the college library. While recognizing the individual missions of its respective colleges, the CCSNH libraries support a common mission to provide access to up-to-date technology and informational resources to all who use their facilities, including students, faculty, staff and the local and wider community. The CCSNH libraries fulfill this mission in an environment that is welcoming, conducive to learning and research, and current in its resources. The library is the “knowledge hub” of the campus and, as such, provides program and curriculum support, assesses and teaches information literacy, and encourages life-long learning and independent research.
What If I Don’t Have The Right Kind Of Equipment To Complete My Assignments?
In order to be successful here at RVCC, all students need a laptop or personal computer (PC) as well as reliable internet access. It is recommended that students purchase a laptop for in-class use. Laptops that meet RVCC technology specifications are available for purchase at the RVCC bookstore. Financial aid may be used for purchases made at the bookstore.
If you do not have the right kind of computer equipment (e.g., laptop, webcam, etc.) you maybe eligible to check out a laptop at the library, which is a first come first served program.
Here is some helpful information to keep in mind about our program:
- Only RVCC students, faculty, and staff are eligible to check out a laptop. For students, this laptop must be returned upon graduation or withdrawal from RVCC, as well as at the end of the academic semester for which it was loaned.
- Students may borrow a laptop for one month at a time. At the end of each month the borrower must either return the laptop or contact the library to renew. Laptops may be renewed until the end of the academic semester of which it was checked out.
- The borrower is solely responsible for any loss or damages and may not physically alter the laptop in any way. Alterations, including application of external skins or stickers, are considered damage and results in charges for repair.
- Failure to return a laptop will result in a bill for its full replacement value. Any charges are sent to the Bursar’s Office for collection and may prevent a student from registering for classes, obtaining diploma, or graduating until paid in full.
Bookstore Rental Book Drops
Interlibrary Loans (ILL)
Interlibrary loan provides access to resources not available at Puksta Library. Books and other materials can be borrowed from libraries in New Hampshire and throughout the United States upon request. This service can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, so please plan accordingly. Interlibrary loan is not designed for last minute research. You can email requests to library staff or click here to request an article or here for a book!
Our ILL service is free for our students, faculty, and staff!
Checking Out Books from Other Libraries In-Person
Through the New Hampshire College and University Council RVCC students, faculty and staff may borrow materials at Keene State College, Antioch University – New England, Colby-Sawyer College, Franklin Pierce College, Hellenic American University, MA College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences – Manchester, New England College, Plymouth State University, Rivier College, Saint Anselm College, Southern New Hampshire University, and University of New Hampshire. Please present your RVCC badge at check out. Be aware each library may set its own lending policies regarding which materials they will lend and the duration of the loan.
Additionally, students, faculty, and staff may check out our own materials from the Pop-Up Library displays at both the Lebanon and Keene Academic Centers. You can also request library materials to be delivered to either of the RVCC Academic Centers.