Welcome to the Shasta College Library

SHASTA COLLEGE LIBRARY
11555 Old Oregon Trail * PO Box 496006 * Redding, CA 96049-6006

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I qualify for a Library Card?
How do I get a Library Card?
Is there a cost for a Library Card?
How do I find a book?
How long can I borrow a book?
What is my Library PIN? Why do I need one? Can I change it?
Does the Library charge a fine for overdue books?
Can I renew my books online?
When is the Library open?
Where can I get help?
Where are the restrooms?
Where are the magazines and periodicals and journals located?
How do I get on the Internet? Where can I use e-mail?
Does the Library offer free e-mail to students?
How can I learn how to use the Internet?
What is the Library's Web address?
What Library computer can I use to find articles on a given topic?
Can I access the Library's catalog on my home computer? Which databases can I get from home?
Which Web browser should I use to access Library resources?
Does the Library have electronic access to other libraries?
Can I print or download or e-mail from the computers in the Library? How much does it cost?
Where can I make copies? How much do they cost?
Are there computers for word processing available in the Library? Are there any typewriters?
Is there a scanner available for use in the Library?
Does the Library have a FAX machine for its patrons to use?
Where can I find the reserve materials that my instructor assigned me to read?
Where can a group study together?
Where are the encyclopedias?
Where is a public telephone?
Where can I find a telephone number?
Does the Library have catalogs from other colleges?
Does the Library have videos or films that I can borrow?
Can I find a copy of my textbook in the library?
Where is the fiction or popular reading section?
How do I get a book or article which the Library does not have? How long does it take?
Why is the Library so noisy sometimes?
How do I recommend the purchase of a book, video, journal, online database, or other resource?
Does the Library have information about scholarships?
Why is it so hot/cold in the Library?
Can I find information in the Library on repairing my car? If not, where can I get this information?

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Do I qualify for a Library Card?

All Shasta College students, faculty, and staff members are eligible for a Library card. In addition, residents of Shasta, Trinity, or Tehama counties who are 18 years of age or older and possess a valid California Driver's License or California ID card may obtain a Community card. Community card holders have the same library privileges as Shasta College students, faculty, and staff with the exception of Interlibrary Loan (ILL), which is available through local public libraries and the loan of Videos/DVD's. The College Library also issues a Courtesy card to visiting patrons who cannot qualify for a Community card. A picture ID is required. All materials loaned to Courtesy card holders must be used within the Library and are due back by the end of the day.

How do I get a Library card?

Simply stop by the Circulation Desk (the front desk in the Library) and present your valid California Driver's License or California ID card. If you are a student at one of the Shasta College Extended Education sites ask your site/center secretary for a Library card application or apply online by clicking on Library Card Application (Extended Ed Students ONLY). If you are a student enrolled in only Shasta College Internet courses, complete the Library Card Application (for Internet Students ONLY) form.

Is there a cost for a Library Card?

Your first Library card is free. Should you misplace your card, there is a $2.00 replacement cost.

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How do I find a book?

You can search through the Library's collection of books by using the Library Catalog link.

How long can I borrow a book?

The loan period for circulating books is two weeks for all users.

What is my Library PIN? Why do I need one? Can I change it?

Your Library PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a four digit code that is assigned by the Library. When you receive your Library card your PIN will be your birth month and date (for example, if you were born on April 7 your PIN would be 0407). Your PIN is used to authenticate you when you want to check your user status or renew materials via computer. It is possible for you to change your PIN to another four digit number, however, your PIN will be reset to your birth month and date each time you change your status (add/drop a class, change of address, etc.) at Shasta College.

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Does the Library charge a fine for overdue materialss?

Fines are charged for overdue materials to encourage their prompt return and availability to others. Fines begin accruing one day after the due date and are charged over weekends, holidays, and semester breaks. Here is a sample of fines for the most popular items checked out:

Books - 25 cents per book, per day
Magazines - 50 cents per magazine, per day
Audio Cassettes - 25 cents per title, per day
Video Cassettes and DVD's - $1.00 per title, per day

For a complete list of fines, ask at the Circulation Desk.

Can I renew my books online?

You may renew your books online via the Library Catalog by clicking on "My Account" located on a menu bar near the top of the screen. Note: There is only one renewal per item. You will not be able to renew your books if they are overdue, if you have any outstanding fines, or if they have been placed on HOLD by another patron.

Click on “Renew My Material.” Then…
Enter your “User ID” (the 14-digit barcode # on the back of your library card, with no spaces). Then…
Click on or Tab to “PIN” and enter your birth month and day (e.g., 0220 for Feb. 20). Then…
Click on “List Charged Items” at the bottom of the screen. Then…
Click on the materials you wish to renew…
Click on “Renew Selected Items.”

The next screen shows how many items have been renewed. Be sure and print this information as your receipt! And you’re done!

When is the Library open?

Fall and Spring Semesters

Monday - Thursday: 7:45AM - 8:45PM

Friday: 7:45AM - 3:45PM

Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED

Summer Session

Monday - Thursday: 8:00AM - 7:45PM

Friday - Sunday: CLOSED

The Library is closed all major holidays and during semester breaks. For further information please check the current Library Hours Web page. Many Library resources such as the Library Catalog, Articles & Databases, Online eBooks, and Local Links are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Where can I get help?

There is usually a staff member available at the Reference Desk, which is located in the southwest area of the building. If no one is available there, please use the beeper on the counter to page someone who can help you. Off-campus, please call the Reference Desk at (530) 242-7551. If you need help when the Library is not open, consult the Library's Research Help Web page, leave a message on the Reference Desk answering machine, or send e-mail via the Library's Ask A Librarian Web page. You will receive a response to your question within 24 hours (except during weekends, holidays, and semester breaks).

Where are the restrooms?

Restrooms are located in the foyer, near the southwest corner of the building.

Where are the magazines and periodicals and journals located?

The Library maintains subscriptions to many computerized databases that index and contain the complete text of millions of articles. To access these databases, see the Library's Articles & Databases Web page. In addition, the Library has subscriptions to several hundred printed magazines and newspapers, the latest editions of which are located between the main book stacks. Older editions are arranged alphabetically by title on the shelves in the northwest corner of the building. The Library also has microforms of selected older periodicals, as well as microform reader/printer machines, which are near the west stairway. Ask a staff member for assistance.

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How do I get on the Internet? Where can I use e-mail?

All of our scholar workstations have Internet access for your convenience. Or bring your laptop and use our wireless access throughout the building. There is no charge to the user. You may access Yahoo! Mail or MSN Hotmail or other free, Web-based, e-mail services. Ask a staff member if you need assistance.

Does the Library offer free e-mail to students?

Access to free, Web-based e-mail providers is available through the Library's Free Email Web page.

How can I learn how to use the Internet?

A staff member can give you some initial assistance. The Internet itself offers dozens of tutorials that show you how to use this powerful resource. If you are looking for a classroom learning experience, check the Spring Schedule for class listings of interest.

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What is the Library's Web address?

The Library's Web address or Uniform/Universal Resource Locator (URL) is http://library.shastacollege.edu/.

What Library computer can I use to find articles on a given topic?

You can use almost any computer in the Library to locate magazine and newspaper articles. Simply point the cursor to the Articles & Databases link on the Library's Web page and click. If you need help getting started, consult a Reference Staffer or try Ask A Librarian.

Can I access the Library's catalog on my home computer? Which databases can I get from home?

The Library Catalog is available via the Internet so you can access it from home if you have an account with an ISP. It includes all our our on site holdings, plus the over 18,500 online eBooks for your perusal. (Click here for more help getting started with eBooks.) Nearly all of the Library's research databases are available from home as well via the Library's Articles & Databases Web page. Remember, to click on the Off-Campus icon and enter your User ID from the back of your current Shasta College Library Card for access - Students and Staff only. Watch for additional databases to be added in the future.

Which Web browser should I use to access Library resources?

Library resources are best viewed using Internet Explorer, which is loaded on every workstation.

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Does the Library have electronic access to other libraries?

Yes, most libraries now offer access to their online catalogs via the Internet. See the Library's Local Links Web page. Ask a staff member if you need assistance.

Can I print or download or e-mail from the computers in the Library? How much does it cost?

There is a charge of 10 cents per page to print black and white prints from the Library's computers. Color prints cost 50 cents per page. Prints may be purchased by setting up an account at the Print Services Kiosk located in front of the Reference Desk. There, you may add value/money to your account. Ask for assistance at the Reference Desk, if needed. In addition, most databases will allow you to send information to your email account.

Where can I make copies? How much do they cost?

There are three photocopiers located near the Reference Desk. Two of the copiers print black & white copies at10¢ per page. Color copies cost 25¢ each. One black & white copier accepts change and all can access funds from your prepaid account. Follow the instructions posted near each photocopier. The charge for copying will be deducted from your account. If assistance is needed, please ask at the Reference Desk.

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Are there computers for word processing available in the Library? Are there any typewriters?

The Library's Open Computer Lab has the Microsoft Office suite of products available and this includes MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access as well as Microsoft Publisher. In addition, the Shasta College Writing Center, which is located in Room 208 of the Learning Resources Center (at the top of the east stairway), has many computers available for word processing. Two typewriters are available for student use in the Writing Center.

Is there a scanner available for use in the Library?

At this time, there is no scanner in the Library.

Does the Library have a FAX machine for its patrons to use?

A FAX machine is located in the Photocopy, Fax area, near the Reference Desk. Patrons may send and/or receive a FAX on campus; there is no cost for the service at this time.

Where can I find the reserve materials that my instructor assigned me to read?

Reserve materials are located at the Circulation Desk. To determine items on reserve for your course, go to the Library Catalog and click the area marked "Reserve Desk," located near the top of the screen. You can search for reserve materials by instructor, course number, or course name. Jot down the call number for your reserve item and bring it to the Circulation Desk where a staff member will assist you.

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Where can a group study together?

There are four Group Study Rooms (Shasta, Tehama, Trinity and Stillwater) on the east side of the Library, near the Fiction section. You may reserve a Group Study Room at the Circulation Desk for future use or check one out on-the-spot. Rooms check out for one hour and may be renewed one additional hour.

Where are the encyclopedias?

The Library has a subscription to the Encyclopedia Britannica Online, which is available on or off-campus. You can also access the encyclopedias listed on the Library's Almanacs & Encyclopedias Web page, where the Library has many print-based, subject-specific encyclopedias in the areas of art, music, philosophy, science, etc., available. Other encyclopedias are housed in the Reference section. Volumes housed in the book stacks may be checked out of the Library. If you need help with these specialized resources, please ask for assistance at the Reference Desk.

Where is a public telephone?

We no longer have a public telephone in the Library building. Though cell phone use is prohibited within the building, most students use their personal cell phones to receive or make a call outside.

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Where can I find a telephone number?

The Library no longer keeps printed phone books (except for local Redding White and Yellow Pages) because the Internet has become a wonderful source for finding this kind of information. Ask for help at Reference, if needed, or try Ask A Librarian.

Does the Library have catalogs from other colleges?

One can access over 39,000 college catalogs electronically with CollegeSource Online from our Articles & Databases site. In addition, Shasta College Career/Transfer Center, which is located in Room 126 in the Administration Building, maintains an extensive collection of college catalogs for perusal.

Does the Library have videos or DVD's that I can borrow?

We have over 4,500 videos and DVD's listed in the Library Catalog. Except for a small collection of Library Use Reserve videos and DVD's which are housed at the Circulation Desk, students and staff may check out one title of each (one Video & one DVD) at a time from those shelved at the beginning of the book stacks. Take your selections to the Circulation Desk for a two-day checkout. (Sorry, community patrons may not check these items out of the library.)

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Can I find a copy of my textbook in the library?

The Library has copies of some, but not all, course textbooks. To see if we have the textbook for your class go to the Library Catalog and click the area marked "Reserve Desk" located near the top of the screen. You can search for your textbook by looking through the Library's reserve items. If you locate your textbook, write down the call number and bring it to the Circulation Desk for assistance.

Where is the fiction or popular reading section?

The Library maintains a collection of best-selling, popular fiction which includes many of the most popular books available. These items are located just north of the Circulation Desk. There is also an older collection of fiction located on the east side of the Library, adjacent to the Group Study Rooms. Use the Library Catalog to search the collection and get the call number for your book. In addition, the Library has a collection of paperback books located along the northeast wall.

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How do I get a book or article which the Library does not have? How long does it take?

The Library can acquire material for you through a process known as Interlibrary Loan (ILL). You can fill out an ILL form at the Reference Desk or choose the Interlibrary Loan link under Library Services and follow directions. Allow up to two weeks for delivery. A staff member will contact you when your ILL book or article arrives.

Why is the Library so noisy sometimes?

Please be aware that the Library is part of the Learning Resources Center (LRC) and the LRC is a multipurpose building. There are often classes coming and going from the building. In addition, the Library is typically being used by many patrons at any given time. If it is too noisy, consider reserving a Group Study Room or using the Fireside Room as these locations are usually quieter. Please consult a staff member for assistance.

How do I recommend the purchase of a book, video, journal, online database, or other resource?

Contact any staff member. The majority of our selections come as a result of faculty, staff, and student input. Also, you may submit requests via the Library Catalog by clicking the area marked "I Need Material." At the following screen click "Recommend to Order." Enter as much information as you know about the item you are requesting and click the "Send" button.

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Does the Library have information about scholarships?

The Library has some printed scholarship resources located in the Reference Collection and there are also some links listed on the Library's Local Links Web page. The Shasta College Career/Transfer Center (Administration Building - Room 126), has a large collection of information about scholarships.

Why is it so hot/cold in the Library?

Unfortunately, the Library's climate control system is not engineered to handle significant changes in outside temperature. Therefore, the building sometimes feels either too hot or too cold.

Can I find information in the Library on repairing my car? If not, where can I get this information?

Our resources in this area are limited. Please try the Shasta Public Libraries web page with your question. They have many excellent resources to help.

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URL: http://library.shastacollege.edu/faqs.html
Electronic Mail: LibraryWebMaster@library.shastacollege.edu
Updated: 11/19/08