FAQ
For Students

How do I find out if the library has a particular book? Search the online library catalog, Linc – Library Information Connection, by title, author, subject, keyword or other field.

Who can help me with my research? Any library staff member can help. Also, you can get help online by clicking Ask a Librarian and going from there.

Can I schedule a research session with a librarian? Absolutely! We feel that individualized assistance is the best kind. Ask any staff member to set up a time for you.

Are any library brochures available online? Yes, click LRC Brochures, Handouts, Exercises.

When is the library open? We are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays. Holiday and interim session hours are posted.

Is it open on the weekends? No, the college and library are generally closed on weekends.

What types of material are included in the library catalog? You will find videos, DVDs, audiobooks, games, best sellers, government documents, and periodical titles, as well as books.

How are the books arranged on the shelves? Books are arranged by subject according to the Library of Congress Classification Scheme, a system of call letters and numbers. Contact the library for a complete subject listing.

How can I get a library card? You can’t. Students are registered automatically for library use. You will just need to enter your EmplID or your VCCS email address in order to check out materials.

How many books can I check out? You can have up to 30 books checked out at any one time.

Can reference books be checked out? No, a coin-op copier is available for copying needed reference materials or current journal, magazine, or newspaper articles.

Is there a collection of CDs and DVDs in the LRC? Yes. You can find titles in the Media Collection in Linc.

What do I do if I need to use a data projector or other equipment for a presentation? Instructional equipment is available to students for classroom projects or assignments. Let us know in advance what you need to make sure it will be available and in good working condition. Also, it is always a good idea to try out the equipment ahead of time.

Does the library make change? No. The library copier takes nickels, dimes, quarters and dollars, so there is no need for us to make change. However, there is a change machine in the Student Lounge and the Business Office makes change when needed.

How long may I keep books that I’ve checked out? The normal loan period is 4 weeks; loan periods for reserve material vary according to instructor.

Can I renew books over the phone or online? Yes to both. If no one else has requested the books, you can renew them by phone one time. Also, students may sign in to Linc to renew or place holds on materials checked out.  Use the same username and password you use for VCCS email, Blackboard, or ESCConnect.

Will I have to pay fines on my late materials? No, we do not assess fines; however, students with late or lost materials are restricted from checking out additional materials, registering for classes, or receiving transcripts.

What is the charge for lost materials? All library patrons are assessed $50 per item.

Is there a charge for computer copies? Not for students or faculty.

How much does it cost to make a photocopy?  It costs ten cents per page.

Is there a charge for students to use the fax machine? There is no charge for the staff to fax college or job related materials for students.

Where are the materials placed on reserve by instructors? They are located at the Circulation Desk. Just ask any staff member.

Do you have a collection of children’s books? We currently have a collection reserved for the early childhood classes.

Does the library have any E-Books? We have thousands of titles available in full text in our library catalog. Ask a staff member to show you how to create an account for off-campus use if you need one.

Is there a collection of audiobooks? Yes, we have classic fiction titles on CDs. We also have a digital collection of best-selling titles which may be downloaded onto personal devices.

How do I find an article by subject? Go to LIBRARY – Students Start Here – Articles & More. Choose a database that most likely will have the subject area you are looking for. You can also do a subject search in by selecting E-Journals (MetaLinc).

How do I find a periodical (journal, magazine, newspaper) by title? Choose E-Journals. Go to Library – Students Start Here – E-Journals. The easiest way is to do a title search in (MetaLinc).

Where can I find a list of databases? Go to Library – Students Start Here – Articles & More – Click Here for All Available Databases. How do I site sources in my research paper? This is difficult for students at first, so come to the library and ask for help. The library staff often assists students with source citations by providing handbooks, appropriate Web sites, and individualized help. For online help, go to Library – Students Start Here – Citing Your Sources – FAQ and Citation Guides.

How do I access the databases from home? When you attempt to access a database from any off-campus location, you will be prompted to log on using the MyVCCS log-on page. The required username and password are the same ones you use for VCCS email, Blackboard, and ESCConnect. If you don't know your VCCS username or password, go to https://es.my.vccs.edu/.

If the article I want isn’t available in full-text, what do I do? Print out the citation and ask the library staff to help you find it. If we cannot find it in our databases, we will order it for you – free of charge – from another library. The process takes anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks, depending on how quickly the lending library can respond.

How can I get a book or article that is not owned by the library? Contact any library staff member with your request. Or fill out the online Interlibrary Loan Request Form and take it to any staff member. There is no charge for this.

Can I use the library at Salisbury University or University of Maryland – Eastern Shore? Yes, ESCC has cooperative agreements with both SU and UMES for both students and faculty. The service is free. Visit the LRC for an appropriate Verification Form before you go.

May I hook up my laptop to the Internet in the library? No, the college technology policy does not allow that.

Is there wireless access for my laptop in the library? Yes, there is.

I am confused. Do I login to LRC computers with the same username and password I use for VCCS email, Blackboard, or ESCConnect? Your account to use the campus network in the library and computer lab requires your ESCConnect username. Your password could be different. Click LRC Brochures, Handouts, Exercises to find complete information on this. Or you could get help from LRC or instructional technology staff.  

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