2.1 I registered for a video course. What do I do next? 2.2 What do I do after I get a syllabus? 2.3 Do I need a television and VCR in order to take a video course?
4.1 What are Reference Materials 4.2 Where is the Reference Center at Meadows Library? 4.3 Can Reference Materials be checked out?
6.1 Where is the Card Catalog? 6.2 Where is the PAC? 6.3 Is the PAC on the Internet? 6.4 How do I use the PAC? 6.5 How do I find books at Ayers Campus Library?
7.1 After I use the PAC, how do I find the book? 7.2 What kind of call numbers are these anyway? 7.3 Can I use this call number at another library?
9.1 I have a library fine and cannot register. What do I do? 9.2 I paid my fine in the Business Office. Why didn't you update my records?
1.1 Who Can Get a library card? Faculty of GSCC, Staff of GSCC and students currently enrolled at Gadsden State Community College as well as students currently enrolled at Jacksonville State University at Gadsden State, and the University of Alabama Graduate Center in Gadsden are eligible for a library card and check out privileges. In addition, members of the Gadsden State Community College Alumni Association are eligible for check out privileges.
1.2 Where do I get a library card? Those eligible for a library card should bring their student id to the circulation desk and fill out the application at the library's circulation desk. At that time your student id will be activated for use as a library card. You can also submit an application for a library card by completing the Internet application
1.3 How do I check out material? Take the materials you wish to check out to the Circulation Desk. Present your Student Id/library card to the person working at the desk. This person will check out the materials and tell you when the materials are due back to Meadows Library. Regular check out is 3 weeks.
1.4 How long can I keep what I check out? You may keep books and video tapes for 3 weeks. Tapes for video courses may be eligble for extended checkout. Ask at the Circulation Desk.
1.5 What do I do if I need to keep my books or video tapes for more than 3 weeks? Most books and video tapes will be eligible for "rechecking" or extending the checkout period. Bring items you wish to keep to the the circulation desk. Renewals must be made in person and the material must be presented to the staff to be renewed. No telephone renewals are permitted.
1.6 My books, videos, etc. are late. What do I do? Return your materials as soon as possible. There is a book drop available outside Meadows Library and Ayers Campus Library as well as a drop slot in the door of the Anniston Center Library if you arrive after hours. Materials should be returned to the library you borrowed them from.
Your materials will be checked in the next day. You will be charged a fine for each day each item is late. Books are $.10 a day, and video tapes are $.50 a day. The circulation system records the amount of the fine you are charged.
2.1 I'm taking a video course. What do I do next? After you have registered for a video course, you should attend the orientation session in order to receive the syllabus for each video course you are taking. The syllabus will provide you with information concerning the text book(s), tests, and other assignments as well as contact information for the instructor or required class meetings. These syllabi are available only from the Instructor.
2.2 What do I do after I get a syllabus? You will need to come to one of the GSCC Libraries to check out the video tapes required for your course. (You must have a student id/library card in order to check out course materials.)
Currently you can check out two tapes for each course you are taking. Tapes are available on a first come, first served basis and may be checked out for up to three weeks. In order to recheck the tapes, you must bring them back to the circulation desk.
In addition to the regular checkout period for video courses, the Libraries also offer extended checkout. Students may check out the entire course until the end of the semester. However, if the tapes are not returned on time and in good condition, a charge of up to $150.00 will be added to your college account. The late fees for extended checkout are the same as for regular checkout--$.50 per day, per tape.
2.3 Do I need a television and VCR in order to take a video course? Taking a video course without a VCR is very difficult. The GSCC Libraries have a limited number of viewing stations. They are available on a first come, first served basis during library hours.
3.1 How do I get a book from another GSCC Library? You may use any of the GSCC Libraries and have full checkout privileges at each location upon presenting a current student id or library card. If you are unable to go to the other locations, please ask about InterLibrary Loan. Please be aware that this process can take several days. This means that you must request the material in advance.
3.2 I need a book from another library. What do I do? Library Staff will provide you with the appropriate form to request material from another library. This process can take up to 2 weeks.
3.3 Can I borrow audio books or video tapes from another library? No. Audio books, video tapes, computer programs, "new" (current year purchase) books are not exchanged between libraries. Current bestsellers are among materials that cannot be borrowed from other libraries.
3.4 I need a magazine article that Meadows Library doesn't have. What do I do? The librarians can request magazine articles from other libraries through Interlibrary Loan. You can submit 3 requests at a time. Member libraries of Library Management Network do not usually charge for sending copies of magazine articles. Magazine articles from other libraries may have an additional cost. The librarian will ask your permission before requesting these materials, or you can indicate an amount that you are willing to pay on the request form.
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3.4 How much does Interlibrary Loan Cost? Materials borrowed from LMN Members do not usually have an extra charge unless the item is late, lost, or damaged. Materials (magazine articles, books, etc.) from other libraries may have an additional cost. The librarian will ask your permission before requesting these materials, or you can indicate an amount that you are willing to pay on the request form.
3.5 How long does Interlibrary Loan take? Most Interlibrary Loan requests take between 7 and 14 days. The process can take longer depending on the type of materials requested and the work load of the other libraries.
3.6 Who can use GSCC Interlibrary Loan? Faculty, staff, and students of GSCC can use Interlibrary Loan. If you have questions about using Interlibrary Loan, please ask the librarian.
4.1 What are reference materials? Reference materials include dictionaries, encyclopedias, almanacs, periodical indexes, atlases, and college catalogs or schedules. Many specialized reference works and bibliographies are also considered to be for reference use. They are not usually items that you would want to read from cover to cover. These materials allow you to locate required information fairly quickly, read and take notes, or make photocopies for later use. These materials are kept in one location (the Reference Center or Ready Reference) for easier access.
4.2 Where is the Reference Center at Meadows Library? The Reference Center in Meadows Library is connected to the Reading Room by a hallway. If you have problems locating the Reference Center, ask someone at the Circulation Desk for directions.
4.3 Can reference materials be checked out? Reference materials cannot be checked out. You can, however, make photocopies of selected materials.
5.1 Is there a difference between a magazine and a journal? Magazines and Journals are similar. A journal is usually written by people who have studied and worked in the subject field.
5.2 What is a periodical? A periodical is any magazine or journal (sometimes a book) that is published at regular intervals. (for example: weekly, monthly, yearly)
5.3 Where are the magazines/journals? The magazines/journals are located in the Reference Center, Ready Reference, or another designated area.
5.4 Are the magazines/journals in any sort of order? Yes, the magazines/journals are in alphabetical order by title. Not only do you need to know the title of the magazine/journal, but you also need to know the date (or volume) and page numbers.
Microfiche. Many of the magazines/journals are replaced by microfiche. The microfiche are kept alphabetically by title in special cabinets. Special machines are required to view or make copies of articles if they desire. Ask Library staff for help if you have never used these machines before. Copiers may not be available at all locations.
Microfilm. A small collection of magazines/journals at Meadows Library is in Microfilm. It is located in the stacks of the Reference Center. Once again, these are arranged in alphabetical order by title. A special machine is located in the Reference Center in order for students to make photocopies of articles if they desire. Ask Library staff for help if you have never used these machines before.
Bound. These magazines/journals are sewn into books. Like the other magazines, they are arranged in alphabetical order by title. Photocopies can be made if you desire.
Full Text. This is the newest way of providing magazines/journals for your use. Currently some full text is available on the Local Area Network of the Reference Center and through the Alabama Virtual Library. Ask the Library staff for more details. These articles can be read in the Reference Center, downloaded onto a computer disk, or printed ($.10 per page).
5.5 Can I check out a magazine/journal? Ask. At some GSCC libraries, magazines/journals are considered to be Reference Materials and are unavailable for check out.
5.6 I need a magazine/journal article that the GSCC Libraries don't have. What do I do? The librarians can request magazine/journal articles from other libraries through Interlibrary Loan. You can submit 3 requests at a time. For more information, refer to the Interlibrary Loan section of this FAQ, or ask your librarian.
5.7 What is the Alabama Virtual Library? The Alabama Virtual Library is a collection of databases [magazine articles, encyclopedias, dictionaries, etc.] that the state of Alabama as subscribed to for the benefit of the citizens. You can access the AVL from any public school or public library. You can obtain a special library card for home access from your Public Library. Students, Faculty, and staff of GSCC are eligible to apply for the AVL card at the circulation desk of any GSCC Library. Distance Education Students may also apply for a Home Access by submitting the on-line application.
6.1 Where is the Card Catalog? The GSCC Libraries use an online public access catalog or PAC.
6.2 Where is the PAC? The PAC is available from any Internet connected computer on campus or in the library.
6.3 Is the PAC on the Internet? Yes. You can search the PAC at http://web2.lmn.lib.al.us.
6.4 How do I use the PAC? Special bookmarks are available at each library which give directions on using the PAC. There is also an online tutorial available on the Resources page. Or, you can ask any member of the Library staff for assistance.
6.5 Why don't I see books from Ayers Campus Library when I search the PAC?" Currently the Ayers Campus Library uses a different PAC. It is available at http://www.ayers.cc.al.us/athcgi/. Plans are underway for the 2 PAC to be merged in 2004.
7.1 After I use the PAC, how do I find the book? Copy down or print the call number for each book that you select. These call numbers are like street addresses for each book. The books at each library are arranged in call number order.
7.2 What kind of call numbers are these anyway? The GSCC Libraries use Library of Congress call numbers. Each call number is a combination of 1 or 2 letters and up to 4 numbers. Then comes the decimal point and more letters and numbers. A good explanation for finding books using the call numbers is at http://www.hcc.hawaii.edu/education/hcc/library/callno.html.
7.3 Can I use this call number at another library? Yes. Many universities and colleges (and even some public libraries) use Library of Congress call numbers. This means that the same book will have a very similar call number at other libraries using this system. (Sometimes numbers at the very end of the call number might be a little different.)
8.1 Where are the photocopy machines? At Meadows Library the photocopy machines are located in Room 103 in the Reference Center. The Anniston Center Library photocopier is to the left as you enter the library. A photocopier is also available at the Ayers Campus Library. Ask for help, if you have trouble locating the copiers.
8.2 Do I need a Librarian to make copies for me? No. The photocopy machines are self service (and easy to operate). But, if you need special assistance, the library staff will help you.
8.3 How much do copies cost? Copies are $.10 each. The photocopy machines are equipped to change dollar bills, and additional change is available at the Circulation Desk.
8.4 Can I make transparencies? No. These machines are not designed to make transparencies. There is a commercial service available at a nearby business. Ask the Library staff for directions.
8.5 What about microfiche and microfilm copies at Meadows Library? Currently Meadows Library has a reader/printer which will photocopy either microfiche or microfilm. Directions on use of the machine is located next to it, or you may ask staff members for help. The printer will only accept dimes which you may obtain at the Circulation Desk.
8.6 Are there rules about making photocopies? Yes.
Notice: Warning Concerning Copyright Restrictions
The copyright law of the United States {Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law
9.1 I have a library fine and cannot register. What do I do? You need to return your borrowed books or tapes to the library you borrowed them from and pay the late fees. After the fees have been paid, the library staff will remove the fine from your records. If the library is closed, there are book drops available outside Meadows Library and Ayers Campus Library as well as a drop slot in the door of the Anniston Center Library for your convenience. Fines will be recorded for later payment.
9.2 I paid my fine in the Business Office. Why didn't you update my records? Unless you or the Business Office personnel send the library a copy of your receipt, the staff cannot know that you paid your fine. Another possiblity is that you didn't return the material, and the fines have continued to accumulate.
- Library Home Page
- GSCC Home Page
- PAC {Public Access Catalog
- Alabama Virtual Library
- Biography Resource Center ***available only on campus
- Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center **Available only on Campus
- Faculty and Staff Handbook
- Library Map
- Anniston Center Library
Meadows Library
Gadsden State Community College
256-549-8333Melinda Harvey
256-549-8412Updated April 1, 2004
