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     Question markFrequently Asked Questions 

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.
  • 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.
  • 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 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 Internet. If needed, ask for assistance. 
  • 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 Schedule of Classes for class listings of interest.
  • What is the Library's Web address?
    The Library's Web address or Uniform/Universal Resource Locator (URL) is http://shastacollege.edu/library.  
  • 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. 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. We also have one computer enhanced with MS Works and one with Wordperfect. 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.  One typewriter is still available for student use in the Writing Center.  
  • Is there a scanner available for use in the Library?
    We offer a scanner located near the Reserve computer, on the table closest to the Circulation Desk. It is a free service. Instructions are posted on the table housing the scanner for your convenience.  
  • 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.
  • Where can a group study together?
    There are three Group Study Rooms (Shasta, Tehama, and Trinity) 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. 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 help at the Reference Desk.  
  • Where is a public telephone?
    We no longer have a public telephone in the Library building. There is a telephone that may be used for local calls on the Circulation Desk counter next to the express email computers. Though cell phone use is prohibited within the building, most students use their personal cell phones to receive or make a call outside.
  • 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.) We also have a growing collection of educational streaming videos and maintain links to various streaming video sites on our  Streaming Videos page.
  • 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.
  • 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 from the menu and follow directions. Allow up to three 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 a multipurpose building. There are often classes coming and going. 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.
  • 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.