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Library Frequently Asked Questions

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Borrowing Luria Library materials

Who may borrow from Luria Library?
Currently enrolled students and currently employed faculty and staff can borrow materials from the SBCC Library. In addition, any member of the public may join the Friends of Luria Library for as low as $10 per year. As a member, you may check out library materials.

How long may library materials be checked out?
The main collection of books may be checked out for 15 days. Back issues of periodicals (magazines, newspapers and journals) may be checked out for one week. Books may be renewed by phone, in person, or online as long as no other person has requested the material. Reserve items are checked out for shorter periods of time, generally for two hours.

Do I need a library card to check out books and other items at Luria Library?
Your SBCC student ID card is your library card.

Are there fines for overdue materials?
Yes. For details, see the Library Policies on Overdue Fines.

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Borrowing materials from other libraries

Can I check out materials at UCSB?
Santa Barbara City College students may use the facilities at UCSB, but will need to purchase a card ($100/year) or join their Friends of the Library ($50) group. See UCSB policy.

Contract certificated staff at SBCC may request a library card from UCSB at their circulation desk by presenting valid identification. You may borrow books for three weeks with unlimited renewals if no other requests exist for the title.

How do I request a book or article not available in the Luria Library?
All students, faculty, and staff may request up to 20 items each year through interlibrary loan without charge. Complete the interlibrary loan request form.

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Community Borrowers and Friends of Luria Library

I live in the community but do not attend SBCC, can I check out materials?
Yes, you may join the Friends of Luria Library for an annual fee. As a member you enjoy borrowing privileges from our print collection (with the exception of Reference and Archives).

How much is membership in the Friends of Luria Library?
Students from other institutions pay $10/year. General membership is $25/year with other membership levels of $50, $100, $250, $500, and $1000. Purchase your membership at the library circulation desk.

As a member, can I use the interlibrary loan service?
No, interlibrary loan services are not available for community borrowers.

As a member, can I use the databases and library computers?
No, library database access is limited to currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff only.

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Course Reserves

Can I check out a copy of my class textbook?
Yes, we have many textbooks (but not all) available at the library Reserve Desk. In most cases, reserve materials must be used in the library and are limited to a 2-hour checkout. Materials may be renewed if no other student is waiting. Students may hold a title for a specific time by checking at the Reserve Desk.

What other materials are available at the Reserve Desk?
The library reserve collection includes course notes, sample exams, and other instructor prepared materials.

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Homework or Research Help

Can I make an appointment for help with my assignments?
Yes, please complete contact form with your request..

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Overdues, fines, lost items, blocks, etc.

My library materials are overdue, what should I do?
Though you may have accumulated fines, materials may be renewed by phone, in person, or online as long as no other person has requested the material.

How much are the fines?

  • Circulating Book: $0.20 per day up to $10.00 per book
  • Pamphlet: $0.10 per day up to $2.00 per pamphlet
  • Magazines: $0.10 per day up to $2.00 per magazine
  • Reserve Materials: $1.00 per HOUR up to $24.00 per book. Please note, if we bill you for a Reserve title (approximately 3-days late) you will be responsible for the full cost of the item, even if the book is returned.
  • Paperback Book: $0.20 per day up to $8.00 per book
  • Interlibrary Loan: $1.00 per day up to $24.00 per book

What should I do if I lost the materials I have checked out?
Notify the library immediately so overdue fines do not accumulate. Students are charged for the replacement cost, plus a $5.00 processing fee for lost materials. If the item is overdue, students are also responsible for overdue fees.

What is a "lost" item?
An regular item that is 14 days past due will automatically move to the 'lost' status in our computer system. At that point, a non-refundable $5.00 processing fee is generated in addition to any overdue fees.

Where do I pay?
Student can pay by contacting the Cashiers Office (SS 150) or at the library checkout desk.

Can I pay my library hold online?
The library does not have an option for paying online at this time. However, if circumstances warrant we can make arrangements with the Cashiers Office to pay at the time of tuition payment. Use the Contact Us form to make this request.

What happens if I don't pay my fees?
Students will be unable to register for classes or receive transcripts until account has been cleared.

Where can I return library materials?
Materials you have checked out should be returned in one of the library's book returns. There are book return slots in the circulation desk where you can leave books and other materials. In addition, a book drop is located near the east campus entrance and in the turn around area near the Business and Communication building. Another book depository slot is located on the outside wall near the building entrance Materials that you have used in the library but haven't checked out can be left at your seat for pickup or placed in a book return bin. Do not reshelve the books. Library workers will reshelve the books for you. CDs and reserve materials must be returned to the reserve desk.

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Getting help with research

Where do I go if I need help while visiting the library?
If you need any help understanding how to write a works cited page, finding a book or periodical, or need any quick guidance on your visit to the Luria Library our librarians at the Reference Desk in the center of the upper floor will be happy to help you.

I need help with writing a paper, where do I go?
The Writing Lab located across the hall from the Luria Library, has a number of writing labs and online information to help you get your paper started. The Writing Lab offers drop-in and by-appointment assistance with pre-writing, organizational, thesis and content development, sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, and spelling as well as research composition format.

Can I get help with my research and assignments without coming to the library?
Yes. Please use the services found on the Contact Us page for real time and remote help.

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Accessing databases from off-campus

Are the library databases and library catalog available from off campus?
Yes, all students, faculty, and staff can access our paid subscription databases from off-campus. All you need is your Pipeline username and password to authenticate. You can connect to the library catalog or our database page.

I don't know my Pipeline username and password. Where can I find my Pipeline username?
If you have forgotten your Pipeline information, you can retrieve your username and password on the Pipeline login screen.

When I login to ProQuest, it asks for another username and password and I can't connect. What can't I connect?
ProQuest may not connect correctly if your computer has security software installed and enabled (such as Norton Security or Zone Alarm). It is easy to configure these products so you can connect to ProQuest. Select the product you use from the ProQuest Support site.

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Services for distance learning students

I am a student that doesn't live in the Santa Barbara area, can I still check out books from the library?
Yes. Please send an email to library [at] sbcc.edu with your request and we can mail you the material. Please include your student ID number and mailing address. This service is only available for students who do not live in the immediate Santa Barbara area and are unable to come to campus.

Can I access the library catalog and the library databases from off campus?
Yes, please see the section on accessing databases from off-campus.

Where can I get help with my assignment?
See the research section of this document.

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Group study rooms and/or meeting rooms

Are there any rooms available to students for group study or tutoring?
Yes, we have 8 rooms available for students for group study. We have six small rooms on the lower level, one small room on the main level, and one large room on the main floor. All rooms have chalkboards or whiteboards available (except the small room on the main floor). Two of the lower level rooms may be reserved no more than 7-days in advance. Reservations are taken at the circulation desk or by calling 805.730.4430.

Can faculty or staff reserve any spaces in the library?
Yes, in addition to the student group study areas, faculty may reserve any of the following:

  • Library Faculty Study -- This is available for any faculty member to schedule. It has a large conference table that can seat 10-15 people, plus some comfortable seating around the room. Please contact Kenley Neufeld to schedule the Faculty Study. See Faculty Study availability.
  • Library Cyber Center -- This is our open computer lab in the library. If you are doing library related research, we can host your class in the open library lab. Please contact any librarian to schedule.
  • Room L-146 -- his room is primarily used for library instructional purposes, but may be used by other faculty and staff if the room is available. It cannot be scheduled on a ongoing basis and you can only schedule no more than 7-days in advance. Contact any librarian to schedule. See L-146 availability.

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Photocopiers and printers

Are photocopiers available in the library?
Yes, we have three black/white photocopy machines available for student use. They are located on the main floor to the right of the front doors. Copies are $0.10 per page.

Is there a staff photocopy machine in the library?
Yes, we have a staff photocopy machine located on the lower level in the staff area. Please see library staff if you are having trouble finding the machine.

Can I print in color?
Yes, we have a color printer available in the Library Cyber Center. Print outs are $0.50 per page. The printer is located in the Library Cyber Center.

Does the library provide photo paper or transparencies?
No, if a student wishes to print on anything other than plain white paper, students will need to bring it with them.

Can I pay for print outs and copies with a credit card?
At this time, the library can only accept cash for printing and copying.

How much does it cost to print out black/white?
The cost is $0.10 per page. The printer is located in the Library Cyber Center.

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Computers

Are computers available in the library?
Yes, we have 60 up-to-date Windows-based computers on the main floor of the library. Students may be required to provide a current student ID card when using computers.

What software is available in the library?
Each computer is installed with Microsoft Office and a standard suite of web browsers and media players.

Do you have a scanner?
Two of the computer stations have a scanner attached. Priority is given to DSPS students.

Is wireless available in the library?
Yes, wireless is available throughout the library. Laptop users are required to provide their Pipeline username and password in order to use the wireless network.

Can I print from laptop computer?
Printing from personal laptops is not currently available. However, we have resources available for you to move files from your laptop to a library computer for printing purposes. Please stop at the Reference Desk for assistance.

Can members of the public use library computers?
We have three stand-up stations available for short-term use without a SBCC ID card.

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Other / General

Can I post announcements or posters in the library?
Yes, you can post your poster or announcement on the glass windows to the right of the library doors. Material may be removed at the discretion of the library staff. Please do not post any materials inside the library.

Are displays cases available for exhibiting?
Yes, we have several display cases for showcasing materials. If you have an idea for an exhibit, please see the Library Director.

What is your cell phone policy?
Library users may use their cell phone on the main floor of the library, as long as it is not a disturbance to others. As a courtesy, please set the ringer to vibrate or off while in the library. We do request that you refrain from cell phone use on the lower level and in the stairways. Text messaging is ok anywhere.

It's so loud, are there any quiet areas in the library?
Yes, the lower level of the library is our quiet area where library patrons are asked to not talk or study in groups (with the exception of the group study rooms). If the noise level on the lower level is disturbing, please see one of the library staff.

Can I get a latte or other drinks in the library?
Yes, the library has a full service cafe located on the main level. The hours of operation are 7:30am to 8:00pm (closes at 2:00pm on Friday).

Can I suggest a book for the library collection?
Yes, please contact Elizabeth Bowman at (805) 965-0581 x2633 or email: bowmane [at] sbcc.edu with your suggestion.

Does the library sell any books?
Yes, we have an ongoing Friends of the Library book sale on the main floor of the library. Most titles are donations and sell for under $1.00. We do not sell textbooks.

Do you have a map of the library?
Yes, view the lower level or main floor maps.

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Library Calendars, Hours, and Holidays

How do I find out if a room is available or if an activity is occurring in the library?
We have the following calendars available:

What are the library hours?
During the Fall and Spring semesters, our normal hours of operation are

  • Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
  • Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m
During the Summer semesters, our normal hours of operation are
  • 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
  • 8:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. - Wednesday
  • 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Friday

Are you open when school is not in session?
Yes, the main floor of the library is open between semesters and over breaks for studying, administrative tasks, and computer access. The hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00-2:00.

What days is the library closed?

  • All Saturdays
  • All Fridays when school is not in session
  • Sunday, November 11, 2007
  • Monday, November 12, 2007
  • Thursday, November 22, 2007
  • Friday, November 23, 2007
  • Sunday, November 25, 2007
  • Monday, December 24, 2007
  • Tuesday, December 25, 2007
  • Wednesday, December 26, 2007
  • Thursday, December 27, 2007
  • Monday, December 31, 2007
  • Tuesday, January 1, 2008
  • Monday, January 21, 2008
  • Friday, February 15, 2008
  • Sunday, February 17, 2008
  • Monday, February 18, 2008
  • Sunday, March 30, 2008
  • Friday, April 4, 2008
  • Sunday, April 6, 2008

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Library Policies and Statements

What library policies are available online?

What is the mission of the library?
The Library seeks to facilitate and improve learning by providing collections and services to meet the educational, cultural and professional needs of students and faculty.

 

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Hours of Operation

Monday - Thursday
7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday
1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Closed Saturdays and Holidays