CLC Libraries and Instructional Services

F.A.Q: Frequently Asked Questions

You are here: Home > Help > F.A.Q

About the library and services

About remote access and online resources

Please see the Remote Access F.A.Q

How do I obtain a library card?
You can obtain a library card at the Grayslake campus circulation desk. For more information please see the "Getting a Library Card" page.

Can I use my student ID card to check out a book?
Yes you can use your student ID card to check out books at the circulation desk.

How do I check out a book?
Take the book(s) you would like to check out to the circulation desk located on the first floor of the LRC on the Grayslake campus. You will need a library card or your student ID card to check out items. If you do not have a library card you can obtain one from the circulation desk as well.

How many books can I check out at one time?
As many as you like. There is no limit.

How do I check out a Video, DVD, or other media?
Take the material from the Audio Visual area to the Circulation desk on the first floor. If you need a library card, you may obtain one there.

My Instructor said he/she placed a book on reserve, what does that mean?
When an instructor places a book on reserve, he has asked the library to hold the book at the circulation desk to help ensure his or her students have access to the book before other patrons. Items on reserve usually have a 2 hour time limit and cannot be removed from the library. This does not always guarantee that the item will be available.

Which computer lab is best for me?

If you need research assistance from a skilled reference librarian, or to search the library catalog, databases, use a microfichee reader etc., use the Reference lab on the second floor.
If you need to write a paper, listen to computer accessible music and sounds, or conduct other personal business use the main lab on the first floor of the library.
If you are doing a multimedia project you can take advantage of the open lab time is rooms D131 and D133. Check the boards just inside the door of each room for availability.

What are the rules for using computers in the 2nd floor Reference area lab?
Use the reference area computers for research purposes. Viewing objectionable materials are not permitted in either lab.

What are the rules for using computers in the 1st floor lab?
The Library lab on the first floor is an open environment and the computers are equipped to handle most multimedia type applications. Use this lab for surfing the web, graphic arts, CAD, writing email, and writing papers. Viewing objectionable materials are not permitted in the lab.

What is the technology policy, and what does it mean to me?
The Academic Technology Fair Use Policy is a college wide policy concerning how computers and technology should be used on campus. For more information please access the Technology Policy page.

I'm writing my first paper, where should I begin?
Come to the Reference desk on the second floor of the library. The Reference Librarian will help you determine if you need current or retrospective information, and in which subject areas. There are books, audiovisual materials, and pamphlets available through the online catalog. Also, there are many electronic databases from which to choose articles and newspapers. You may also access the catalog and some databases from off campus through the library's webpage.

What is plagiarism and how can I avoid it?
Plagiarism is using another author's work as your own. Rewriting someone else's ideas in your own words, called paraphrasing, is still plagiarism if you fail to give credit to the original author. If you are writing a research paper, your instructor will most likely talk to you about plagiarism and show you how to cite your work. If you need more information on plagiarism or citation please see a librarian at the reference desk or visit the Research Help section of this website.

How do instructors arrange for students to take a tour of the library?
Stop by the Reference Desk on the second floor so that the date and time you would like is placed on the Bibliographic Instruction calendar. That way, there will not be two classes scheduled at one time. You may also call ext. 2071 to make your request.

What does placing an item on reserve (or booking an item) mean?
When materials (books and audiovisuals) will be used by a large number of students during a semester, it is recommended that they be placed on reserve at the Circulation Desk. Placing an item on reserve helps ensure that your students will have access to it. The instructor chooses the loan period of one week, two days, or two hour room use only. When students want to check out the item you reserved they must go to the circulation desk and ask for it.

How do instructors place an item on reserve for students?
You may bring your items, whether personal or from the College collection, to the Circulation desk on the first floor. The staff assistant will take the information such as how many hours or days or up to one week you would like materials on the Reserve shelves for your students. Some materials, such as CD's or DVD's have specific amounts of time. You may call ext. 2438, Louanne Mauro, or ext. 2619, Circulation, if you have specific questions.
[ back ]

Search Our Shelves

Database Quicklinks

Worldcat

From Us to You:

Blogs | Browser Toolbar | New Books | Website of the Week | Podcasts

From You to Us:

Feedback | Evaluation Form | Survey(s)

The main branch of CLC Libraries and Instructional Services is located at:
College of Lake County 19351 W. Washington Street, Grayslake, IL 60030
Phone: 847-543-2071 | Fax: 847-223-7690 | Email: librarian@clcillinois.edu

© 2009 College of Lake County. All Right Reserved.
Publisher: CLC Libraries and Instructional Services | Terms of Use |

This site is best viewed with any standards-compliant web browser.