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F.A.Q for Students
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 "How to Obtain 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.
How do I find an item my instructor placed on reserve?
Talk to a clerk at the circulation desk. They will ask you for the name of your instructor and the title of the item you would like to view. If the item is available you can check it out for a specified amount of time for viewing in the library.
Which computer lab is best for me?
- If you need to search the library catalog, databases, use a microfichee reader etc., use the Reference lab.
- If you need to write a paper, listen to computer accessible music and sounds, or conduct other personal business use the main LRC lab.
- 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.
Use the reference area computers for research purposes. Because the lab is small, and the computers are not equiped to handle multimedia type applications we ask that all other use such as writing papers and personal printing (non-school related), etc., be conducted in the main lab located on the 1st floor. 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 fair use policy, and what does it mean to me?
The Fair Use Policy is a college wide policy concerning how computers and technology should be used on campus. For more information please access the Fair Use 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.
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