Frequently Asked Questions
Click a question below to jump to the answer. Many of the questions below are also covered by tutorials. Please see the Tutorials link to the left for guided help in using many of the resources that we have to offer.
- Where is the Library located?
- What are the Library's hours?
- Are food and drinks allowed in the Library?
- How do I contact the Library/Librarians?
- Who may use the library?
- What are my User ID, Alt ID, and PIN? What do I need them for?
- How do I check out materials?
- My ID is valid. Why can't I check out something?
- What is the "Catalog?"
- What are the "Stacks?"
- How do I find items on the shelves?
- What are the "Databases" and what does "Full-Text" mean?
- Which databases should I use?
- How do I access the databases from off-campus?
- What are eBooks?
- How do I check my account or renew my materials online?
- I tried, to renew my items online, but couldn't. Why? Now what?
- How many items am I allowed to check out?
- Where do I return my materials?
- What are the overdue fines?
- What happens if I lose or damage a book or any other item?
- What are the different notices that may be sent by the Library?
- How do I print or make copies in the Library?
- Can I scan documents in the Library?
- What are "Student Success Workshops?"
- What is "Bibliographic Instruction?"
- What are "Course Reserves?"
- What is "Proctored Testing?" How can I make up a missed test or take one for an online course?
Don't see what you need here? Send us your question to lrc@rpcc.edu and we'll get back to you. Your question may even be added to our list!
Where is the Library located?
The Library is in Building C, in rooms C124 and C119. The outside Library doors are the last set of double doors in Building C.
What are the Library's hours?
The Library's hours vary throughout the year, with shorter hours during the breaks than during the semesters.
LIBRARY SERVICES HOURS
| FALL & SPRING SEMESTERS |
| Monday - Thursday 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM |
| Friday 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday* CLOSED |
| Sunday & Holidays CLOSED |
| SUMMER SEMESTERS |
|---|
| Monday - Thursday 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM |
| Friday 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday, Sunday & Holidays CLOSED |
| BETWEEN SEMESTERS |
| Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday, Sunday & Holidays CLOSED |
Hours are subject to change.
*The Library will be open on Saturdays during midterm and final exams. Check HERE for exact times and dates.
Are food and drinks allowed in the Library?
No. Eating and drinking in the Library attract pests and can result in damage to the materials and equipment. Unopened food and drinks may be placed inside book bags. If you are caught eating or drinking, we will ask that you take it outside.
How do I contact the Library/Librarians?
Our email address is lrc@rpcc.edu.
The phone numbers are: Circulation Desk -> 225-675-0218 and Learning Resource Center (the LRC, room C119) -> 225-675-0231.
The mailing address is:
RPCC Library Services
P.O. Box 310
Sorrento, LA 70778.
More information and a map are available on the Library's Contacts page.
Who may use the library?
Anyone may come in and use the materials and resources in the library, but only currently enrolled students and currently employed faculty and staff may borrow materials or access online resources from off campus that require their Library User ID or Alternate ID and PIN (see the next question).
Students who attend other institutions but are also cross- or dual-enrolled at RPCC are also entitled to borrow materials and to access online resources from off campus using their Library User ID or Alternate ID & PIN. You are also entitled to an ID card from RPCC and we highly recommend getting one.
There are also options for people who are not affiliated with RPCC to borrow items. Check with a librarian for more information. A valid photo ID will be required.
What are my User ID, Alt ID and PIN? What do I need them for?
Everyone affiliated with RPCC, whether a student, faculty or staff, has a User ID, an Alt ID, and a PIN.
You will need these numbers to access your library account, either on or off campus, and to access the databases from an off-campus computer.
For students, your User ID is your RPCC ID number (the 9-digit number that starts with 89 that is shown on your fee bills, etc.) followed by 100. For example, if your RPCC ID is 89-76-54321, then your Library User ID would be 897654321100.
For faculty & staff, your User ID is your Social Security number followed by 200, e.g., 123456789200.
For ALL users, your Alternate (or ALT) ID is your Social Security Number.
The PIN for all users is the last 4 numbers of your SSN.
For information about your User ID, Alt ID, and PIN, click HERE.
How do I check out materials?
To check materials out from the library, you must present a photo ID at the circulation desk, preferably your RPCC ID. If you have not yet gotten your ID, please see Student Services, located in the front offices of Bldg C.
Your account must be valid. It is valid if you are currently enrolled in or employed by RPCC, or have otherwise been granted circulation privileges and are in good standing.
For more information, see the Librarys Circulation Policy
My account is valid. Why can't I check out something?
An account can be blocked for various reasons. A patron may have reached the limit of items allowed for check out, items may be overdue, or bills may still be owed.
Check with a Librarian. Please note that we CANNOT discuss specific information, such as titles or amounts owed, over the phone. Even in-person, unless we know you personally, we will ask for a photo ID. This is to protect your privacy AND it's the law.
What is the "Catalog?"
The Catalog is the electronic version of the old card catalogs once used in libraries; this is the database that lists all materials owned by the library.
Click the "Catalog" link on the Library's homepage to begin your search.
You can search for materials by "keywords anywhere" (most common choice), author, title, subject, series, or periodical title.
For more information on searching our catalog, please see Searching the Catalog on our Tutorials page.
A staff member will be happy to help you use the catalog if needed.
What are the "Stacks?"
"Stacks" is what the general shelving is usually called in a library. Ours are in room C124.
How do I find items on the shelves?
The Library uses the Library of Congress classification system, a combination of letters and numbers organized by subject. The items are shelved alphabetically by call number class, then numerically. Please see a staff member if you need help in locating an item.
Items that are listed as "Oversize" are located on the shelves along the back wall by call number.
DVDs and VHS cassettes are on the top shelves in the Library, by call number, with the exception of the Math tutorial videos, which are in the LRC (room C119).
Other print and non-print materials, such as journals, newspapers, magazines, and CD-ROMs, are also in Room C119.
What are the "Databases" and what does "Full-Text" mean?
The Databases are indexes of articles, etc., published in periodicals (journals, magazines, newspapers, etc.).
Different sets of databases may look different, but they have similar options to search for articles and other resources.
"Full-text" means that you can access the entire article. Depending on the file format, the electronic version may or may not look exactly as it does in print, but regardless of the appearance, the content WILL be the same.
Not all databases offer full-text, nor are all articles, even in those databases that do offer full-text.
Ask a librarian if you need more information or assistance using the databases.
Which databases do I use?
Our Databases page includes brief descriptions. Browse through the names and descriptions to decide which may be most useful. Some, such as Academic Search Complete®, cover a wide range of subject areas, while others are more specific, like Science and Technology Collection®.
How do I access the databases from off-campus?
You will find links to the Databases on every page in the Library's website in the list of Library Links in the left column.
Select a database. You will be prompted to login to the LOUIS Licensed Databases. Here, you will need to enter your User ID or your ALT ID, & your PIN and select River Parishes Community College. Then click "Authenticate."
For information about your User ID, Alt ID, and PIN, click HERE.
What are eBooks?
E-Books are electronic versions of print books. We subscribe to a number of e-Book resources and there are several online sources that offer some full-text for free for materials that are no longer protected by copyright.
Our sources include NetLibrary, World Book E-Books Center, EBSCO Book Collection, & LearningExpress Library eBooks.
Our NetLibrary eBooks collection is the only collection of e-books that is included in our Online Catalog; individual books may be accessed through the catalog or users may also search NetLibrary directly.
More information on how to access e-book collections, create accounts for NetLibrary andLearningExpress Library eBooks and other free online ebook sources, can be found HERE.
How do I check my account or renew my materials online?
From the Librarys homepage, or on any other part of the Library website, click links for "Library Catalog" or "Catalog."
On the grey menu bar, to the far right, click "Renew My Stuff."
Your next options will be to "Review My Account" or "Renew My Materials." When you select one, you will then be asked for your User ID (or Alternate ID), and your PIN.
If you successfully renew your items online (or by phone), be sure to note your new due date!
Remember to Logout and close the browser when you are finished, especially if you are using a public computer. This is to protect your privacy.
If you have any questions or encounter problems when trying to log in, please contact Library staff.
I tried, to renew my items online, but couldn't. Why? Now what?
--Why?
You may have reached your renewal limit or there may be other causes.
--Now what?
If the Library is open (See our Hours, above), you should call us at 225-675-0218, or -0231. If you reach voice mail, please leave a message with your name and complete phone number, including the area code, and we will return your call as soon as possible. If you need immediate assistance, try one of the other numbers listed.
If we are closed, you may call and leave a message or you may send an e-mail to lrc@rpcc.edu (preferred). In either case, be sure to leave complete contact information, including your area code. The first Library staff member to get your message will respond as soon as possible.
How many items am I allowed to check out? How long?
Students may check out up to 10 items, total.
Up to 4 of these can be audiovisual materials (CD-ROMs, DVDs and/or VHS cassettes).
Up to 2 can be Reserve items.
Books are checked out to students for 28 days or to the last day of the semester, whichever comes first. Items may be renewed.
Audio-visual materials are checked out for 2 days, and also may be renewed.
Reserve items vary, but textbooks checkout for 4 hours
Reference items may not be checked out.
See the Circulation Policy for more information:
Where do I return my materials?
During Library hours, please return all items to the Circulation Desk in C124. If the Librarian or Student Worker is away from the desk, be sure to place the item(s) into the slot just below the counter.
If you are returning a Reserve item and no one is at the desk, let a Library staff member know so it can be promptly checked in.
The outside Book Drop is to be used ONLY when the Library is closed. Items placed here will not be retrieved until the next day that the Library is open. Reserve items placed here while the Library is open WILL have fines.
What are the overdue fines?
The fine for regular materials is $.35/day; the maximum fine is $15.00. It takes approximately 43 days to reach $15.00.
The fine for Reserve items is $.10/MINUTE; the maximum fine for Reserve items is $25.00; this will be reached after the item is over 4 HOURS overdue.
All fines and bills MUST be paid in the Bursar's Office. The Library cannot accept payment. We will be able to print a bill for you to take to the Bursar's Office on request.
Once the fine has reached the appropriate maximum amount, the item may then be considered lost, resulting in a bill for the replacement of the item to be issued. Such a bill will include the cost of the item and a $20.00 processing fee PER item.
Also note that owing the Library money or failing to return items will result in a hold being placed on your record, which means that you will not get your grades or transcripts, nor will you be allowed to either register for the next semester or to graduate.
What happens if I lose or damage a book or any other item?
CONTACT THE LIBRARY FIRST!
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MAKE REPAIRS YOURSELF! We have materials and tools to make repairs.
Please DO NOT take it upon yourself to find a replacement copy of a book that you may have lost or damaged. Doing so will NOT save you money. We will still charge the Processing Fee and reserve the right to refuse any item offered. We have specific sources and procedures for obtaining materials.
If you lose or damage a book, you should report it to the Library immediately. This will stop the fine (if the book is overdue when you report it, any accrued fine may still apply), but will also result in a bill for the book, which will include any applicable fine, a processing fee of $20.00 and the replacement cost of the item.
What are the different notices that may be sent by the Library?
The Library sends out Overdue Notices and Bills.
An OVERDUE NOTICE is a letter telling a patron that an item that he or she has checked out is late and has not been renewed or returned to the Library. Such notices are sent once a week. It is in your best interest to know when your materials are due and to return or renew them on time. An Overdue Notice will not have a specific amount due.
A BILL is sent out because a patron owes the Library money for either overdue fines or lost or damaged items. A bill for an overdue fine means that the item has been returned or renewed after the original due date. It WILL include a specific amount due.
A bill for a lost item will include the cost of the item, shown as "LOST" on the bill, and a $20.00 Processing Fee. If you have been billed for an item as lost and have not yet paid the bill, returning the item may result in an adjustment being made to the amount owed. You may be credited the cost of the item, but any overdue fines may still apply as well as some or all of the processing fee.
No adjustments may be made to a bill that has been paid, is more than 180 days old, or if the item has been replaced.
Failure to pay any outstanding fines and/or fees will result in suspension of Library privileges and a hold being placed on your RPCC record. Students with outstanding library accounts from a previous semester must clear their accounts in order to receive their grades/transcripts, graduate and/or register for upcoming semesters.
How do I print or make copies in the Library?
To print from the computers or to make copies in the Library, you need a Print Card.
You can purchase a card from the machine located in the Library next to the double doors leading to the hallway.
You will need a single dollar bill to buy the card, which will have a $.50 credit. You may then add more money to your card as needed, in any denomination of bill up to $20. However, we recommend that you add only what you will need in a short period of time. The machine does not give change, nor does it accept coins. We do not give refunds for unused money left on a card. Since there is usually no identification on the card, lost cards may not be returned to the owner.
All public computers in the Library & C-119 (LRC) send documents to the printer at the Circulation Desk.
The photocopier is located in the back of the Library, C-124.
The Print Card purchased in the Library can also be used in the Computer Lab in Building B.
Can I scan documents in the Library?
Yes! There are 3 scanners located in C-119 (the LRC) for student use.
What are "Student Success Workshops?"
Student Success Workshops are informational sessions offered to students free of charge and do not require pre-registration.
Topics vary from career information and advice to math anxiety.
What is "Bibliographic Instruction?"
This is instruction in the use of library resources and materials.
It can be informal, one-on-one, as needed by individuals, in a class as requested by the instructor, or in the more formal form of the LISR 1000 course, which is worth 1 semester hour of credit.
What are "Course Reserves?"
Course Reserves are materials set aside in the Library for use by students enrolled in specific classes. Such materials may be books, magazines or journals, video tapes or DVDs, etc.
Most of the textbooks required for most classes are also available for a 4-hour check-out.
Students are limited to 2 Reserve items at a time.
Please note: Reserve items carry a higher fine than regular items.
DO NOT return Reserve items to the outside bookdrop while the library is OPEN.
What is "Proctored Testing?" How can I make up a missed test or take one for online courses?
"Proctored Testing" is a service offered by the Library to enable students to make up missed tests or take tests for an online course, within the requirements specified by your instructors and stated in your course syllabi. Different instructors have different requirements, so be sure to check with yours BEFORE signing up to take a test.
It is also available for students who may need certain accommodations. Please see Student Services/Counseling for more information.
Once you understand your instructor's requirements and have met with him or her to arrange to take the test, you MUST sign up with the Library at least 24 hours in advance.
You may come by to sign up, call us at any of the contact numbers, or send a request by e-mail to lrc@rpcc.edu. If the time you request by e-mail or voice mail is not available, someone will contact you as soon as possible to set up another time. Please remember that an appointment requested by e-mail or voice mail is NOT set until it has been confirmed by Library staff.
A valid picture ID is REQUIRED.
If, for whatever reason, you cannot make your scheduled time, you must contact us to cancel or reschedule as soon as possible. You should also check with your instructor if you need additional time.
Failure to comply with these instructions may result in your not being allowed to take your test!
For more details and the testing schedule, please see our Proctored Testing Service page.