Frequently Asked Questions
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?
- What are my User 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?
- 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?
- 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. Contact the Library 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.
What are my User ID and PIN? What do I need them for?
Your User ID is your Social Security number followed by '100' for students, '200' for faculty/staff (no spaces or dashes). Your PIN is the last 4 numbers of your SSN.
For example, if your SSN is 123-45-6789 and you are a student, then your User ID is 123456789100 and your PIN is 6789.
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.
How do I check out materials?
To check materials out from the library, you must present your student or faculty/staff ID at the circulation desk. If you have not yet gotten your ID, please see Student Services, located in the front offices of Bldg C.
Your ID must be valid. It is valid if you are currently enrolled in or employed by RPCC.
For more information, see the Librarys Circulation Policy
My ID IS valid. Why can't I check out something?
An ID 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 word or phrase (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 the Career Books, CD-ROMs, etc., 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?
Look at the names and descriptions of the databases to decide which may be most useful. Some, such as Academic Search Premier®, 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, on the blue menu near the top, and in the list of Library Links in the left column. This is so users don't have to go back to the Library's home page to access the resourse that we have to offer.
Select a database. You will be prompted to login to the LOUIS Licensed Databases. Here, you will need to enter your User ID & PIN and select River Parishes Community College. Then click "Authenticate."
How do I check my account or renew my materials online?
From the Librarys homepage, or on any other part of the Library website where you see "Library Catalog" or "Catalog," click it.
On the grey menu bar, to the far right, you will see a link, "My Account." Click this.
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; not all records include an Alternate ID, so you should use your User ID as described above), 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.
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 Librarian to get your message will respond as soon as possible.
How many items am I allowed to check out?
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.
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 overdue fine, 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!
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 have a procedure in place for finding 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 will 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.
When the fine for an item reaches the maximum amount, a bill will be sent for the maximum fine. 60 days after an items due date, it will be considered lost and result in a bill including the fine, processing fee and replacement cost.
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 fines will still apply as well as some or all of the processing fee.
No adjustments may be made to a bill that has been paid, more than 180 days have passed, 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 transcripts and grades.
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, a $20.00 Processing Fee, and, if applicable, any overdue fines.
A bill for a damaged item may also include any or all of the above charges, depending on the circumstances and the extent of the damages. The Library staff can tell whether a damaged item can be repaired or must be replaced.
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 no identification on the card, lost cards cannot be returned to the owner.
The Print Card purchased in the Library can also be used in the Computer Lab in Building B.
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.
Once you understand what your instructor's requirements are 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 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.
Certain special accomodations may also need to be arranged in advance through Student Services.
If, for whatever reason, you cannot make your scheduled time, you must contact us to cancel or reschedule as soon as possible.
Failure to comply with these instructions may result in your not being allowed to take your test!
For more details, please see our Proctored Testing Service page.