Frequently Asked Questions
 Library Card |
Checking-Out Books |
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| Renew & Returning Books |
Holds and Requests |
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| Fines |
Reference Books & Periodicals |
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| Library Hours |
Information Technology |
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| Complaints and Suggestions |
HOW DO I GET A LIBRARY CARD?
Cards are issued at the circulation desk. Non-students who are Bucks County residents may apply for a Community Library Card at the College Library's circulation desk. If you have lost your card, a replacement card costs $3.00.
WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE MY LIBRARY CARD WITH ME?
The Library card is your identification and passport to library services. Always carry it with you. If you should fail to bring your card, we may accept another form of identification, such as a driver's license. Your identity must be established to assure that we are accessing your account.
HOW LONG CAN I KEEP A BOOK?
The normal loan period is 21 days, with up to 3 renewals if not requested by another borrower. The Reserve Desk has special lending rules. Periodicals and reference items do not circulate.
HOW MANY BOOKS MAY I BORROW?
Students may borrow up to 20 titles. Faculty have no limits. Community patrons may borrow up to 10 titles.
CAN I RENEW LIBRARY MATERIALS OVER THE TELEPHONE?
Yes. Students and staff may renew items over the telephone during regular library hours.
DO I HAVE TO RETURN THE MATERIALS TO THIS LIBRARY?
College library materials must be returned to one of the three campus libraries. College library materials will not be accepted at the public libraries, nor will public library materials be accepted at the College libraries.
HOW DO I RETURN BOOKS WHEN THE LIBRARY IS CLOSED?
There is a book drop located at the entrance to the Library. Even if a book is overdue and fines are owed, you can still return the books through the book drop and pay the fines at a later date.
WHAT IF THE BOOK I WANT IS ALREADY CHECKED OUT?
The electronic catalog lists the titles that are in the Library's collection, and indicates whether the item is available or checked out. If a checked-out title is important to you and not readily available elsewhere, you may make a request at the reference desk that the title be placed "on hold" for you. When the item is returned, it will be placed on a shelf at the circulation desk, and a notice will be sent to you, giving you 7 days to pick it up.
WHAT IF THE BOOK I WANT IS ON ANOTHER CAMPUS?
Items can be sent from one BCCC campus library to another for your convenience. Make a request at the reference desk, and a notice will be sent to you in 3-5 days when the item is available for you to pick up.
WHAT IF THE BOOK I WANT IS ONLY IN ANOTHER LIBRARY?
Items not found at the College library may be requested by students and staff through interlibrary loan. Check at the reference desk or use the interlibrary loan form on the library services page. Items borrowed from other libraries should be available within 5-10 days.
WHAT ARE THE FINES IF I DON'T RETURN MATERIALS ON TIME?
Fines are intended to encourage the prompt return of materials so that others may also use the resources of the Library. The daily charge for most items is $.10 per day for each item. If materials are not returned after being 30 days overdue, a bill for the cost of replacing the item, accumulated fines, and an $11.00 service charge are issued for each item. Since Reserve desk items are scheduled to be used by a large number of students in a short span of time, the fines are higher - $.25 per hour, 24 hours a day!
REFERENCE BOOKS AND PERIODICALS
MAY I TAKE OUT REFERENCE BOOKS OR PERIODICALS?
No. These items are intended for in-library use only.
WHAT IF I NEED HELP WITH TECHNOLOGY IN THE LIBRARY?
Illustrated instructions explaining how to use the equipment have been placed near each unit. If you have trouble operating a machine, or discover that it is in need of repair, please go to the Circulation Desk for assistance. For help in using the electronic catalog or online databases, it is best to go to the Reference Desk. Assistance with computer applications, logins and passwords is available at the Technology Learning Center, located in the library.
CAN I USE A LAPTOP IN THE LIBRARY?
Laptops with wireless connections are available for use in the library by currently enrolled students and staff. Registration is required each semester. Please see the Wireless Laptop Lending Policy for more information.
Wireless connections are available for personal laptops. Visit the reference desk or the Technology Learning Center for guidance. However, be aware that we cannot assist with problems in your own computer.
I'M NOT A STUDENT, BUT MAY I USE THE COMPUTERS?
The computers and software in the Library are primarily for the use of currently enrolled Bucks County Community College students. Public patrons must register at the circulation desk and may use computers on the main floor of the library for research purposes if workstations are available. Printing is not available to community patrons. Please email documents and information you need to your home or save it on a CD or memory stick. Please see the Community Privileges document for additional information.
WHEN IS THE LIBRARY OPEN?
The Library's schedule varies according to when the College is in session. Consult the bulletin boards at the entrance to the Library, the library hours page, or call 968-8008 for a recorded message.
HOW DO I REGISTER A COMPLAINT OR SUGGESTION?
The Library is designed to serve the College's students and faculty. When things don't happen the way they should, you can voice your suggestion or complaint in person to the reference librarian, by contacting Reference Desk Online, or you may contact the Director of Library Services, Linda McCann, by phone at 215-968-8003 or by email at mccannl@bucks.edu. In correspondence, be sure to provide details of your suggestion, or information such as date and time of a problem, any staff involved, and your name, address and telephone number if you would like a response or an opportunity to further discuss the situation.
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