Navigating the Chabot College Library: Your Gateway to Academic Success

The Chabot College Library serves as a vital hub for academic exploration and research, offering a comprehensive array of resources and services designed to support the educational journey of its students, faculty, and staff. This guide aims to provide a thorough understanding of what the Chabot Library has to offer, from its physical spaces and borrowing policies to its extensive digital collections and technological provisions. Whether you are embarking on a new research project, seeking a quiet study environment, or requiring assistance with academic tools, the Chabot College Library is equipped to meet your needs.

Accessing Library Resources and Assistance

The Chabot College Library is committed to providing accessible support for all its patrons. For immediate research assistance, the reference desk is staffed by knowledgeable librarians ready to help you navigate complex research questions or simply guide you through the library's offerings. Understanding that research needs can arise outside of library hours, Chabot Library extends its support through remote channels. You can connect with a librarian by phone during open hours at (510) 723-6764 or (510) 723-7006. For real-time online assistance, the "Chat with a Chabot Librarian" service is available, offering a convenient way to get answers to your queries from the comfort of your home.

For inquiries specifically related to your library account, including borrowing privileges and renewals, the circulation desk is your point of contact. You can reach the circulation desk by phone at (510) 723-7513 during the library's operating hours. This ensures that whether you are on campus or off, help is readily available to facilitate your academic pursuits.

Library Policies and Etiquette

To ensure a productive and respectful environment for everyone, the Chabot College Library adheres to specific policies. Animals are not permitted within the library premises, with the exception of service animals as defined by Chabot-Las Positas Community College District Board Policy 5525, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, to maintain clear pathways and prevent damage, bicycles, scooters, and similar items are not allowed inside the library.

The library strives to be a welcoming space conducive to study and concentration. In line with this objective, patrons are kindly asked to refrain from using their cell phones for conversations within the building. Students are requested to set their phones and pagers to silent mode upon entering the library. Library faculty and staff may approach individuals speaking loudly on their cell phones and request that they continue their conversations outside the building, thereby minimizing disruptions for other patrons.

Food and Drink Policy

While the library aims to be a comfortable study environment, the bringing of food and drinks into the library is not encouraged. To help preserve the condition of library materials and facilities, students are asked to consume food and beverages outside the building or in designated areas such as the school cafeteria. This policy helps to prevent spills and maintain a clean and orderly atmosphere for all users.

Who Can Use the Library?

The Chabot College Library is dedicated to serving the academic community. Its resources and facilities are primarily available to:

Currently enrolled students: This includes all students actively registered for courses at Chabot College.
Currently enrolled Las Positas College Students: Recognizing the shared services between Chabot and Las Positas Colleges, students from Las Positas are also welcome to utilize Chabot Library resources.
Faculty, Staff, & Administrators: Members of the academic and administrative staff are encouraged to present their college identification card when checking out library materials, streamlining the borrowing process.
Members of the Community: The library also welcomes members of the community to use its resources while within the library. This inclusive approach underscores the library's role as a community resource for learning and information.

Utilizing Library Technology and Services

The Chabot College Library provides essential technological services to support student learning and research. Copy machines are conveniently located within the library for student use, with copies costing $.10 per page. Students can pay for copies using cash or a GoPrint Card. It is important to note that library faculty and staff are not responsible for copies made in error and do not have the funds to reimburse students for such mistakes. The library can assist in making change for students purchasing GoPrint cards or using the copy machines. However, due to the limited amount of money kept for making change, $20.00 bills cannot be accepted.

Computer Facilities and Usage

Per Board Policy 2311, the computing facilities of the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District are provided for use by registered students for instructional activities. Library computers are intended to be primarily utilized for research, writing and printing class papers, reports, and projects, and any other scholarly endeavors. Students who require computers for instructional purposes will be given priority over those accessing the Internet for non-instructional activities. Use of District computer resources for unauthorized activities is strictly prohibited, ensuring that these valuable tools are used for their intended academic purposes.

Wireless Internet Access

Wireless Internet access is available within the Library, offering a convenient way for students to connect their personal devices. However, it is important to note that printing is not available directly from personal wireless laptops or other devices. While the library provides wireless access, it does not guarantee that every device will function seamlessly on the network. Library faculty and staff can offer basic assistance with wireless access issues but are not equipped to provide in-depth technical support for personal computers.

Read also: Logging into Chabot College Canvas

Study Spaces and Group Collaboration

The Chabot College Library offers a variety of spaces to accommodate different study needs. For students working in groups, there are five group study cubicles/spaces designed for utilization by groups of two or more. While students studying alone may use these spaces, they may be asked to relocate if a group of two or more requires the space. For individuals seeking solitude, the library encourages the use of its silent study room, located in room 107A/B, or individual study carrels, providing a focused environment for solo work.

Borrowing and Interlibrary Services

The Chabot College Library, in conjunction with the Las Positas College Library, shares a unified online catalog database. This integration allows for the easy request and transfer of items between the two institutions. If you need to request a book from the Las Positas Library, simply ask at the Circulation Desk. Book shipments typically arrive within 2-3 days following the request.

The library also facilitates limited Interlibrary Loans (ILL) from other libraries, expanding the range of available resources. However, it is important to note that the Chabot Library does not loan out its materials through interlibrary loan to other libraries. This policy helps to ensure that circulating collections remain available for its primary user base.

Borrowing Limits and Renewals

A limit of 10 items may be checked out of the Library at any given time. Books can be renewed in person, over the telephone by calling (723-7513), or via the library's online catalog. It is important to note that unless an instructor places a textbook on reserve, your class textbook will likely not be available in the library.

Placing Holds on Library Items

You may place a hold on library items either in person, by phone at (723-7513), or through the library's online catalog. This feature is particularly useful if an item is currently checked out, allowing you to be notified when it becomes available.

Library Reserve Items

Library Reserve Items are materials set aside by instructors for course-related use. These items can typically be used for a 1-hour period and cannot be taken outside of the library. Reserve items often include resources such as college catalogs, class schedules, and dictionaries. Instructor Reserve Items may be used for a 2-hour period and also cannot be taken outside the library. A few magazines and all newspapers are designated as reference materials and therefore may not be checked out of the library. Reference books are intended for use only within the library, with photocopy machines available for making copies.

Digital Resources and Collections

The Chabot College Library provides extensive digital resources to supplement its physical collections.

Online Catalog and E-Books

The Library Catalog is your portal to a vast collection of books, DVDs, CDs, and video streaming content available at both the Chabot College Library and the Las Positas Library. You can search this catalog using various criteria, including title, author, keyword, and other relevant variables, making it easy to locate specific resources or discover new ones. Chabot College Library currently offers access to over 40,000 E-Books, which can be conveniently accessed through the Library Catalog in addition to several specialized e-book databases.

Article Databases and Journals

For access to articles from journals, magazines, or newspapers, you must utilize the library's article databases. A comprehensive list of these databases can be found on the Chabot Library Article Databases Page. Chabot College Library provides access to 44 distinct article databases, offering pathways to over 10,000 journals, magazines, and newspapers. This extensive collection ensures that students and faculty have access to a wide range of scholarly and popular literature for their research needs.

Reference Sources

The Chabot College Library boasts a variety of print and electronic reference sources. To explore available print reference materials, you can browse the Reference Stacks located within the library, search the Library Catalog, or explore the online reference collection available through Gale Ebooks. Please be aware that if you are accessing Gale Ebooks from home, you will need to have your WID and PIN readily available.

Technology Lending and Equipment Checkout

In addition to its vast information resources, the Chabot College Library offers a range of technology for loan to currently enrolled students. This equipment can significantly enhance academic projects and research.

Available Equipment

The Chabot College Library is pleased to offer PC laptop computers equipped with wireless network capabilities. Other available technology lending items include digital voice recorders, pocket projectors, telescopes, digital cameras, and camcorders. The laptops are configured with the same functionality as the networked library computers found in the Computer Lab, allowing students to search the Internet, type papers, create presentations, and develop Excel charts.

Eligibility and Checkout Procedures

Currently enrolled students of Chabot College may borrow available equipment by presenting a valid Chabot College picture ID or photo ID. When checking out equipment, students must sign a Borrowerâs Liability Agreement each time they borrow an item. This agreement outlines the student's responsibilities regarding the proper use and safe return of the equipment and all associated peripheral devices. Student users must be proficient in using the installed applications on the borrowed equipment. All user files are removed from the equipmentâs hard disk after each use, meaning anything saved to the hard drive will be lost.

Equipment is checked out at the Audio-Visual Desk. Eligible students must present a valid Chabot College Photo ID at the Audio-Visual Desk. Additionally, they are required to read and sign the Borrowerâs Liability Agreement the first time they check out equipment and each semester thereafter. Furthermore, students must sign the Library Loaner Equipment Contract, which details the studentâs responsibilities and potential liabilities, each time a laptop computer is checked out.

Loan Durations and Returns

Loan durations for equipment vary, with options for a 30-day checkout, a 3-day checkout, or a 4-hour checkout, the latter of which is expected to remain on campus. Loaner equipment cannot be renewed. Users are responsible for returning the equipment to either the Audio-Visual or Circulation Desk staff. Equipment must be returned no later than one-half (1/2) hour before closing, regardless of the time it was charged out. Library personnel will inspect the equipment and peripheral devices to ensure they are returned intact, a process that typically takes approximately 10 minutes.

Replacement Costs for Lost or Damaged Equipment

Students are responsible for the safe return of all borrowed equipment and associated peripherals. Fees for damaged laptop equipment will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Significant replacement costs are associated with the failure to return borrowed items:

HP Laptop: A replacement cost of $600 will be charged.
iPad: A replacement cost of $550.00 will be charged.
GoPro Hero 3 Camera/Camcorder: A replacement cost of $550.00 will be charged.
Sony-Handycam Digital Camcorder/Full HD/Touchscreen: A replacement cost of $1,000 will be charged.
Sony Digital Voice Recorder: A replacement cost of $130.00 will be charged.
Sony Cyber Shot Digital Camera: A replacement cost of $99.00 will be charged.
Astroscan Telescope: A replacement cost of $345.00 will be charged.

These replacement costs underscore the importance of responsible use and care of library-loaned technology.

Library Hours and Closures

The library operates during its regularly scheduled hours of operation each semester. However, please note that in the evening, the Computer/WRAC Center/Audio-Visual areas will shut down 15 minutes prior to the library's official closing time. Consequently, all computers and printing services will become unavailable during this final period. The library is not open during semester breaks or on district-observed holidays. To ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding hours of operation and closure dates, students are strongly encouraged to call the Library prior to visiting.

Library Orientations and Instruction

Chabot College Library actively encourages instructors to schedule library orientations for their students. These course-related sessions are designed to introduce students to essential information resources and effective research strategies. To schedule such a session, please contact the Library Services Specialist. A minimum of one weekâs notice is required for these arrangements. Instructors are expected to attend each orientation and are given the opportunity to actively participate by contributing their thoughts, suggestions, and queries, thereby tailoring the session to the specific needs of their students.

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