Navigating Knowledge: A Comprehensive Guide to Clark College Library Resources

Clark College Libraries stand as vital hubs for students, faculty, and staff, offering a wealth of resources to support teaching, learning, and personal enrichment. This article provides a detailed overview of the library's offerings, policies, and services, ensuring that all members of the Clark College community can effectively utilize these valuable resources.

Accessing Library Resources

Eligibility and Borrowing Privileges

Clark College extends library privileges to students, faculty, and staff, granting them access to a wide array of materials and services. Community members can obtain a library card with proof of current residence and birth date. For individuals in temporary residences, specific conditions may apply to borrowing privileges. Renewals must be done in person each quarter with verification of residence.

Loan Periods and Limits

The library allows multiple items to be checked out at one time. Borrowers are subject to limits on the number of items they can have checked out. All borrowers are limited to a maximum of 25 active hold requests.

Renewing Materials

Clark College patrons are strongly encouraged to renew items online. This helps avoid late fees and ensures continuous access to needed materials.

Recalls and Holds

All circulating items at Clark College Libraries are subject to recall at any time. This means that an item you have checked out may be requested by another user and you will be required to return it promptly. Clark College Libraries will not function as a pick-up point between people.

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Fines and Fees

Overdue Items

Daily fines are charged for some late materials belonging to Clark College. Loan netbooks and adapters are charged a $10 per day. When items are overdue, a $15 billing fine is added to the patron’s account.

Lost or Damaged Items

Items returned damaged are billed immediately, with the cost determined by the type of material and extent of damage. Clark College Libraries will not accept a substitute in lieu of payment for lost or damaged items, which remain Washington State property.

Consequences of Unpaid Fines

Failure to pay library fines can result in blocked access to paychecks and curtailed or suspended borrowing privileges. The library may also refer unpaid debts to a collection agency.

Returning Materials

Proper Return Procedures

All library materials should be returned in good condition to the book return boxes or Check Out Desk. Patrons are responsible for materials until they are properly returned, regardless of whether courtesy reminder notices are received.

Claims Returned

If a patron believes they have returned an item but it is still showing as checked out on their account, they can file a "claims returned" request. The item will be temporarily removed from their record while library staff investigate.

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Collection Development

Purpose and Scope

The library's collection development policy aims to provide a broad range of information resources for teaching and learning, aligning with the college's mission of educational attainment and personal enrichment. The library collaborates with faculty in academic programs to ensure that the collection directly supports the current curriculum at Clark College.

Selection Criteria

The selection of materials is guided by several criteria, including relevance to the curriculum, interests of faculty and students, and subject area weakness. Librarians also consider the likelihood of use and the availability of materials in suitable formats. When available, high quality paperbound books are preferred to hardbacks. Selection criteria for periodicals are similar to those for books.

Gifts and Weeding

The library welcomes gifts of materials that align with its collection development goals. However, gifts not retained will be disposed of in accordance with Washington state law. Faculty are encouraged to participate in the weeding process, helping to identify materials that are no longer relevant or useful.

Copyright Guidelines

Protecting Faculty and the College

Clark College Libraries adheres to copyright laws and guidelines to protect faculty from copyright infringement. These guidelines cover the use of copyrighted materials in teaching, research, and course reserves.

Fair Use and Permissions

Faculty may put materials on course reserve without publisher permission if they adhere to fair use guidelines. Permission to use Internet items should be obtained from the proper authority.

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Photocopying Restrictions

Faculty may not use photocopied items to make a textbook. The library provides resources and support for managing electronic readings and ensuring compliance with copyright regulations.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Accessing Materials Beyond Clark College

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service that allows students, faculty, and employees to access materials not available at Clark College or Summit Libraries. ILL requests are subject to the regulations of individual lending libraries.

Requesting and Receiving Materials

ILL requests must be completed on a print form, available at any Clark College Library Reference or Check Out Desk. The average time to obtain an ILL item is approximately 7-10 working days. Articles generally come sooner than books.

Responsibilities and Fees

Borrowers are responsible for returning ILL items on time and in good condition. Overdue or lost ILL items can result in fines and replacement fees.

Library Spaces

Study Rooms

Study rooms #204 and #212 are locked when not in use. The key will be checked out to any person who has signed the room request form. These rooms are available for group study and collaboration on a first-come, first-served basis. There must be at least 3 people in a group to reserve a room. Rooms can be booked up to 2 weeks in advance when classes are in session.

Library Classroom

Room 204 is a smart classroom that has 14 computer workstations. It includes an LCD projector available with a computer on a cart.

Technology and Digital Resources

Online Resources

Clark College Libraries provide access to a wide range of electronic resources, including databases, e-books, and streaming media. These resources are accessible on and off campus, providing students and faculty with convenient access to information.

Library Website

The library website serves as a central hub for accessing library resources and services. Users can search the catalog, access databases, and find information about library hours, events, and policies.

Teaching and Learning Center (TLC)

Faculty Development

The Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) supports faculty development through workshops, guest speakers, and one-on-one assistance with instructional designers. The TLC focuses on enhancing teaching practices, promoting inclusive pedagogy, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Resources and Support

The TLC offers resources such as design templates, handouts, and CRT templates to support faculty in creating engaging and effective learning experiences. The TLC Library houses hundreds of books on education. The TLC Commons provide a lovely space for a small meeting!

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

The TLC promotes the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which aims to create flexible and accessible learning environments for all students. UDL can improve outcomes for all students!

Faculty-Specific Resources

Sharing Your Work

Clark faculty can share their work with colleagues at Clark and at outside conferences. The College offers funding to attend academic conferences.

Active Learning

The TLC provides resources for active learning and reflection for students in CEL courses.

Library Policies

General Conduct

The library is a shared space for learning and research, and all users are expected to conduct themselves respectfully. Disruptive behavior, such as loud talking or shouting, is not permitted.

Copyright Compliance

Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and contractual agreements when using library resources. Violations of copyright may result in termination of library access and disciplinary action.

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