Library Policies

Mission Statement

The mission of the Golden West College Library is to support the students, faculty, and staff by fostering a collaborative learning environment that promotes educational achievement and evaluation of and access to information for lifelong learning through content rich resources, library instructional programs and current technologies. (Approved by GWC Librarians and Staff 11/30/05).

Borrower Confidentiality Under California law, and in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association, library patron records and circulation records are confidential. The Golden West College Library will not disclose any information concerning user library registration or circulation activity to non-library staff, except through legal court order.

Library Card

GWC students are issued a student I.D. card during registration. Your valid and current student photo ID is required for all library transactions. You must be currently enrolled in classes for your student I.D. card to work.

Material/Book Checkout:

Golden West College Library will honor valid and current student I.D. cards held by Orange Coast College, Cypress College, Fullerton College, and CSU Long Beach. GWC Library reserves, computer use and study rooms are for GWC registered students only.

PRINT MATERIAL:

NONPRINT MATERIAL:

Returning Materials:

Please return all materials to the Public Services Desk or to the outside book return slot.

Library Fine Policy

Students are encouraged to return library materials on time in order to avoid fines and possible holds on grades, transcripts, and/or loss of library privileges. Fines are assessed for weekends, holidays, and during library hours since books can be returned 24 hours a day. An after-hours book return is located at the front entrance. The fine rates are .25 cents/item/day for books from the general collection, 50 cents/hour for reserve materials, and $3/day for media items. Bills for replacement cost and processing fees will be issued. Library fines and fees should be paid at the Public Services Desk. All fees are subject to change during the academic year. When a book is lost, the Public Services librarian will determine the replacement cost of the item.

Lost Materials:

The patron must pay for lost materials. As soon as borrowers realize that a library item has been lost, they should phone the library and notify the circulation desk. Charges for lost materials include processing costs. Please check with the GWC Library staff for more information on these charges.

Interlibrary Loans:

The primary purpose of the interlibrary loans service is to assist GWC students, staff, and faculty with course-related information or research needs. An ILL is initiated by a librarian, if GWC Library resources are exhausted, unavailable, or inadequate. ILL requests which are not course-related may be referred to a public library. ILL requests are limited to domestic requests only. No international ILL requests will be processed. A limit of 3 ILL requests per academic semester will be applied. For additional details on the GWC ILL policy, please access the GWC Library Interlibrary Loan Policy (PDF).

Databases:

Library databases are available from off campus. Use your Coast (MyGWC) username and password to log in. For more information, please visit Off Campus Access to Resources.

Library Computers:The GWC Library has computers available on the second floor. In addition, all of the group study rooms have computers and monitors equipped for instructional purposes. All of the computers in the main reference area of the library and in the group study rooms offer Internet access, word processing, & printing capabilities. In addition, six computers are reserved for book and database searches only.

Computer and Electronic Resources Systems Acceptable Use Policy

Library Group Study Rooms:

Reservation policies and room availability. Library Group Study Room Reservations– Please contact the library at 714-895-8741 x55184 if you need assistance with the self-service study room reservation software.

Library Guidelines:

In order to make your visit to the library more productive, please observe the following regulations:

• Students are expected to occupy one seat and one place at the study tables.
• Students are expected to study quietly and share tables with others.
• Students are expected to keep their possessions with them. When personal belongings are left, they will be taken to the library lost and found.
• Reference books are for immediate use only and will be reshelved.
• Snack foods and drinks with lids are permitted in the Library.
• Library computers are primarily for research and educational purposes.

American Library Association Resources

Code of Ethics of the American Library Association (ALA)

Library Bill of Rights (ALA)

Thank you for your cooperation.