Library Policies & FAQS
Library Policies
Circulation Policy
A borrower must be a currently-enrolled student or staff member with a BC ID card to check out materials. ID cards are free and are available at the Office of Student Life.
Checkout period is 3 weeks. If there are no requests on an item it may be renewed up to two times. Checkouts late in the semester may be shorter, as all materials must be returned by the Friday before finals week.
Items can be renewed by phone or renewed online through your account in the library catalog.
A borrower may have up to 20 books checked out at once.
Reference materials and periodicals cannot be checked out.
If an item is lost by a borrower, replacement cost plus a processing fee will be charged. The fine will be waived if the borrower donates a good-condition replacement copy of the same edition of the title.
Group Study Room Policy
Study rooms may be checked out for a 2 hour period. These are available for student use only. Students must have a current BC ID card to reserve a room.
You may reserve a room by phone or in person either the day of use or after 12 noon the day before use. For Monday reservation, you may call after 12 noon Saturday.
Study groups must have at least 2 people. Each member of the group must check in at the Circulation Counter and show their BC ID.
Check in at the Circulation Desk before using the room. If you check in more than 15 minutes late the room will be given to another group.
Dry erase markers and erasers for the white boards are available at the Circulation Desk.
Please clean up after yourself by erasing the white board and picking up your trash before you leave.
Collection Development
The Library acquires materials that support college curriculum and student learning. The library does not collect textbooks. Suggestions for additions to the collection are always welcome.
Please read our full Collection Development Policy to learn more about how we select items for our collection as well as our donation/gift policy.
Children in the BC Library
Children are welcome in the BC Library. We recognize that many of our students are parents or guardians of children they cannot leave at home alone when they need to study or otherwise use the BC Library.
When bringing children to the library, please note the following:
- Children must remain under direct supervision of the adult who brought them (i.e., must remain within their eyesight).
- Library staff and faculty do not watch after children in the library.
- If children are disturbing other library users through excessive noise or horseplay, the parent/guardian and the children may be asked to leave the library.
- Consider bringing a quiet activity for children to complete during their time in the library.
Library Etiquette
Snack foods and drinks with lids are allowed in the library. Please keep food and drink away from library computers.
The front half of the 2nd floor of the library is considered our “quiet talking” zone where you may talk quietly with your friends while studying. The back half of the 2nd floor is our silent study zone–please be considerate of your fellow students and do not talk if you choose to study there.
If you want or need to watch or listen to something on your phone, laptop, or other device, please use headphones. Ask the Circulation Desk for a pair of disposable headphones if you forget yours at home.
In order not to disturb other students studying in the library, please keep your phones on silent or vibrate and go outside to make or receive calls.
Community Use
Community library cards are available to community members for a fee of $25 for 12 months. These cards are not BC student ID cards, but still allow borrowing privileges.
The library card entitles the holder to borrowing privileges (a maximum of three books at a time may be checked out for two weeks), computer access in the library (2nd floor) but not the Computer Commons, and wifi access. All library computers offer Internet and research database access and Microsoft Office.
There are three photocopiers in the library, one upstairs and two on the lobby level. These machines do NOT accept ID cards, but do accept bills and coins.
The library is closed during semester breaks so there is no access to the building when the college is not in session.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check out books?
Simply present your student ID card, your books and yourself at the Circulation Desk in the Library lobby. You may get your free student ID card at the Office of Student Life in the Campus Center building.
How much will I be fined for an overdue book?
The library does not charge overdue fines! However, if you lose a book you will be billed for the replacement cost.
How long can I keep a book I have checked out?
The initial checkout period is 3 weeks and you can renew the book up to 2 times if no one else has requested it. You can renew your items online by logging into your OneSearch account with your BC email and password, click “Sign-In” in the top right corner, click on your name to see the drop-down menu, click on “My Loans” and renew on the next screen. You may also call the library to renew your books.
What happens if the book I want is checked out? Is there a way for me to request the book?
Yes. Each checked-out book will show a due-date in the library catalog. In the "Get It" section is a link to "request." Sign in to your account and complete the information on the request screen. We will notify you when the book is back in the library.
How many books can I have checked out at a time?
You can have up to 20 books checked out at once.
My professor said that our class textbook or another book for my class is being held at the library for us. Where can I find it?
It’s in our Reserve Collection, which is kept at the Circulation Desk on the main level.
Can I use the CSUB library?
Yes. Anyone can use the CSUB Library as a walk-in, just as anyone can use the BC Library. However, if you wish to check out books, you will need to obtain a community card first. BC has an agreement with CSUB that, with a completed form, you may purchase a community card at half the normal cost. You may fill out the form at the BC Library Reference Desk.
Can I use the library research databases (EBSCOhost, OneSearch, etc.) from off-campus?
Yes, you can. Visit the library webpage to see the A-Z Database list. Click on the database you want to search and you'll be prompted to enter your BC email address and password in order to connect.
I've tried connecting to the library research databases from home without success. Is there someone who can help me?
Yes, call the Reference Desk at (661) 395-4466 during regular library hours for assistance.
Does the library have wifi?
Yes. To use it, allow your laptop or mobile device to locate the KCCD Open wireless network. Then open a web browser and when prompted for a username and password, enter your complete BC email address as your username. Your password is the password you use to log in to InsideBC or your BC email. Be sure to click the “Accept” box to accept the terms associated with using the wireless network.
Can I print from library computers?
Yes. There is no wireless printing, but you may print from any library computer for 10 cents per page. Ask a librarian for help if you don’t know how to get started!
Does the library have a color photocopier or color printer?
Not at this time.
Does the library have photocopy machines?
Yes. There are three photocopiers in the library, one upstairs and two on the lobby level. These machines are coin-operated (cash) only and cost 10 cents per page.
Do you have best-sellers or other “fun” books for recreational reading?
Yes! Ask a librarian to show you our Popular Reading collection, and feel free to suggest any titles you think we should add to this collection.
