University/College Library
 Broward Community College - Florida Atlantic University Joint Use Facility
 

 
 
   
 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I get a University/College Library (U/CL) card?                                               

  2. What is my Borrower ID?

  3. What is my PIN?

  4. Can I use my Broward County Public Library Card at U/CL?

  5. When is the Library open?

  6. Where is the Learning Resources Center (LRC) on Central Campus?

  7. Where do I check out or return library books?

  8. What does it mean when a book in LINCCWeb lists due "on shelf," "on order," "damaged," or "assumed lost?"

  9. Can I see what books I have checked out?

  10. Can I renew my books on-line?

  11. What if my books are overdue or lost?

  12. Can I borrow books from another community college or state university library?

  13. Does the library accept SEFLIN cards?

  14. Does the library provide Internet access?

  15. Does the library have a Web page?

  16. May I bring my laptop to the library?

  17. Where can I borrow a laptop computer?

  18. Where can I check my e-mail in the library?

  19. Does the library have computers with word processing for writing papers?

  20. Does the library supply paper for computer printing?

  21. Where can I get change?

  22. Where can I print from my diskette in the library?

  23. Where are the photocopy machines located, and how much do photocopies cost?

  24. Who can help? I'm overwhelmed and don't know where to begin with my research.

  25. Does the library have on-line reference help?

  26. How can I find materials in the library?

  27. Can I access LINCCWeb or WebLUIS from home?

  28. How do I read a call number?

  29. Where are the Reference books located?

  30. Where are the Career books located?

  31. Where are the Leisure Reading Books located?

  32. Where are the children's books located?

  33. Where are the curriculum materials located?

  34. Where are the Open College tapes located?

  35. Where are periodicals or journals located?

  36. The library does not have the materials that I need. Can they be requested from another library?

  37. Does the library have an e-book collection?

  38. Does the library have textbooks?

  39. Are group study rooms available?

  40. My instructor left his lecture notes (or a book, article, practice test, etc.,) for a course in the library? Where do I go to get this material?

  41. Where can I find current periodicals?

  42. Where can I find a pay phone?

  43. Where are the restrooms located?

  44. Can I bring food into the library?

  45. Can I smoke in the library?

  46. Are children allowed in the library?

  47. Where is lost and found?



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1. How do I get a University/College Library (U/CL) card?
Your valid photo-ID card from BCC or FAU is also your U/C Library card. To obtain an ID card do the following:

BCC Students: Contact the Student Activities Office at your campus to obtain your BCC photo-ID card All currently enrolled BCC students are automatically entered into the U/CL circulation database by the first week of classes. BCC students who do not have a BCC photo-ID card prior to the first week of classes will have to come to the library with his/her BCC photo-ID card, and a second ID to have their information entered manually.

BCC Faculty, Adjunct Faculty, and Staff: Contact the BCC Student Activities Office at your campus to obtain your card. Current BCC faculty and staff are automatically entered into the U/CL circulation database by the first week of classes. Those who do not have a BCC photo-ID card prior to the first week of classes will have to come to the library to have their information entered. Once entered, it is automatically updated as long as you are employed at BCC. Each term, BCC department chairs are asked to provide the Circulation Department with a list of adjunct faculty for the term, which is kept on file at the U/CL Circulation Desk. If a BCC adjunct faculty instructor is not on the department's list, he/she must bring a letter on department letterhead, signed by the department chair, to borrow materials.

FAU Students, Faculty, Adjunct Faculty, and Staff: FAU patrons should contact the Student Life Office on their home campus to obtain an Owl card. When using U/CL for the first time, currently enrolled FAU patrons must bring their current Owl card and an additional photo-ID to the U/CL Circulation desk to have their information manually entered into the circulation database. This record must be updated by the U/CL each semester thereafter, but it can be done over the phone 954-201-6649 or online at the Library Card Activation page. If an FAU student is not current in the State University System (SUS) database, he/she will need to bring a paid tuition receipt for the current term, along with his/her Owl card and an additional photo-ID to have the information entered. Faculty, Adjunct Faculty, and Staff that are not current in the State University System (SUS) database, will need to bring a letter from his/her department chair showing employment for the current term.

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2. What is my Borrower ID?
Your Borrower ID is your valid photo-ID card from BCC or your owl card from FAU. This card is also your U/C Library card and has a 14-digit number which is your Borrower ID to access the databases. If you are a BCC student, your library card number begins with 23301; if you are an FAU student, your library card number begins with 21976.

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3. What is my PIN?
PIN stands for Personal Identification Number. To use many of the on-line subscription databases in LINCCWeb and to view My Account you need to use a PIN along with your library card number. Initially a PIN is the last four digits of your social security number. You may change your PIN from a screen within My Account. If you have forgotten your PIN, staff at the Circulation Desk can re-set it for you.

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4. Can I use my Broward County Public Library Card at U/CL?
No, the U/CL is not part of the public library system and the BIG card is not accepted.

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5. When is the Library open?
Terms I and II Fall & Spring: Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-12:00 midnight. Friday 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday 2:00 p.m.-12 midnight.

Terms III A and B Summer: Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Friday 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday 2:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

The Reference Desk closes at 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday year-round. All of the library computers, Reserve Desk, and Circulation Desk close ten minutes prior to closing. Holidays and changes to the regular schedule are posted ahead of time at the library entrance and on the U/CL Web page at http://ucl.broward.edu. NOTE: The Learning Resources Center (LRC) and lab hours may vary from the library's hours.

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6. Where is the Learning Resources Center (LRC) on Central Campus?
The LRC http://www.broward.edu/locations/central/lrc/index.jsp is located on the second floor of the library building. Its function is to assist BCC students achieve college success by providing appropriate resources and assistance to meet their needs. Tutoring and various labs are available (Main Lab, Math, ESL, Reading, Science, Writing, etc.). Also ,the Online Testing Center is located in  the LRC in Room 219. LRC is not part of the joint-use library agreement between BCC and FAU.

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7. Where do I check out or return library books?
Library books are checked out at the Circulation Desk in the main lobby. Books can be returned there as well. There are also book drops in the front of the library entrance and in the wall to the left of the library doors. Open College tapes are checked out in Learning Resource Center, but can be returned at the Circulation Desk on the first floor.

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8. What does it mean when a book in LINCCWeb lists due "on shelf," "on order," "damaged," or "assumed lost?"
If the "due date" says "on shelf," the book should be on the shelf in the library and you can go get it. If you do not find it, ask one of the Reference Librarians for assistance. If the book record has a date, then the book is currently checked out to another patron and that is the expected return date of the item. If the book is not available, you may request a "hold" on the book. First click on "Broward/Central" under "Location," then click on "Request" on the right side of the page and complete the information. You will be notified when the book is available. On order means that the book has been ordered and should be available in 30 days; damaged means the book may have some damage, but can be checked out; and Assumed Lost means that the book is more than 45 days late and may be lost.

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9. Can I see what books I have checked out?
Yes. LINCCWeb has a feature called "MyAccount." From the U/CL Web page, select "Renew Books On-line" from the Quick Picks drop down on the right side of the page. Once on LINCCWeb, use the "My Account" tab in the upper right-hand corner. You must have a current library card and PIN in order to use this feature. Once you are logged in, you will be able to see a list of the items that are checked out to you, view any items you have on hold, change your PIN, and view any fines owed.

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10. Can I renew my books on-line?
Yes, you may renew books before they become overdue one time. From the U/CL Web page, select "Renew Books On-line" from the Quick Picks drop down on the right side of the page. Once on LINCCWeb, use the "My Account" tab in the upper right-hand corner. You must have a current library card in order to use this feature. Once you are logged in, you will be able to renew items. You may also view any fines.

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11. What if my books are overdue or lost?
The library charges fines for overdue materials and patrons must pay for materials that are lost or damaged. See http://ucl.broward.edu/circ_res/circinfo.htm#Finesandfees for current charge rates. BCC Board Policy sets fees and charges. Borrowers are responsible for all overdue fines, lost materials and damages items charged to their card. Failure to pay charges may affect graduation and/or obtaining transcripts.

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12. Can I borrow books from another community college or state university library?
The community college and state university systems have agreed to allow currently enrolled students, faculty and staff borrowing privileges between all State of Florida institutions. This is called Reciprocal Borrowing. The patron must be currently registered as a student or presently employed at one of the participating state institutions. The patron must provide the lending institution their current home institution's library card or a current paid fee receipt and a picture ID. The patron must observe all rules and regulations set by the lending institution and the patron is responsible for any fines, damages, or lost book fees incurred with borrowing.

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13. Does the library accept SEFLIN cards?

Yes, the library accepts SEFLIN cards from faculty and students at other SEFLIN (Southeast Florida Library Information Network) member institutions http://www.seflin.org/libcard/33.cfm#CollegeLibrary# The library will also issue SEFLIN cards to BCC and FAU faculty and students.  If you need more information, check with the librarians at the Reference Desk for participating libraries and an application for a SEFLIN card. For questions pertaining to a SEFLIN Library card, contact Sandra Block, Assoc. Dean of Public Svcs. Library at 954-201-6307 or sblock@broward.edu .

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14. Does the library provide Internet access?
Internet access is available on most library computers throughout the library. There are e-mail computers, which are located on the first and second floors. Computers in the Reference area on the first floor are for research use. While e-mail may be available on the reference computers, priority is given to those doing research if others are waiting. Patrons must observe U/CL, BCC, and FAU computer policies, as well as local, state, and federal laws regarding pornography. The library's Computer Use Policy is at http://ucl.broward.edu/Computer_Use_Policy.pdf.

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15. Does the library have a Web page?
The library has a Web page or Web portal which is separate from the BCC or FAU web page. The URL is http://ucl.broward.edu . From the U/CL Web portal one can access  many electronic resources, including full-text databases, electronic journals, handouts, research guides, pathfinders, encyclopedias,  etc. One can also learn about other library services and links to numerous diverse Internet sites, including college guides, sources of financial aid, career information, listings of job opportunities, health and medical sources, travel information, etc.

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16. May I bring my laptop to the library?
You may bring your laptop to use in the library, but you cannot connect to the library's Internet network by disconnecting any library computers or using any library jacks.

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17. Where can I borrow a laptop computer?
BCC and FAU students with a current BCC or FAU photo-ID card can check out a laptop with wireless Internet access to the BCC network from the LRC for a three-hour time limit for use within the building. The Laptop Computer Loan Policy is at http://www.broward.edu/locations/central/lrc/Laptop1.pdf .

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18. Where can I check my e-mail in the library?
E-mail computers are located on the first floor of the library outside of and inside Room 164,  and on the second floor outside of Room 265. To print your e-mail, you can use  these computers , which are on the pay-for-print network .

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19. Does the library have computers with word processing for writing papers?
Computers with word processing software are available for BCC students on the first and second floor of the library building, including  LRC . The computers with word processing software in  the library;  will allow you to print your paper on the pay-for-print networks.
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20. Does the library supply paper for computer printing?
No. The U/CL and the LRC have pay-for-print networks. BCC students can add money to their BCC ID card if the card has two magnetic stripes on the back. A card without the two stripes can be replaced for free at the Student Activities Office. FAU patrons and guests must purchase a cash card in the Reference area. Cards are $1.00, which includes $.50 for the card and five prints. Prints are $.10 per page. More funds can be added to the card at the re-value machine in $1 or $5 amounts up to $20. Cash cards do  work in the photocopy machines. FAU students may also print in the FAU computer lab in Room 308 of the LA Building, which has a pay-for-print network that uses the OWL card.

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21. Where can I get change?
At the Circulation Desk in the library, staff can make change for bills of $20 or less if you are using the photocopy machines or the pay-for-print network.

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22. Where can I print from my diskette in the library?
The library does  have  computers with word processing software on the first and second floor which allows you to print . FAU students can also use the computer lab in the Language Arts Building, Room 308. All computers with word processing software must use the pay-for-print network.

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23. Where are the photocopy machines located, and how much do photocopies cost?
Copiers are located in Room 122 on the first floor and in Room 265 on the second floor. Photocopies cost $.10 a page. Cash cards and BCC ID cards are ONLY used in the  photocopy machines. There are no photocopiers that accept coins or bills. The FAU OWL card will not work in the photocopiers or print stations. Report any problems with photocopiers to the Circulation Desk.

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24. Who can help? I'm overwhelmed and don't know where to begin with my research.
The library has a staff of seven professional faculty reference librarians along with a senior reference associate and a reference assistant who are willing and eager to help you with your research. All you need to do is ask! In addition, at the beginning of Terms I & II and again after midterms, the library offers tours and general research classes. Watch for signs around campus or notices on the library Web page for schedules. Also, any group of six or more students can make arrangements with the Library Instruction Librarian (954-201-6489) for a class or tour. These services are in addition to subject specific classes arranged by instructors.

In addition, the librarians have prepared hundreds of handouts, pathfinders, and guides on the use of various library resources, many of which are available on the U/CL Web page http://ucl.broward.edu/rschguide.htm. These can also help you organize your research.

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25. Does the library have on-line reference help?
Yes. U/CL is part of the state's Ask-A-Librarian service. This live, virtual reference service is available from 10:00 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Friday and Saturday at http://www.askalibrarian.org or by clicking on the ASK a Librarian logo on the U/CL Web page at http://ucl.broward.edu

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26. How can I find materials in the library?
LINCCWeb, http://catalog.linccweb.org/F?l=BOC&324196& is the on-line catalog system that lists all of the books, periodicals, microforms, and software available at the U/CL, along with on-line databases. The FAU Library Catalog system provides access to the collection at FAU's library in Boca Raton and their branch libraries. Both systems are available from the U/CL Web page, http://ucl.broward.edu which also provides access to catalogs and information from other community colleges, universities, and public libraries in Florida and throughout the United States. Materials housed at the U/CL are shelved according to the Library of Congress Classification System. The General Collection of circulating books is located on the second and third floors of the library. The Reference Collection is non-circulating and is located on the first floor. The Career Collection and leisure reading books are located near the back of Reference on the first floor. The Children's Collection, Curriculum materials, and oversized books are located on the third floor. Non-print materials (i.e., audio-visuals) such as Open College tapes and videos for instructors are located in LRC on the second floor. Printed journals, microfiche and microfilm are located in the Periodicals area and Room 160 on the first floor.

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27. Can I access LINCCWeb or WebLUIS from home?
Yes. Almost all on-line material available on the library Web page at http://ucl.broward.edu is also available remotely. BCC students with a current ID card can access LINCCWeb directly at http://catalog.linccweb.org/F?l=BOC&324196& . FAU students with a current Owl card can access the FAU Library at http://fa.aleph.fcla.edu/ FAU students who have had their Owl card entered into the U/CL's circulation database can also access LINCCWeb.

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28. How do I read a call number?
Materials in the library are classified using the Library of Congress Classification System. After locating an item in the on-line catalog, the screen will provide the call number for the item. The call number is the "address" of the item on the shelf. It will look something like the following: HC 347 .W92 First look for the alphabetical designation HC. Within the HC section look for the number 347. Then, look alphabetically for W within the HC 347 section. Finally, look for 92.

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29. Where are the Reference books located?
The Reference Collection is located on the first floor, on the west side of the building. Reference books do not circulate outside the library.



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30. Where are the Career books located?
The Career Collection is located near the back of Reference on the first floor.



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31. Where are the Leisure Reading Books located?
The Leisure Reading books and paperbacks are located near the back of Reference on the first floor.



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32. Where are the children's books located?
The U/CL purchases children's books for use by the FAU education students. These books are located on the third floor.



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33. Where are the curriculum materials located?
Curriculum guides and materials are located on the third floor.

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34. Where are the Open College tapes located?
Open College tapes as well as videos for instructors are located in LRC on the second floor.

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35. Where are periodicals or journals located?
Printed journals, microfiche and microfilm are located in the Periodicals area and Room 160 on the first floor.

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36. The library does not have the materials that I need. Can they be requested from another library?
Yes. Materials that are not available in the library may be obtained through Interlibrary Loan (ILL). ILL forms are available on the library Web page at http://ucl.broward.edu/ill.htm in Room 163, and at the Circulation Desk. It does take time to obtain materials from other libraries. As more and more materials are available electronically, and because ILL requests can take a few weeks to obtain, please check the U/CL indexes, databases or periodicals and magazine list before requesting ILL at http://ucl.broward.edu/uclperiodicals.htm



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37. Does the library have an e-book collection?
The library has an e-book collection that you can access from the library's home page, http://ucl.broward.edu, under "Finding Books."



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38. Does the library have textbooks?
The library does not knowingly acquire textbooks used in current courses. Also the Interlibrary Loan Department will not request text books from another library.



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39. Are group study rooms available?
Yes. Groups of two to six students may sign up for a study room at the Circulation Desk . Be prepared to show your valid school ID/library card. Two students with valid library cards must be present at the time the room is assigned. A room can be scheduled for a two-hour time block and can be once renewed for an additional two hours if no other groups are waiting. However, use of group study rooms may be limited during midterms and finals to accommodate as many groups as possible.



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40. My instructor left his lecture notes (or a book, article, practice test, etc.,) for a course in the library? Where do I go to get this material?
Any books, journal articles, class notes, tests, etc., that an instructor has put on Reserve for a course are kept at the Circulation/Reserve Desk on the first floor. Use the Reserve computers in Room 164 to get the call number of the item. Reserve materials can be searched by instructor, course number, or title. Be prepared to show your valid school ID/library card to check out the item. You can also check the reserve list remotely at  http://ucl.broward.edu/reserves to see if the item has been placed on reserve. The U/CL does not have electronic reserves, so you must come to the library to use the items. Some FAU instructors may place items on electronic reserves, which are available through the FAU Library home page at http://library.fau.edu.

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41. Where can I find current periodicals?
Periodicals (magazines and journals) are located in the Periodicals area on the first floor, south of the elevators. Back issues of periodicals and newspapers on microfilm and microfiche are in Room 160 on the first floor.  An on-line Periodicals List of all print periodicals, microforms, and electronic journals that are available in the U/CL can be found at http://ucl.broward.edu/uclperiodicals.htm . The Periodicals List is searchable by journal, magazine, and newspaper name. U/CL print periodicals and microforms can also be found in LINCCWeb at http://catalog.linccweb.org/F?l=BOC&385536& .



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42. Where can I find a pay phone?
A public pay telephone is located in the Photocopy Room 122. Patrons with cell phones and beepers are asked to place them on vibrate while in the library. To be considerate of other patrons, no phone conversations are allowed in reading and study areas.



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43. Where are the restrooms located?
There are restrooms located behind the circular staircase on either side of the elevators on all four floors. There is also a restroom in LRC.



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44. Can I bring food into the library?
Patrons are asked  to only eat snacks and finger  foods in Room 164 of the library.  Because of problems with insects and rodents patrons are not to bring in large quantities of food or to have food delivered. Drinks in covered containers are allowed in areas of the library where there are no computers. No drinks are allowed in LRC.



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45. Can I smoke in the library?
Smoking and the use of any other tobacco products are prohibited within the building.



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46. Are children allowed in the library?
For their own safety, children must remain with the adult that brought them to the library. Children cannot be left alone in the library. Unaccompanied minor children will be turned over to Campus Security. No children are allowed in LRC.



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47. Where is lost and found?
Items found in the library are brought to the Circulation Desk (954-201-6649). Car keys, wallets, and items of value are given to the Central Campus Security Office (954-201-6626) as soon as possible after being found.



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48. How do I cite material MLA style?
For help in citing material according to the MLA Style Manual, go to "Finding More", then mouse over to Internet Resources. Select "Citing Electronic Resources", then select the appropriate MLA service you wish to use; we recommend Landmarks Citation Machine. It is interactive and simple to use.

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