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

 
 
   
 

University/College Library
A joint-use library serving Broward College and Florida Atlantic University
Central/Davie Campus

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I get a card to borrow materials from the University/College Library (U/C Library)?                                              

  2. What is my Borrower ID?

  3. What is my PIN?

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

  5. Does the library accept SEFLIN cards?

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

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

  8. Can I renew my books online or see what books I have checked out?

  9. What if my books are overdue or lost?

  10. What are the Library hours?

  11. Are group study rooms available?

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

  13. What does it mean when a book in the online catalog, LINCCWeb shows “on shelf,” “on order,” “damaged,” “assumed lost,” or “non-circulating”?

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

  15. Where can I access the Internet in the library?

  16. Does the library have a Web page?

  17. May I use my laptop in the library?

  18. Where can I borrow a laptop computer?

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

  20. Where can I use a computer to write my paper or create a PowerPoint presentation?

  21. How much does printing cost?

  22. Where are the photocopy machines located, and how much do copies cost?

  23.  Help! I’m overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin!

  24. Where can I get online reference help or help when the library is closed?

  25. How do I find materials in the library?

  26. Where is the general collection located?

  27. Where are the Reference books located?

  28. Where are the Career books located?

  29. Where are the Leisure Reading Books located?

  30. Where are the children’s books located?

  31. Where are the curriculum materials located?

  32. Where are the non-print or audio-visual materials such as Open College CDs, DVDs located?

  33. How do I read a call number?

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

  35. Does the library have textbooks?

  36. Where can I find current periodicals, journals, or microfiche?

  37. How do I access the library catalog, online journals, or databases from home?

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

  39. Where can I find a pay phone?

  40. Where are the restrooms located?

  41. Can I bring food into the library?

  42. Can I smoke in the library?

  43. Are children allowed in the library?

  44. Where is lost and found?


    Go to top
1. How do I get a card to borrow materials from the University/College Library (U/C Library)?

Your current student or personnel photo-ID card from BC or FAU is your U/C Library card. All BC and FAU students, faculty and staff must present their ID card to check out materials.

BC Students, Faculty, Adjuncts, and Staff can obtain an ID card at the Student Activities Office on your campus (on Central--Bldg 19, Room 106). The library’s patron database is updated weekly during the three academic terms. Your card is valid as long as you are enrolled or employed at BC. Patrons who receive their ID card and need to use the Library or LRC resources immediately will have to come to the Check Out/In Desk at the U/C Library to have their card activated manually. Otherwise your card can be used at the library or online within a week. BC patrons from any campus may use the U/C Library. If you are attending BC and FAU simultaneously, you will need to use your BC student or personnel ID to check out materials.

FAU Students, Faculty, Adjuncts, and Staff will need to have their Owl card entered in the U/C Library’s patron database at the Check Out/In Desk in order to borrow materials from U/C Library or to access the U/C Library databases and online journals. This is not done automatically. An Owl card may be obtained in Room 201 in the FAU Student Union (SD) building on the Davie Campus. Currently enrolled FAU students need to have their library record updated at the U/C Library each semester. FAU Adjunct Faculty needs to have their library record updated at the U/C Library when their contract is renewed. Full-time FAU Faculty and Staff library records can be updated to match their FAU library account at the Boca Campus. The first time, please bring your OWL card and another photo ID. Afterwards, anyone may request to have their library record updated in person, using the online form, http://ucl.broward.edu/circ/circ_activatecard.htm or by calling the U/C Library Check Out Desk at 954-201-6649.

Go to top

2. What is my Borrower ID?
Your borrower ID is your BC or FAU student ID number. For staff it is your personal ID number (PID). If you are a BC student, your ID number/Borrower ID for the Library begins with the first letter of your first name followed by 8 numbers; if you are an FAU student, your Borrower ID for the U/C Library begins 2197…

Go to top
3. What is my PIN?
PIN stands for Personal Identification Number. In order to use the online subscription databases in LINCCWeb, the FAU catalog, or to view My Account you need to use your PIN along with your student or personnel ID number. For BC students and personnel the PIN is the last four digits of your social security number. You may change your PIN by logging into My Account on the Library
Web page http://ucl.broward.edu . If you have forgotten your PIN, staff at the Circulation Desk can re-set it for you. FAU students and personnel using the FAU Library Web page have a PIN that is your birth date (two-digit month and two-digit date.) FAU patrons who want to change their PIN in the U/C Library system must log into My Account on the U/C Library Web page too. FAU patrons who want to change their PIN in the FAU system, you must log into “View/Renew Books on the FAU Library Web page http://www.fau.edu/library/

Go to top
4. Can I use my Broward County Public Library Card at U/C Library?
The U/C Library is not part of the public library system.

Go to top
5. Does the library accept SEFLIN cards?
The library accepts SEFLIN (Southeast Florida Library Information Network) cards from students and faculty at other SEFLIN institutions. The U/C Library also issues SEFLIN cards to BC and FAU students and Faculty at the Reference Desk. See a librarian for a card to borrow materials from other private SEFLIN libraries.

Go to top
6. Can I borrow books from another community college or state university library?
The community college and state university systems have Reciprocal Borrowing agreements to allow currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff borrowing privileges between all public State of Florida institutions. You must be currently registered as a student or employed at one of the participating state institutions. You must provide the U/C Library with your current institution’s student ID card and another picture ID. You must observe all rules and regulations set by the U/C Library and you are responsible for any fines, damages, or lost book fees incurred with borrowing.

Go to top
7. Where do I check out or return library books?
Library books are checked out at the Check Out/In 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. DVDs, Open College CDs, etc., are checked out in the Learning Resource Center, but can be returned at the Check Out/In Desk on the first floor. FAU patrons may renew or return books checked out at the FAU Boca Campus Library or at the U/C Library Check Out/In Desk.
Go to top
8. Can I renew my books online or see what books I have checked out?
Yes. Through LINCCWeb, the U/C Library has a feature called “My Account” for books checked out from the U/C LIBRARY. From the U/C Library Web page, select “My Account (Renew Online)”. Once you are logged in with your student or personnel ID and PIN, you will be able to see a list of the items checked, view any items on hold, change your PIN, view any Interlibrary Loan items, and view any fines owed. Be sure your Pop Up Blocker is turned off. Note: books can only be renewed one time online. If you still need it, you may bring the book back in person, have it checked in, and if no one else has requested it, you can check it out again. FAU patrons may renew books checked out from another FAU Library at the U/C Library or online from the FAU Library Web page at http://library.fau.edu.

Go to top
9. 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/circhandbook.htm for current charge rates. Failure to pay charges may affect registration, graduation, and/or obtaining transcripts.

Go to top
10. What are the Library hours?
Terms I and II Fall & Spring: Monday–Thursday 7:30 a.m.–11 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.– 11 p.m..

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 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday year-round. All of the library computers shut down and the Check Out/In and Reserve Desk closes ten minutes prior to the building closing. Holidays and changes to the regular schedule are posted ahead of time at the library entrance and on the U/C Library Web page at http://ucl.broward.edu or http://ucl.broward.edu/libhrs.htm. NOTE: All hours are subject to change. The Learning Resources Center (LRC) and lab hours may vary from the library’s hours.

Go to top
11. Are group study rooms available?
Locked group study rooms are available. Groups of two to six students may check out a key for a study room at the Circulation Desk. Be prepared to show your BC or FAU student ID card. A minimum of two students with valid ID cards must be present at the time the room is assigned. The room will be checked out to one person for a two-hour time block and can be renewed by that person for an additional two hours if no other groups are waiting. Return the key on time to the Circulation Desk when you are done to avoid a fine. The use of a group study room may be limited during midterms and finals to accommodate as many groups as possible. Group study rooms may not be used by faculty for tutoring, lectures, meetings, etc. See the U/C Library Web page for more guidelines and on using Group Study Rooms http://ucl.broward.edu/circhandbook.htm.

Go to top
12. 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 BC students achieve college success by providing appropriate resources and assistance to meet their needs. Tutoring and various labs are available (Main Computer Lab, Math, MFL, ESL, Reading, Science, Writing, etc.). LRC is not part of the joint-use library agreement between BC and FAU, though FAU students may check out laptops and use the LRC’s main computer lab.

Go to top
13. What does it mean when a book in the online catalog, LINCCWeb shows “on shelf,” “on order,” “damaged,” “assumed lost,” or “non-circulating”?

If the “due date” says “on shelf,” the book should be in the library and you can go to the shelf to get it. If you do not find it, ask one of the Reference Librarians for assistance. If the record has a date, then the book is currently checked out to another patron and is expected to be returned on that date. 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 missing or lost; “non-circulating” means the item can only be used in the library.

Go to top

14. My instructor left his lecture notes (or a book, article, practice test, etc.,) for my course in the library? Where do I 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 Check Out/In Desk on the first floor. Check the Reserve List in the online LINCCWeb catalog to see if the item has been placed on reserve. Reserve materials can be searched by instructor, course number, or title. Be prepared to show your valid student ID card to check out the item. The U/C Library does not have electronic reserves, so you must come to the library to use the items. FAU instructors may place items on electronic reserves, which is available through the FAU Library home page at http://library.fau.edu.

Go to top
15. Where can I access the Internet in the library?
Internet access is available on most 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 primarily 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/C LIBRARY, BC, 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.
BC and FAU students can also check out a wireless laptop from the LRC to use within the building.

Go to top
16. Does the library have a Web page?
The library has a Web portal which is separate from the BC or FAU Web page. The URL is http://ucl.broward.edu . From the U/C Library 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.

Go to top
17. May I use my laptop in the library?
You may use your laptop in the library, but you cannot disconnect any library computers or use any library jacks to connect to the Internet. Also library or LRC staff can not help you with your personal laptop.

Go to top
18. Where can I borrow a laptop computer?
Students with a current BC or FAU student ID card can check out a laptop with Internet access to the BC network from the LRC for a three-hour time limit for use within the building. Printing is available from the laptop and print jobs can be picked up in the LRC when you return the laptop. The Laptop Computer Loan Policy is posted at http://www.broward.edu/locations/central/lrc/Laptop1.pdf .

Go to top
19. Where can I check my e-mail in the library?
Computers for e-mail access are located on the first floor of the library outside and inside the Library Coffee Shop and on the second floor. Printing is also available through the library’s pay-for-print network. Printers are located in the Reference Area.

Go to top
20. Where can I use a computer to write my paper or create a PowerPoint presentation?
Computers with Microsoft 2007 application software are available on almost all computers and laptops in the library and in the LRC. FAU students may also use the computers set up in the FAU Research room (Room 103), check out a laptop from the LRC, or go to the FAU Language Arts Building, Room 308.

Go to top
21. How much does printing cost?
The U/C Library or LRC printing network is $.10 per page. The FAU printing network is $.05 per page. The printers do not accept cash or coins. BC students can add money to their student ID card if the card has two magnetic stripes on the back. A BC card without the two stripes can be replaced for free at the Student Activities Office. FAU patrons can add money to their Owl card in Room 103 for printing. FAU students can also send their printing job to the FAU computer lab in the LA Building-Room 308. Anyone can purchase a guest card at the machines in Reference or LRC. Cards are $1.00, which includes $.50 for the card and five prints. Funds can be added to any BC or guest card at the add value machine in $1 or $5 amounts up to $20. Please bring the correct amount of $1 or $5 bills. The Library does not provide change.

Go to top
22. Where are the photocopy machines located, and how much do copies cost?
Copiers are located in Room 122 on the first floor and Room 265 on the second floor. BC student ID cards and guest cards also work in the photocopy machines. Copies in these rooms cost $.10 a page for BC students or guests. FAU students with their Owl card can use the photocopier in Room 103 on the first floor and copies cost $.05 a page. Copiers do not accept cash or coins. Please bring the correct amount of $1 or $5 bills. The Library does not provide change. Report any problems with photocopiers to the Circulation Desk.

Go to top
23.  Help! I’m overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin!
The library has a staff of professional faculty reference librarians who are willing and eager to help you with your research. All you need to do is ask!
• Stop by the Reference Desk on the first floor of the library
• Call 954-201-6653
• Chat or email Ask a Librarian
• Set up an individual consultation with one of our librarians
• A group of six or more students can make arrangements for a class or tour.
• Check out the research help page at http://ucl.broward.edu/rschguide.htm. The librarians have prepared many tips and guides on the use of various library resources to help you organize your research including MLA and APA citation help.
• Scan through the Frequently Asked Questions. Many questions have been asked before and you may find your answer.

Go to top
24.Where can I get online reference help or help when the library is closed?

The U/C Library is part of the state’s Ask-A-Librarian service. This live, virtual reference service is available from 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday at http://www.askalibrarian.org or by clicking on the ASK a Librarian logo on the U/C Library Web page at http://ucl.broward.edu

Go to top

25. How do I find materials in the library?
LINCCWeb, http://catalog.linccweb.org/F?l=BOC&324196& is the catalog system that lists all of the books, periodicals, microforms, and software available at the library, along with databases and electronic journals. The FAU system provides access to the collection in the FAU library in Boca Raton and its other campuses. Both systems are available from the U/C Library Web page, http://ucl.broward.edu along with WorldCat, which also provides access to catalogs from other community colleges, universities, and public libraries in Florida and throughout the United States. Materials at the U/C Library are shelved according to the Library of Congress Classification System.

Go to top
26. Where is the general collection located?
The general collection of circulating books is located on the second and third floors of the library.

Go to top
27. Where are the Reference books located?
The Reference Collection is located on the first floor. Reference books do not circulate outside the library.

Go to top
28. Where are the Career books located?
The Career Collection is located on the first floor near the periodicals.

Go to top
29. Where are the Leisure Reading Books located?
The Leisure Reading books or paperbacks are located on the first floor near the periodicals.

Go to top
30. Where are the children’s books located?
The U/C Library purchases children’s books for use by BC and FAU education majors. These books are located on the third floor.

Go to top
31. Where are the curriculum materials located?
Curriculum guides and materials BC and FAU education majors are located on the third floor.

Go to top
32. Where are the non-print or audio-visual materials such as Open College CDs, DVDs located?
Open College CDs as well as DVDs and videos to support instruction are located in LRC on the second floor.

Go to top

33. 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 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.

Go to top
34. Does the library have an e-book collection?
The library’s e-book collection can be accessed from the library’s Web page, http://ucl.broward.edu, under “Finding Books” or within the library catalog, LINCCWeb.

Go to top
35. Does the library have textbooks?
The library does not acquire textbooks used in current courses or request them through Interlibrary Loan.

Go to top
36. Where can I find current periodicals, journals, or microfiche?
Print magazines and journals are located on the Periodicals shelves on the first floor, south of the elevators. Microfilm and microfiche are in the Microfiche Room on the first floor. Information on U/C Library print periodicals and microforms can be found in LINCCWeb, the online catalog The library also has a microscanner machine in the Microfiche Room where you can save articles found on fiche or film to your USB drive, burned to your CD, or e-mailed to your account. Current online journals can be found through the indexes on the U/C Library Web page, http://ucl.broward.edu . FAU patrons can also find online journals via the FAU Library Web page, http://fau.edu/library

Go to top

37. How do I access the library catalog, online journals, or databases from home?
The U/C Library catalog, FAU Library catalog, online journals, and databases are available from the library Web page at http://ucl.broward.edu. FAU students who have had their Owl card entered into the U/C LIBRARY’s circulation database can also access LINCCWeb’s electronic journals and databases. BC patrons will need their student or personnel ID card and PIN to access the online databases; FAU students use their FAU Library card number which begins with 21976

Go to top
38. The library does not have the materials that I need. Can they be requested from another library?
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 at the Reference Desk, 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 4 to 12 days to obtain, please check the U/C Library indexes, databases or online journals before requesting ILL materials. Please do not place more than one request per item and please cancel any ILL request you no longer need by calling 954-201-6658. FAU patrons can also request materials from their ILLIAD account on the FAU Library Web page, http://fau.edu/library

Go to top
39. 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, computing, and study areas.

Go to top

40. 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. Please notify a staff member if the restrooms need attention.

Go to top
41. Can I bring food into the library?
Food and drinks may be purchased or eaten in the Coffee Shop. Because of problems with insects and rodents, patrons are asked not to bring in food nor eat food in other parts of the library or LRC, nor have food delivered to the building. Drinks in covered containers are allowed in areas of the library where there are no computers. No drinks are allowed in LRC.

Go to top
42. Can I smoke in the library?
Smoking and the use of any other tobacco products are prohibited within the building or within 50 feet outside the building.

Go to top
43. 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.

Go to top
44. Where is lost and found?
Items found in the library are usually brought to the Check Out/In Desk in the main lobby. Campus Safety staff picks up items each morning. The Campus Safety Office is located in Building 19 or call 954-201-6626.

Go to top                                                                                                   Updated: SB 03/09
 
   
Top! Top!