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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the library open?

The library hours for Fall Semester 2021 are 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday. For a current schedule of library hours and closings, please see the Library Hours.

How many items are in the library?

The HCC Library houses 45,213 items, and 39,009 titles at this time. 

Do I need a library card?

All patrons wishing to check out materials must present a valid library ID. Students, faculty and staff may register for a free library barcode sticker for their campus ID. Community members may register for a free Community Borrower's Card. The HCC Library reserves the right to suspend or revoke library privileges for any patron guilty of theft or misuse of library materials. A student found guilty of theft, mutilation or defacement of materials is subject to suspension from the college.

How many books, periodicals, and DVDs may I check out?

There is no limit on books or periodicals for HCC students, faculty and staff. Community borrowers may check out up to 10 books or periodicals. All patrons are limited to 3 DVDs at one time. Patrons are responsible for the safety, proper use and return of all materials.

How long may I keep library materials?

Books may be checked out for 3 weeks, except for Reference materials, which do not circulate except by special permission from a librarian. Periodicals and equipment may be checked out for 1 week. Please see a librarian for more details. For more information about checking out equipment click on the Equipment Resources link on the left side of this page.

What are the overdue fines?

The library is no longer charging overdue fines for books and DVDs. However, see below for charges related to lost or damaged items. All accounts must be cleared before a student is allowed to register for the following semester, to graduate, or to receive a transcript.

What if I lose a book or magazine?

Patrons are charged the replacement cost for lost or damaged items.

How do I access the library catalog?

Click the Library Catalog tab located near the top of the Library home page. Patrons may also access the catalog through the OPAC Online Catalog Resources page. This page contains additional links to the catalogs of a number of regional and state institutions including UNC-Asheville, Western Carolina University, the State Library of North Carolina and Haywood County Public Libraries.

What if the library does not have the resource I need?

If the HCC Library does not have a particular resource we can try to find it for you at another institution via Interlibrary Loan (ILL). All patrons in good standing are eligible to use ILL and the process generally takes between 5 to 10 business days for books, and 1-3 days for journal articles. For more information please see the Interlibrary Loan page.

You may also suggest a book for purchase. Though we are not able to honor every request we are committed to building a diverse collection that serves the needs of our patrons and we welcome suggestions from all of our community members.

What are Course Reserves?

Course reserves are library materials that are placed on hold by an instructor for use by students in a particular class. This allows equal access to certain resources by all students who need them. Most reserves are for library use only though some may be checked out and taken home. Please ask for Reserve items at the Circulation Desk.

What services does the HCC Library offer to online learning students?

The HCC Library offers to its online learners all of the services that it does for its on-campus patrons. We are committed to making online and distance learning as convenient and informative as possible. For more information please see the online learning services page.

Students may also access many online databases and services, including NCLive and NCKnows, from their home computers. Please see our E-Research Tools for a list of online resources and remote login information.

Do you have any audiovisual materials?

The HCC Library has a wide selection of audiovisual materials and equipment available for check out by patrons in good standing. Certain materials are for classroom use only. Please see a librarian for more information, or click on the Electronic Resources link on the left side of this page.

Can I print or make copies?

Patrons may print from any computer or request photocopies at the circulation desk. The cost is 10 cents per page, 25 cents per page for color. Laminating is also available at a cost of 25 cents per foot. Work and school-related lamination is free for HCC faculty, staff, and students.

What else is available in the library?

The HCC Library has computer stations and a computer lab with access to the Internet, online catalog, Microsoft Office, and NC LIVE. Scanners and a microfilm/microfiche reader are available for student use.

Library cardholders may check out any of the library's available equipment. Most equipment can be checked out for 7 days, with one renewal unless the item is on hold for another patron. More than one renewal may be granted under special circumstances; these exceptions are rare and never during times of high demand.

Certain equipment - such as laptops, iPads, hotspots, webcams, and headsets - may be needed for an entire semester in order for a student to take and complete classes. In these cases the equipment will, upon request, be checked out until the end of the current semester. Such equipment must be returned immediately upon the completion of that semester.

Overdue fines are $.10 per item per day for all equipment. Certain items are available for classroom use only. If you have any questions, please contact a member of the library staff at 828-627-4550 or via email at .

HCC Library Equipment List

  • Laptops
  • WiFi hotspots
  • Webcams
  • Headsets
  • Audio players

How do I access the campus wireless network?

Information Technology Services has created a set of tutorials to help configure your device for HCC wireless access. If you need further assistance please contact the I.T. Department at 828.565.4009.

What is the library's Food and Drink Policy?

You may bring library-friendly drinks and snacks to the HCC Library. Covered drinks--travel mugs, bottled drinks with caps, lidded cups--are library-friendly. You may also drink coffee purchased at the library’s coffee bar. Snack items such as packaged crackers, cookies, pretzels, granola bars, nuts, raisins, M&Ms, etc. are allowed when consumed responsibly. Fast food items or meals from any outside vendor, including the Sunrise Cafe, must be eaten outside or at the place of purchase. Because we want to promote sustainability and operate in an environmentally-friendly manner, we respectfully request that you leave no trace. When you leave, throw away or pack out your trash from food and drinks. You can also recycle your plastic drink bottles and aluminum cans in containers located around the library.

What are the Library Internet Use Guidelines?

The HCC Library Internet Guidelines are provided for HCC students to support their educational needs and for HCC faculty and staff to support their professional activities. All HCC users are responsible for using the Internet in an effective, efficient, ethical, and lawful manner and are expected to adhere to applicable copyright and fair use laws. Internet access is a privilege, not a right, and as such can be withdrawn from those who use it irresponsibly.

Procedures:

  1. Acceptance of Internet configuration and software files constitutes agreement with the policies outlined below.
  2. Users have access to a wide variety of information via the Internet. The availability of such information does not imply that HCC approves or endorses its content. Additionally, there is no guarantee of the validity or accuracy of information accessed.
  3. Users of HCC Internet services should be aware that files and electronic mail are not private.

Allowed Uses of the Internet

  • Research
  • Online assignments

Disallowed Uses of the Internet

  • Illegal, illicit or inappropriate purposes
  • Commercial purposes
  • Altering system files, utilities or features

Internet Resource User Priorities

  1. HCC Curriculum Students
  2. HCC Faculty and Staff
  3. Affiliated Institution Users
  4. Community Users (includes Continuing Education)

HCC Library staff monitor all electronic activities to ensure computers are available to meet student research needs.

The primary purpose of the HCC Library's public access computers is for library-related research and/or study. Priority will always be given to HCC students needing computers for research purposes.

During busy periods, library staff maintain the right to ask anyone using computer network resources for non-classroom purposes to relinquish the computer to students who need it for research purposes.

Failure to follow the HCC Computing Services policy may result in disciplinary action or loss of library privileges.