LibGuides: Academic Strategies Course Readings (ENGL 1003): 19. Library Introduction

#1 Introducing...Your College Library!

Your TCC Library, an academic library, is a bit different from public and school libraries, but if you spend a little time exploring all it has to offer, you'll be used to it in no time!

How is an academic library different?

How Our Books are Arranged on the Shelves
One way our library is different from most K-12 and public libraries is how we organize our books. We shelve items by subject, using the Library of Congress Classification System. Click on the blue "Info" icon above to learn more about locating books on the shelf or click on the link above to learn more about LoC.
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Our library books are organized by subject using the Library of Congress classification system. Using that system, each book is given a call number, which begins with a letter or two, followed by numbers and additional letters. Think of it like an address for the book - it helps you locate a book on the shelf.
Course Reserves
Most college libraries offer Course Reserves, a collection of resources (books, binders, films) assigned or recommended by instructors. These items can be used only in the library and for a limited amount of time (usually two hours).
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You can search for reserve items in our catalog, but the best way to access reserve items is to ask at the Information Desk on the campus where your class is held. You'll need to know the course name and/or the title of the book/item, as well as have a photo I.D.
It's Your Time - Use it Wisely!
Your college library EXPERIENCE will also likely be different from your high school library experience. Your instructor might bring your whole class in for instruction or research, but most of the time, you'll be on your own. No one will be there to make sure you are staying focused and on task. That's your job! (The page linked above leads to some good time management tips.)

We believe college libraries are the "heart of the campus," and we hope you feel comfortable working here. There are different zones set up to meet your needs at various times; whether you need an absolutely silent environment to prepare for a test, a place for your group to meet for discussion or project work, or just a place to sit and check your email, our library has the perfect place for you. Click on the blue info button above for more information on our zones.
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The area on the East end of the library (behind the bookshelves) is set up for SILENT, INDIVIDUAL study. If there is any conversation at all, it should be brief and in a whisper. The far West end of the library is set up for ACTIVE GROUP study. Normal conversation is just fine here. The main portion of the library, where most of the tables and computers are, along with the printers and the Information Desk, is set up for QUIET STUDY. Conversations are fine, as long as they are at a low volume. There are now three group study rooms available - refer to the Library Services area of the home page for more information.

#2 How can the library help you?

We hope you will consider the library a place on campus where you feel at home...where you are comfortable studying, resting, meeting classmates, researching and accessing information. The best way to do that is to become familiar with the library and all it can add to your college experience:

help finding information you need for class assignments, career planning or just because you want to know (you can even schedule an appointment with a librarian to get in-depth, individual research help
reliable, accurate, well-documented information
tools to get your work done, such as computers, printers, Internet access, a photocopier, etc.

Your TCC Library offers many great services designed to help you be as successful as you can be! This brief video provides an overview of the services provided at the Southeast Campus Library. Other campuses have most of these services as well, but the specifics may be a bit different.

#3 Need Help? Ask Us!

Library Staff will respond to your questions either by phone, chat or email.

Metro Campus 918-595-7172
Southeast Campus 918-595-7701
Northeast Campus 918-595-7501
West Campus 918-595-8010

Email Us

#4 I have the Internet at home - why do I need the library?

SEE How Can the Library Help You? ABOVE!

Also, the library has:

People who are there to help you with research, directions, technology, and lots of other things!
Computers and printers!
Databases full of reliable, well-organized, well-documented information!
Study spaces that eliminate distractions!

#5 What's Next?

As you work through these chapters, look for this To Do. It will direct you to the action items you can complete (in addition to reading the content and viewing videos) to get a better understanding of what the library offers.

You can download and print the worksheet (link below) which contains all the ToDo items and provides a place for you to write your answers.

Recommended next action:

To Do: Take a minute to think of a few things you've wondered about, things you've wanted to learn more about but never had the time or opportunity to do so OR something you have to look up for class. Jot those ideas (topics) down, and we'll use them to gain a little practice using some library resources. Click on the Library Resources chapter to continue.

Library Chapter ToDo Worksheet
You can print out this worksheet and write your answers in as you work through the activities/exercises in the Library chapters.
Library Chapter ToDo Worksheet Type In Version
This version of the worksheet allows you to type your answers in before printing or saving. If you save it, you can email it to your instructor or submit on Blackboard.