If you are new to using a library, navigating all the different elements may be challenging. Where do you go for help? Who do you ask? Even if you are a seasoned library user, every library is a little bit different. Because we want everyone to be welcome at the Butte College Library we wanted to give a quick run down of the most commonly asked questions about library services.
Question: How do I find a book?
Answer: There are several ways you can find a book. If you are unsure of what to do ask a librarian! They can help you find the book you need whether it is a specific book or just a book about a certain topic. They will even explain how you can find the book on the shelf. So how do you find a librarian? Most of the time you will find one sitting at the Reference Desk. If they are not there just ask to talk to a librarian. The Reference Desk is located in the middle of the second floor at Main Campus and the back corner at Chico Center.
You can also search for a book using the library catalog. Click the book tab to limit your results to books. Then type in the title or topic of the book you want. You will be able to see if the book is a print book (in the library) or an online book, and whether or not the book is available. The details on the book record will direct you to the book. Find the location of the book, which will tell you the floor and call number of the book. A call number is like the book's address; it is the exact location of the book on the shelf. If you don't know how to read a call number, this is another great question for a librarian!
Question: How to I check out and return a book?
Answer: You check out a book by going to the Circulation Desk where the sign says "Book Check-out/Return." Circulation is the big desk you see when you enter the library. On one side of the desk is both the book check-out desk and book return box. To check out a book you will need your student ID number and a photo ID. You do not need a specific library card. In fact you can use your student ID card from Butte College which is free for all students.
The Reserve Desk is where you will find most textbooks. Reserve books are books instructors have asked the library to loan to students for a short period of time for use in the library. This desk is the first desk you see when you enter the library. The check out and return process is the same for reserve books as for other books in the library.
If you need to return a book when the library is not open, you can use the book drop box located outside of the library. At Main Campus, the book drop is to the left of the entrance of the library. At Chico Center you will see a free standing metal box near the sidewalk in front of the main entrance.
Question: How do I print?
Answer: Right now printing is free but usually you will need to buy a print card and pay 10 cents per page you print. All you need to do to print right now is come into the library and use a computer in the lab. Send your document to the printer and it will print. Because printing is free right now, we request that students limit their printing to less than 20 pages a day. When printing costs money again you can ask a student assistant to help explain the directions to you. You can find a computer lab student helper at the Reference Desk.
Question: How do I get help with research?
Answer: Go to the Reference Desk and ask for the librarian. Tell the librarian that you need help with some research. The librarian will ask you some simple questions to help guide you through the research. For example the librarian may ask "What is your research topic?" or "What type of sources do you need to use?" It helps to have your assignment with you to consult. The librarian will then direct you to useful resources, such as databases or books. They will show you how to find citation information and help with anything else research related.
Question: How do I book a study room?
Answer: To book a study room go to the Computer Help Desk located on the other side of the Reference Desk. Tell the student assistant or librarian that you would like to book a study room. Study rooms should be used for academic purposes only.
Need more information? Check out the library FAQ or policies page.
We're getting down to the last few weeks of the semester, and that means instructors are assigning research papers. The Library offers a lot of resources for your research! First, please come on in and ask us questions. We love research questions! You can also use our 24/7 live chat to ask questions -- it's right on our home page.
We also have a lot of research helps right on our website, which will take you through the topic in a detailed way, with short videos illustrating the process. Try one or more of these:
Here's a sample video to show you the kind of videos the Library makes. This one is about narrowing down a research topic.