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Library Services: Using the Library

The library services offered by Cerro Coso.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rules & Regulations

All patrons are expected to maintain appropriate standards of conduct. Failure to maintain these standards may result in suspension of library privileges and in the case of students may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the policies and procedures of the college.

  • Smoking, E-cigarettes, and the use of smokeless tobacco are prohibited in all areas of the library.
  • Noise levels should be kept to a minimum. This includes the use of cell phones and music devices. Patrons are requested to turn cell phone ringers to the lowest volume or on vibrate and take phone calls in the lobby area to minimize distraction.
  • Food and beverages are allowed in the library, with the exception of the computer lab in Room 631. Drinks should have a lid to help contain liquids in case of a spill. Patrons are responsible for cleaning up and maintaining a clean environment. Aromatic foods that may bother other patrons are discouraged in the library (and may attract hungry librarians).
  • No animals are allowed in the library other than those assisting persons with disabilities.
  • Children (under 14 years old) are welcome in the library only when under the direct supervision of a responsible adult. 

The Cerro Coso library supports the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics, which strives to "protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted." The Cerro Coso library only uses personal information provided to the college by the patron in order to fulfil the patron’s library service needs. The library will never disclose information such as reference questions posed, reading materials consulted (including websites and databases), or the identity of its users to anyone, except as required by law. 

In an effort to safeguard patron privacy, the library does not retain most student contact information and other personally-identifiable information beyond the end of the semester, except in cases of accounts with outstanding fines, overdue materials, or other issues. The library utilizes databases that encrypt and secure any personal information they collect. See the general Cerro Coso Community College Privacy Notice regarding what electronic information may be collected by the college and the library. Please note that external links provided on the library website are governed by the privacy policies of the respective websites, not the library, and may track and share personal information with other third parties.

The Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17 of the U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies of copyrighted material.

Video Copyright

All videos owned by Cerro Coso Community College Library may be viewed by students in the library on equipment supplied by the library. Faculty may check out videos for use in their classes.

WARNING: Federal law provides severe civil and criminal penalties for the unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or exhibition of copyrighted motion pictures and video tapes. (Title 17, United States Code, Sections 501 and 506.) The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigates allegations of criminal copyright infringement. (Title 17, United States Code, Section 506).

Library Reserve Copyright

Photocopying one copy of an article from an owned journal title or a chapter from an owned volume at the request of a faculty member for the purpose of Library Reserve fits within Copyright guidelines of Fair Use.

Multiple Copies made for Course Reserves:

  • The amount of material should be reasonable (discretionary designation) with respect to the total amount of material assigned for one term of a course taking into account the nature of the course, its subject matter and level, 17 U.S.C. 401(1) and (3).
  • The number of copies should be reasonable (discretionary designation) in light of the number of students enrolled, the difficulty and timing of assignments, and other courses which may assign the same material, 17 U.S.C. 107(1) and (3).
  • Material should contain some form of copyright notice (17 U.S.C. 401).
  • The effect of photocopying the material should not be detrimental to the market for the work. In general, the library should own at least one copy of the work, 17 U.S.C. 107(4). (From the ALA Model Policy Concerning College and University Photocopying for Classroom, Research and Library Reserve Use, March '82.)
  • Multiple copies of a copyrighted article may be requested by a faculty member and put on reserve by the library if time does not allow for copyright permission to be granted.
  • These materials should be returned to the faculty member when they are removed from reserve.

For more information on copyright and fair use, please visit the Citing Sources guide's Copyright & Fair Use tab.

Access to computer resources imposes responsibilities and obligations on the part of users. Users, therefore, are expected to demonstrate respect for others' rights including the right to access information freely and the right to work in a secure, harassment-free environment.

The following policy statements, as well as all local, state, and federal laws relating to copyrights, security, first amendment rights, and sexual harassment statutes shall apply to students, employees, and other users of Kern Community College District's computing facilities.

All users are expected to understand and follow College/District guidelines for use of computer resources.

Access to computers will be based on the following priorities:

  • Students, faculty, and staff attending scheduled courses or short-term classes and/or training programs.
  • Students working on class assignments or research related to class assignments.
  • All others on a first come first served basis.

Inappropriate and unauthorized computer uses, subject to disciplinary action as listed below, include the following:

  • Cheating, plagiarizing, furnishing false information, or performing acts of academic dishonesty.
  • Disrupting the normal operation of the Colleges and/or District.
  • Monopolizing resources to create unnecessary traffic, broadcasting inappropriate electronic mail and messages; transmitting electronic chain letters or other requests for money; distributing media known to contain computer viruses.
  • Copying, distributing, either free or for monetary gain, copyrighted software or electronic information without paying the specified fee.
  • Unauthorized sharing and/or attempting to access computer accounts, passwords, and codes of other users.
  • Unauthorized commercial use of College or District computer resources for individual or private gain.
  • Inappropriately transmitting, receiving, or copying obscene or abusive materials.
  • Accessing or attempting to access student or employee information for any purpose not specifically job related.
  • Unauthorized use of College or District resources to play games or participate in multi-user interactive entertainment.
  • Unauthorized storing or installing of personal software on College or District computers.

Offenders will be subject to any and all of the following:

  • Suspension or Loss of computing and networking access
  • College disciplinary actions
  • Civil proceedings
  • Criminal prosecution

Circulation

Authorized Borrowers

Cerro Coso Community College Library materials may be borrowed by currently registered students, faculty, and staff. These user records are automatically uploaded to the library system each Friday and their records are purged at the end of each semester. There is no fee for borrowing privileges and the library does not issue borrower cards.

Community Patrons

Community patrons 18 years or older who are not current students or employees may borrow materials and use the resources at the library by presenting valid photo identification with a current address. Check-out privileges are limited to one item at a time. Community patrons are unable to print from library computers, request Interlibrary Loans from other libraries, or access online library resources from off-campus.

Loans

All Cerro Coso students, staff, and faculty have a 10 item loan limit. In special circumstances, these limits may be exceeded with permission of the librarian.

The following loan periods are in effect of library materials:

  • Circulating books: 3 weeks
  • Course Reserves: Library Use Only 
  • Reference materials: Library Use Only
  • Audiovisual (videos, CDs, etc.): Library Use Only
  • Laptops: Library Use Only
  • iPads: Library Use Only
  • Interlibrary loans: Due date set by lending library, but generally 3-4 weeks

Note: Faculty and staff may also check out course reserves, reference materials, AV, and library equipment. Depending on demand, suggested loan periods may range from 1 day to 3 weeks maximum.

The library cannot circulate materials or provide computer access to patrons younger than 18 years of age unless the minor is a registered student.

Holds

Patrons may place a hold on a circulating item by signing in to the catalog and clicking “Request” in the item record. An email will be sent when the item is available. It will be held at the circulation desk for one week.

Renewals

Materials may be renewed by phone or email when there are no outstanding requests from other users for the material(s). Patrons may renew items 2 times. After two renewals, the item must be returned, although it may be checked out again immediately after.

Fines

Fines are not charged for overdue materials. However, materials not returned after 4 weeks from the due date will be declared lost. 

Lost or Damaged Materials

Items are considered lost after they are 4 weeks overdue. Patrons will receive an email notice with the replacement cost of the item, which will be added to the student’s college account. This fee should be paid at the Business Office or online through insideCC and the library should be notified to remove the fee from the patron's library account. The replacement cost of lost or damaged materials can be waived if the patron provides the library with another copy of the item in brand new condition. Please contact the library for more information on this option.

Recommending & Donating New Items

Patrons who would like to recommend new purchases or donate items to the library should read through the collection development guidelines and either email the library or complete the purchase request form.