FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

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These are answers to frequently asked questions about OCC Libraries.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

» What are the various campus libraries' hours and phone numbers?
» How do I get to the different campus libraries?
» How can I get a library card? Why do I need one?
» Do I need a password to access the library Web site?
» In case I forget the URL, is there a link to the library from the OCC Web site?
» May I call for research help (if I'm stuck at home)?
» May I type a paper in the library?

QUESTIONS ABOUT BOOKS (AND VIDEOS AND CDS)

» How do I look up books in the different campus libraries?
» Can I look up books in the libraries when I'm off campus?
» How do I find if a book is actually on the shelf?
» If a book is checked out, can a hold be put on it so that I can get it when it is returned?
» Do I have to bring a book in to renew it?

QUESTIONS ABOUT ARTICLES

» How can I find articles on different subjects?
» Can I access these databases of articles at home?
» What if an online database such as General Reference Center Gold won't give me the full text of the article I want?
» If I can find an article only in microform, won't it cost me a lot of money to make copies?
» What if an article in a database of articles seems to have errors? What if an article says "See table 6" but there is no table six?
» What if I want real old stuff such as day-to-day battle reports during the Korean War? The computerized articles don't go back that far.

OCC QUESTIONS

» How can I find out if the school is closed?
» How can I reach the OCC operator?

GENERAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

» What are the various campus libraries' hours and phone numbers?
Select About the Library on any OCC library Web page for a table of all campus libraries hours and main phone numbers. For more details about a particular campus library, select the campus link at the top of any OCC library Web page.

» How do I get to the various campus libraries?
About the Library has links to maps. Or select one of the campus links at the top of any library page.

» How can I get a library card? Why do I need one?
Go to the nearest campus library. If you are applying in the first two weeks of a semester, take your registration receipt. The card lets you check books, videos, and CDs out of the library.

» Do I need a password to access the library Web site? Can I access it at home?
The library home page at http://oaklandcc.edu/library/ is freely accessible anywhere. However, you will need an OCC Online Services ID to access research databases, or via Blackboard or Educator if you are in a course that utilizes these.

» In case I forget the URL, is there a link to the library from the OCC Web site?
Yes. The college URL is http://oaklandcc.edu/. Also, you should be able to find the library Web site by using a search engine such as Google.

» May I call the library for research help?
Yes. Select a campus name from the top of any Library Web page for a phone number to call.

» May I type a paper in the library?
No. Library PCs are reserved for gathering information. You may type a paper in an Academic Skills Center, Information Commons or Computer Lab.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT BOOKS (AND VIDEOS AND CDS)

» How do I look up books in the different campus libraries?
Select Library Catalog on most OCC library Web pages to link to the basic search screen of the library catalog. It covers all OCC libraries. Also, it has a link to an advanced search screen that allows you to confine your search to a particular campus library.

» Can I look up books in the catalog from off campus?
Yes. Select Library Catalog on most OCC library Web pages to link to the library catalog. The catalog is accessible anywhere in the world.

» How do I find if a book is actually on the shelf?
Once you've identified a book in the library catalog, select "view full record" to learn whether a book is checked out, and if it is, when it is due back. You will also learn how many copies there are and whether the book is in reference--which means it cannot be checked out.

» If a book is checked out, can a hold be put on it so that I can get it when it comes back?
Yes, just contact the circulation desk at the campus library that owns the book.

» Do I have to bring a book in to renew it?
No, you can renew it by phone or by computer. To renew by computer, select Library Catalog on most OCC library Web pages. Then select "View Your Personal Record." After you enter your library card number you will be given the option of renewing any books you have out (but not ones already overdue, so don't delay).

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT ARTICLES

» How can I find articles on different subjects?
Select Articles / Databases from any OCC library Web page. These two pages link to databases that either contain articles or tell you where they appear in print.

» Can I access these articles of databases at home?
Yes, many of the databases are accessible off campus to currently enrolled students and staff. The two Web pages named in the answer above indicate availability of particular databases off campus.

» What if an online database such as General Reference Center Gold doesn't have the full text of the article I want?
If your search doesn't produce the full-text article itself, but you do get a citation, you may link to a list of OCC Online Journals (OCC Journal List) to see whether the article is available in another database or in an OCC library's print collection.

» If I can find an article only in microform, won't it cost me a lot of money to make copies?
No. Any copies you make from our microfilm or microfiche are free.

» What if an article in a database seems to have errors? What if an article says "see table 6" but there is no table six?
Search the Library Catalog to see if an OCC library carries the print version of the periodical in which the article appears. This version is likely to be free of errors and contain the missing table.

» What if I want real old stuff such as day-to-day battle reports during the Korean War? The computerized articles don't go back that far.
The libraries have many magazines, journals, and newspapers that go back many years. Just ask a librarian for help in finding what you need.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT OCC

» How can I find out if the school is closed?
The College Home Page will usually have a message about any emergency closing. Also, it contains a link to academic calendars.

» How can I reach the OCC operator?
The phone number is on the College Home Page and on the bottom of library Web pages.