Frequently Asked Questions
There are a variety of questions and answers below regarding BRCC, college computers, Houff Library and using other libraries.
Who can use the BRCC Library and computers?
Anyone who lives in our college service area, which includes the cities of Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, and Rockingham, Augusta and Highland counties can use our library, obtain a library card and checkout library materials and use our computers.
What is the checkout time for library materials?
Books - 4 weeks. They can be renewed by calling the library or logging into your account in our library catalog.
Periodicals - 7 days
Videos/DVDs - Library Use Only
Reserve items - your instructor determines this. It ranges from Library Use Only, overnight, 2 days, two weeks, etc.
Interlibrary Loan items - are determined by the loaning library. It is usually 3-4 weeks.
Can I renew a book online?
Students: Use your MyBRCC login and password here to access Your Account.
Employees and community: please call the library for your login and password.
If the book you want to renew doesn't give you that option, it could be because it is on hold for another library user, or it has already been renewed the maximum number of times. Please call us if you have any questions.
Whom should I ask when I need help in the library?
The Reference Desk (also called the Information Desk) which is directly next to the Circulation Desk. This would be the best place to ask for help. If no one is at the Reference Desk, you can always ask for help at the Circulation Desk. Or you can walk into the Librarian's Office, which is the office between the new books and audiobook shelves.
Please ask if you don't find what you need. YOU are the reason the library staff is here, so don't leave empty handed!
Or you could try our new E-mail a Librarian link. You can e-mail us a question and we will e-mail you back a answer. You could also try our new LRC Live, which is a 24/7 service that enables you and a librarian to chat online, in real-time. The service also allows the librarian to share web pages and other helpful materials to assist you with your research, collaboratively and interactively.
What's the difference between a magazine and a journal?
see our Scholarly v. Popular Articles handout.
How do I cite an article I've found in one of the online databases?
Our EBSCO databases will give citations in MLA and APA format, but for other sources, use the Online Citation Builders:
How are the books in Houff Library arranged on the shelves?
We use the Library of Congress Classification.
Where's the bathroom?
They are located in the front of the library right across from the east stairs.
When is the library open?
Library hours. We are open Saturdays (10am-3pm) during fall and spring semesters, but not Sundays. The Library's online resources can be accessed from your home computer any hour of the day or night (click here for full instructions). Also, the computer lab in F110 is open Saturdays 10am to 6pm, and Sundays 1pm to 9pm.
May I use any computer in the library?
Yes, there are computers in the east back of the library and next to the Reference Desk. There are also computers you can use in the Learning Center, which is the door to the west of the Reference section.
Where's the printer for these computers?
We have two laser jet printers now. One is located with the computers in the east back side of the Library and the other is next to the Reference Desk. They print both sides of the paper and are free!
Is there a color printer?
Yes, there's a color printer in F110 that students can use for class assignments only. This lab is open weekends, Saturdays 10-6 and Sundays 1-9.
Is there a scanner?
There is now a scanner in the Library. It is connected to the last computer in the back of the Library.
What software is on the library's computers?
Here is a list of the software. Select G200 or G202.
Where are the Reference books?
They are located in the low shelves at the front of the library. These books are an excellent place to start any research, as there are numerous encyclopedias, dictionaries, almanacs which have great general information. You need to know the general overview of your topic before you start on any in-depth information. So ask if you don't know which reference book would best fit your topic.
Does the library have a copier?
Yes, and it's cheap - only $.10 for each copy. It takes change and dollar bills. It is located near the Reference and Circulation Desks.
What if the library doesn't have the magazine or journal I need?
If the magazine or journal is not listed in our Periodical Holdings List, then use our VCCS Online Journal Search or VIVA Online Journal Locator to see which database has your article full-text. If neither of those places lists your magazine or journal, you may request the article through interlibrary loan. There is no charge for this service. Hand in at the Reference Desk or email us a printout of the information on the book or article We will call you when the article arrives.
If I need a book that is not in the BRCC library, how can I get it?
Use the E-mail a Librarian online form or there are forms at the Circulation Desk you may fill out with the author, title or the ISBN number of the book you need. We will request it, free of charge, through our interlibrary loan service. We will call you when the book arrives.
Can someone not a college student, but a citizen of the community, use the library and the computers?
Yes, anyone in our service area (Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro and surrounding counties as well as Highland County) is welcome to use our library.
Do you have a children's collection?
We have a children's collection in the front of the library which ranges from pre-school to high school. The Weyers Cave Womans' Club has faithfully donated money every year to buy books for this collection.
Do you have a Virginia Collection?
Our Virginia Collection is located in our Director's office. It is quite extensive and is available for check-out.
Is there a fee to obtain a library card?
There is no charge for library cards, to students or residents. And they never expire.
What's the Library's phone number?
From Harrisonburg, call 453-2226
From Staunton, call 213-7002, extension 2226
From Waynesboro, call 942-7002, extension 2226
Does the library own BRCC textbooks?
No, we do not buy textbooks, but several professors put their textbooks on Reserve in the Library. You may check out these textbooks at the Circulation Desk and use them in the library.
Does the library have a fax machine for student use?
We have a fax machine that students can use for college purposes.
May I recommend a book for the library to purchase?
We welcome any suggestions. You can give any suggestions to the Librarian or use our Email a Librarian service.
Where can I have a transparency made?
Go to E103, Duplicating, and they can help you make one and at no charge.
I'm blocked for an overdue/lost book! Help!
You will be blocked for any library item that is 30 days overdue. This will prevent you from checking out anything else from the library, registering for classes, receiving your grades, transcripts, etc. To have your block released, return your overdue item(s) and inform the library staff when you do so. If you have lost the library item(s) that are overdue, please ask any library staff member for instructions.
Does BRCC have wireless capability?
Yes, we do. If you are a student, you need to go to the Computer Lab in F112 to have the necessary software downloaded on your laptop. For non-students, this process will take a day or two. Please go to the Wireless Access Project page for complete information. We also have wireless printing now.
Can I borrow books from the Mary Baldwin College's Grafton Library?
Yes - MBC Library policies
Can I use JMU's Library?
BRCC students are able to use James Madison University's Carrier Library. Simply bring a BRCC ID card (available free from the ID Card Office in E111B) to JMU Library's Circulation Desk. You will not be given a library card, but you will be put in their computer system as a BRCC student. You may then check out up to six books at a time for three weeks and can renew them once. Their fines are $.25 a day.
2/13/12
