Library Services to Students

Collections

The COS Library houses more than 35,000 book volumes arranged in subject areas by Dewey Decimal classification, and about 105 periodical subscriptions shelved by title on open stacks. Also available are audio and video recordings, CD-ROMS, audio books, slides and photographs, prints, microfilmed resources, newspapers, pamphlets, college catalogs, telephone directories, plays, maps, and special reserve collection on local history and Mount Shasta. Online periodical and reference databases, and more than 10,000 full-text ebooks are available on our website.

A reserve collection of textbooks, cameras, audio and video recordings, and assigned class readings is located behind the circulation desk. The circulation period for reserve materials is typically 2 hours, "Library Use Only", but some can be borrowed for two days. Be sure to ask at the desk.

Circulation

Most circulating books and other materials can be checked out for two weeks. Borrowers must have a current library card. Materials may be renewed twice if no one else is waiting for them. Renewals may be made by telephone or online using the online catalog. Materials may be returned to the outside bookdrop or deposited in the book return slot at the circulation desk. Holds can be placed on materials that are checked out. Reference books, microfilm, bound magazines, certain reserve books, and local history materials may not be taken from the library.

Most audiovisual materials must be used in the library. Some tapes and cameras used in class assignments are circulated to students with the permission of the instructor and the library director.

Overdue Policy & Fines

Circulating materials (other than 2-day reserve materials) usually have a Friday due date. Materials not returned to the library by closing time on the due date are subject to a fine of one dollar, per item, per week, up to a maxium fine of five dollars per item.

Reserve textbooks, cameras and other materials not returned to the library by closing time on the due date are subject to a fine of one dollar fine, per item, per day, up to a maximum fine of five dollars per item.

For lost or unreturned materials, borrowers will be billed for the cost of the item, a replacement fee of $10, and any overdue charges.

Students with overdue materials will not be allowed to check out additional materials until the overdue items are returned. Students who do not return overdue materials or pay fines will not be permitted to obtain grades or transcripts, or renew their library cards. Borrowers who refuse to return overdue materials will lose their borrowing privileges. The library reserves the right to suspend borrowing privileges of anyone who has overdue materials several times during a semester.

Recalled Materials

Any item checked out to a student may be recalled. Typically this would occur if another borrower requests an item that is overdue. Recalled materials must be returned within 48 hours. Failure to return recalled items will result in immediate billing, loss of borrowing privileges and possible disciplinary action.

Reference Service

Library staff are trained and available to help you find information, or to assist you in using the library catalog, CD-ROM files, the Internet and various databases. Do not hesitate to ask for help. We are here to serve you.

Interlibrary Loan (Not Currently Offered)

Books, articles, and other information may be requested from other libraries. This service is provided for COS students and staff. See the Interlibrary Loan information sheet for details.

Equipment / Study Room

Audiocassette/CD players and TV/VCR units are available for use in the library. A photocopier (10 cents a page) and a microfilm printer (25 cents a page) are available. A scanner is available, but students must provide their own disks, which can be purchased at the campus bookstore. The library is also equipped with an elevator, wheelchair accessible desk and computer station, and a variable-speed cassette player. In addition, a computer workstation is equipped with software to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Group study rooms can be used by students when available. Please ask at the circulation desk.

Student Conduct

When using the COS Library, students are expected to abide by the policies outlined in the COS Student Handbook including the Student Code of Conduct and Plagiarism. In addition, students are expected to adhere to the College's policy on Use of the Internet, as well as COS Library Internet Guidelines.

Library Hours

Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. The library is closed on holidays and when classes are not in session. Selected weekend hours.