News from the Library

Attention TMCC Library Patrons

Greetings from the Library,

The Library will be implementing and adhering to two changes in the library this year. These changes will be made to help us better serve our patrons.

First, will be the Library Cards.
It will be required that every patron shall have and use library cards to check out any materials including equipment. The patrons list includes all of the following: students, staff, faculty, and the public. There will be absolutely no check out without your library card — no exceptions. If you do not have a card or have lost your card you will need to get one before you need to check out anything. We normally print cards once a week, but will be printing them twice a week or daily if needed, until the new cards are completed and issued.

The procedure for applying for a new or lost card and terms of check out and check in of materials and equipment:

Come in and fill out a short form
The information is entered into our data base, and
Depending on when you do the above steps your card will be ready within two days (you will be given a date to pick up your card)
You will need to check with us on the date that you are given to pick up your card
Students:
- Keep your card with you at all times as you do your TMCC student ID card because you will not be allowed to check out anything without it and the same goes for checking in of materials — no exceptions
- When checking out calculators, you will need to have your library card, so if you had to apply for a new card you will have to wait until it is printed in order to check out a calculator. So, make sure to check up on your new card when you are give the date to do so
- When checking out or in the calculator you will need your card and you will be required to sign and date the log book for the calculators — no exceptions
  *friends and family are not allowed to do this for you
- If you need to renew materials for a new due date you need to do this on or before the due date stamped on your materials
- Any materials not turned in by the end of the semester will result in your grades and transcripts being held until the materials are checked in or an arrangement is made for payment of lost or damaged materials — no exceptions
- Please do not lend any materials that are checked out in your name to another person because you are still liable for the materials and will be charged for them if lost or damaged.
Faculty and Staff:
- You will also be required to have a card for any material or equipment check out and checking in of materials and equipment
- All materials have due dates, so please adhere to those due dates. If you need something for the entire semester than you will need to make arrangements for those materials. At the end of a semester, you need to return the materials or renew the material due date.
- Students will not be allowed to check out or return materials for instructors
- Students who are hired for summer programs or academic programs will not be allowed to check out equipment for those programs under their cards; the Program Director will need to do so for them with their card. The reason for this is that when materials or equipment are checked out in a student’s name they are liable for any lost or damaged items
- All TV’s and DVD players are to be returned the same day of check out. They cannot be left in any classrooms overnight.
- Any visiting presenters for workshops need to have the assisting TMCC staff or faculty check out materials for them with their card or the Program Directors card
- Please, do not lend materials that are checked out in your name to another person, because you are still liable for the materials and will be charged for them if lost or damaged.
- Bi-weekly reminders for overdue materials will be emailed to staff and faculty to help us retrieve materials that other patrons may need to check out. If you need an extension on the checked out materials you will need to call or come in to renew the materials on or before the due date stamped on the materials

Second, is a Book Bag Check In.
The library will now start a book bag check in when you enter the library. As with everything else, library costs for materials are getting expensive for purchases of new and replacement materials. We are implementing this new change to help stop books and materials from leaving the library without being checked out. We have been having a problem with missing books, newspapers, and magazines in the library, and to help ensure that these materials are here for patrons we had to devise a plan that would help fix this problem. We did our homework and checked with other libraries to see what they are doing about similar problems in their library and this new procedure is what we were told has worked out best for them. We will be implementing this new procedure beginning this Fall Semester. Please be patient with this new procedure because as with any new plan it takes time to make it run smoothly. At all times, there will be a librarian or library worker at the desk to assure you that your bag will be secured to prevent it from being stolen or tampered with. If there are any bags left at the end of the day, they will be locked up for the night. If the owner does not claim the bag by the end of the next day it will be turned over to the college’s lost and found person and you will have to see them to reclaim your bag.

The procedure for book bag and laptop bag check-in:

As you enter the library, you will check in your bag, sign a tag with a number to be placed on your bag, and then peel off the matching number to keep and to retrieve your bag when you leave. Make sure you hold onto that number and don’t lose it.
We will not be holding bags for patrons who leave the library to go to classes or to run errands. This is only for use in the library when you are using the library.
If you need books from your bag for study purposes, you can take the books out of your bag and take them with you. The books you take with you will be checked when you retrieve your bag to leave to make sure they are yours or checked out of the library if they are library books
If you are using a personal laptop that is in a bag you will be asked to take it out of the bag and check in the bag at the desk
As you leave the library, you will give the librarian your number and they will retrieve your bag and take the tags and discard them.
Again, please be patient with the librarian who is assisting you while they are looking for your bag.

These changes are being implemented to better serve our patrons and to help ensure that when materials need to be checked out that we have them available for you. We hope that you have patients to help us make your library a better operating and service for you.

Also, when checking in materials do not leave them on the front reference/circulation desk and leave; make sure that a librarian checks them in for you. Do not drop calculators off in the Book Drop Boxes; you must bring them in to check them in and sign for their return.

We will keep you updated on any new procedures or changes in the library. If you have any questions you can contact me @ 701-477-7812 or email me.

Thank you,

Kathe J. Zaste, TMCC Library Director and Staff

“We are always seeking ways to enhance the joy and love of reading for all ages in our community.”