CHABOT LIBRARY

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Chabot Library's FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
 
 About Library, Student Computer Lab, and the Audio Visual Center

Hours  |  Library Catalog  |  Databases (Finding Articles)  | Books/Tapes  |  Computers/Email
Facilities/Services (Includes policies on food/drink, noise, etc.)  |  FAQs especially for Instructors 
Budget Crisis  |  Cliffs Notes

HOURS

What hours are you open?

Go to to look at our current hours.

Why are you open only so many hours?  or Your Hours are not conducive to my work schedule or Why can't you be open 24 hours a day?

Our Hours in response to the Budget Crisis

Current budgets do not permit us to be open more hours, so we are open at times when usage is highest.  We understand that for some of you these hours may be an inconvenience.  If you can only visit the library rarely, we strongly recommend that you plan your research carefully before you visit.  Our library catalog and our subscription databases are accessible remotely off campus.  The databases will often provide you with full text articles.   If you get yourself an Alameda County Library card, you will also have access to most of their databases which you can also access remotely.   Many of our handouts are online and we continue to provide pathways to quality web sites that can assist you in your research.  Keep your eyes posted as our web site continues to grow!

Library Catalog

Where's the Card Catalog?

The "Card Catalog" is the online catalog that you can access both on and off campus.  It is available from the Library Home Page which is http://www.chabotcollege.edu/Library/   The catalog's address is http://tinyurl.com/8mo5z  If you are not used to searching a catalog, please see a librarian (When the Library is open, a librarian is usually stationed on the left side of the reference/circulation desk).  There is also a physical card catalog for our pamphlet files.  It is located on the filing cabinets on the left side of the library, behind the reference shelves.

Do I have to enter my Student ID number to access the catalog?

No, you do not.  When you get into the library catalog, you focus your attention to the top portion of the page, select "Chabot" and then select Enter.  You only enter your Student ID (from the lower portion of the page) if you want to view your patron record (i.e. what books you have checked out and what outstanding fines you may have).

What is my Username and PIN?

Your username is your Student ID number (W ID number, not your Social Security). 
 

Chabot Library Subscription Databases

I've tried to print from a database  and nothing's happening or nothing's appearing on paper.  What's happening?

There can be several reasons why the document you are printing is not printing successfully.  Here is one of them.  If you are in a database, check to see if the screen you are printing has a print button on the page itself (scroll all the way up and all the way down to make sure).  If there is, you need to basically make the page you are printing be "print friendly."  Click on the button that says print, and then follow any further directions.  Eventually you will have a screen where buttons/pictures may be removed and you just have text.  Once you see this type of screen, you are then ready to Print from your browser.

If there is no print button or link on your screen (remember to scroll ALL THE WAY UP and ALL THE WAY DOWN and look at any frames on either side of your document), contact a librarian and he/she will assist you.  If you have any other questions about printing, please look under Printing which is under Computers or contact a librarian.  Remember that your print job is first sent to a Go Print print release station.  You need to go to the print release station and with your Go Print card, pay for your print job before your job shows up in the printer.

How do I send an article to my Email address?

Most of our databases do have an Email option which is usually represented as a button when you are viewing your article or citation.  Click on the Email button or link and then follow any directions.  We strongly recommend you give the Subject Line a recognizable heading so that you will recognize your article readily in your Email.  Allow at least a half hour to find your article(s)/citation(s) in your In box. 

I sent an Email to myself and I did not get it.  What do I do?

We advise the following: 

1.  Check your Spam/junk mail filters of your Email program.  Sometimes, due to the criteria you set up for your filters, your article will show up there.

2.  Be patient.  Allow time for the article to be sent.  Usually it takes at least a few minutes for the article to appear your In box.  Sometimes it can take longer. 

If you still have not received your article, let the Library know.  However, the problem may rest on your E-Mail program/provider or with the database vendor.  The best you can do to prepare yourself ffor lost articles is to at least write the title of the article down and/or write down what was your search strategy in the particular database.

I sent myself an Email and I only got part of the article.  What is happening?

First of all, be sure that you are sending yourself the full text of an article, not simply the abstract (the summary of what the article is about).  If all that is available from the database is the abstract, then full text is NOT available in that particular database.  If what you are receiving is the full-text of an article, but only a portion, then the problem here rests with the database vendor.  Let the Library know so that we can contact the vendor and see that the problem gets fixed. 

My teacher wants me to find only professional (or scholarly or peer reviewed) articles.   What database do I search?

You have several options to find scholarly articles our databases.  Go to the Online Subject Index and select Journal Articles for the complete list of databases that contain scholarly articles.  This list also includes tips on how to narrow your search to only the peer-reviewed, eliminating the popular magazine articles. 

What databases are accessible from home (off campus)?

The good news is that currently ALL of our subscription databases are NOW accessible off campus!  They are: Ebsco Host Academic Search Elite (and other Ebsco Host databases), Alt-PressWatch, GenderWatch, Lexis-Nexis Academic, Project MUSE, Ethnic NewsWatch, Facts.com Issues & Controversies, AccessScience, Literature Resource Center, and Gale Virtual Reference Library.  Our Library Catalog is also available and searchable off campus.

I'm accessing a database from home and it's asking me for a login and password.  What do I do?

Assuming that it is a library subscription database from Chabot College, and you go into the database the current or new way, your username and password is the same for all of the databases.  Your username is your Student ID number (W ID number--NOT your Social Security number).  Your password is six characters long and is always the following: first two letters of your first name, followed by the first two letters of your last name, followed by the last two digits of your Student ID number.  Example:  Jane Alameda with a Student ID number of W98765432  would enter as her username as W98765432 and her password as jaal32.  For more information and for troubleshooting go to Get Into Databases Off Campus.  Keep in mind that you have to be a currently registered student in order to use the databases.

If you're going into any of our databases the old way, you would need to get the institutional usernames and passwords from the reference desk.  Lexis-Nexis Academic, Project MUSE, and Gale Virtual Reference Library can only be accessed through the new way.  No usernames or passwords will work with the screens you get directly from them.

What is the user ID and password to get into the databases?

Go to Get Into Databases Off Campus for information.

Books/Tapes in Library's Collection

Does the Library have textbooks for my classes in its collection?

Only those that your instructors have placed on Reserve.  If you are depending on a particular textbook to be in the Library's Reserves collection, request your instructor to place a copy.  Keep in mind that books on Reserves is usually one hour a day.  You can always make photocopies of particular chapters and pages from a textbook.  The Library may have particular titles that are not ordinarily "text books" in its collection.  In that case, check the catalog.

Where do I find audio tapes/ video tapes for my Telecourse or Distance Ed Course?

Video and audio cassettes are available at the Library's Audio-Visual Center, on the mezzanine level of the Library.  Someone will help you at the desk next to the televisions and tape recorders.

Where is the title my professor said he/she placed in your collection?

It will be on the Reserves Shelves and usually will NOT be in the catalog.  Go to the Check out Desk (right side of the main desk) and request the book by your instructor's last name.

The title I am looking for is only available at Las Positas.  What do I do?

Go to the Circulation/Check Out desk and we can request the title for you from Las Positas Library.  You can also request it from the Catalog by selecting the option "Place Hold" and entering your Student ID Number (Note: You must be currently registered and in our computer system in order for this to work).  We obtain requested titles from Las Positas every Tuesday and Thursday afternoons which you then can pick up from the Check Out desk.  You can also go to Las Positas Library as well to check out materials from there.  You can do so with your Student ID card.

The title I am looking for says it is non-circulating and I want to check it out.  Can I do so?

The answer is no.  Such titles (usually from our reference or reserves shelves) are non-circulating as they contain vital information many of our students will need for a given assignment.  By having them be non-circulating, all our students will have an opportunity to get the information.

The Title is not in the Catalog.  What do I do?

Assuming it is not a book on Reserve, if you're looking for a particular title, check to see if another library has it by searching its library catalog.  Go to Links to Other Libraries, select a Library, and search its catalog.  You can get a Library Card at Hayward Public Library, and at any Alameda County Libraries, at the particular branch, itself.  If you get an Alameda County Library card, you will with that card, be able to check out titles not only from all branches of Alameda County Library, but also Cal State Hayward.  For Cal State Hayward, click here to see options that are available for you to check out materials from there.  For other libraries, go to the Library web page and look for pages addressed to either the General Public or to Friends of the Library for more information.  If the book is copyright free (usually written 1920 and before), check the On-Line Books Page to see if it is available on the World Wide Web

The title is not in your collection and I think you should have it.  What should I do?

Ask for a purchase request at the circulation desk or contact a librarian.  Keep in mind that it can sometimes take as long as six months to obtain a copy, depending on its availability.  In 2003, due to budget cuts, the Library does not have a book budget, so it may take even longer for us to order a title.

Computers

Email/Chats  |  Printing  | Software/Web Browsers

Where do I go to type a paper?

The Student Computer Lab is upstairs on the mezzanine.  It is open all hours the Library is open.  Reference computers on the main floor are NOT to be used for typing papers and do NOT have word processing programs installed.

I'm unable to open a file from my floppy disk.  What's happening?

Sometimes differences in computer platforms or programs do matter.  In general, to avoid problems, we recommend you save your files in a program such as Yahoo! Brief case where you can store and retrieve files remotely.  You avoid the problems that happen when one computer does not recognize what another computer left on your floppy disk.

Email/Chats

Where can I go to Read my Email?

At the Student Computer Lab on the mezzanine.  No Email/Chats/Usenet is allowed at our reference computers on the main floor.  They are reserved for library research.

How do I get an Email Account?

Free Email accounts are available through the Web.  Click here to see options you have to get a free Email account.

How can I Email an article to myself?

Go to Chabot Library Subscription Databases.

Where can I go to have online chats in the Library?

No chats, whatsoever, are allowed anywhere in the Library, UNLESS a bulletin board used for class discussion (such as a discussion forum on WebCT or Blackboard.  See a librarian if you are unsure).  Downloading chat software or any other program is strictly prohibited.

Printing

Do you have Printers?

Yes, we do.  We usually have at least one printer connected to the reference computers in the reference area, and at least two printers connected to the Lab printers upstairs.

Where do I go to print my paper/project I have on my disk?

You go to the Computer Lab upstairs (the mezzanine level of the Library)

Where is there a color printer?

Chabot Library does not have a color printer, and there currently is not one on campus.

Who can print at the Library?

Anyone can print at the Library, however access to computers are reserved to students, faculty, and staff first whenever it is crowded.

I have been trying to print an article and nothing is showing up in the Printer.  What's going on?

You need to go to the GoPrint print release station first, which is right next to the printer.  Your print job is sent to a release station of which you then select your individual print job and then use your GoPrint card for payment.

But nothing's showing up at the print release station.  What's going on?

Sometimes documents with a lot of memory such as Adobe Acrobat documents (documents ending with the extension, .pdf, also known as page image) may take minutes to print.  Please have patience.  Also, the printer may be simply out of paper.  Regardless, DO NOT PRINT YOUR DOCUMENT AGAIN.  Instead, let us know at the desk and we will check to see what is happening.

I'm at the GoPrint station and I see all these print jobs listed.  How do I know which one is mine?

At the GoPrint print release station, you see a number of large blue buttons.  On them, they state a particular type of computer and number (For example, Reference Computer Three).  Each computer has a number listed and you match the button with that computer (an R2 would be "Reference Computer Two").  If there are more than one jobs listed for your computer, you then determine your job by the URL listed or by the number of pages.  If you are not sure, return to your computer to verify computer number and the URL that was recently on your screen.

How much does it cost to print?

Ten cents per page.  You need to purchase a Go Print card, available from the kiosk located toward the middle of the hallway of the main floor of the Library. 

Why are you charging money to print pages?

Because paper, toner, and printer maintenance are rather costly.  And when we used to have free printing, we had a continued problem of waste (unclaimed printing jobs, persons printing web sites that turned out to be over 300 pages long, etc.)  When the Budget Crisis hit, our college had to turn this direction.  We are one of the last higher educational institutions and libraries in the area to turn to pay-for-print.

But I have only so much money and have articles to print.  What do I do?

You can always E-Mail your articles.  With the exception of Project MUSE, you have the ability to E-Mail the articles to yourself, where you can retrieve them at a later time and print them somewhere else.  For information on how to E-Mail articles from databases, go to Chabot Library Subscription Databases.

You can be more frugal on what you print.  Maybe not print every page.  Be sure to preview your pages before printing, too.  You can always change the page layout so the margins are smaller.

If you are printing articles, check to see if PDF format is available.  Most of the time, PDF versions of articles contain more text per page and therefore, there the number of pages are smaller, compared to articles in HTML format.  The database should tell you what formats are available for the particular article.

How do I print only what I highlight from a web page?

Simply select what you want to print and then when you Print, be sure "Selection" is selected and not "All."  You cannot print preview your selection, however, and determine how many pages you would be printing.  Another option is to print only the page(s) your information is on (and NOT EVERY PAGE, i.e. say you web page is three hundred pages long and you only want pages 167-172).  Select Print Preview from the File pull down menu of your web browser and then check to see where your information is on what particular pages (With this example, you would select pages 167-172).  Then when you select print, from the pop up menu change the option from Printing All to printing particular pages.  Ask us at the reference/circulation desks for assistance if you do not know how to do this.  If you're at the Lab, you can highlight passages, select Copy from the Edit pull down menu of your browser, then go into Microsoft Word and go anywhere in your text where you plan to insert the article's text you have copied, and then select Paste.  Ask for help at the Lab's desk if you are unsure on how to perform this trick.

Software/Web Browsers

Can I download a program on any of your computers?

Absolutely not!  Whether it's from your floppy disk or on the Web, downloading is strictly prohibited.  Downloading is defined as this:

1.  Saving ANY executable program (files end with .exe) on the computer's hard drive
2.  Anything from the web where you have to get from another computer, save on the computer's hard drive and then where you have to install.  This includes any Instant Messaging programs such as the ones provided by AOL and Yahoo!
3.  Any program you may have on your disk that would require you to transfer onto the hard drive and THEN install.

Any student caught downloading software onto one of the Library's computers will be denied computer access thereafter.

What programs are currently available in the Student Lab?

Click here for current information

Why is a page coming up strange in my browser?

It depends on what type of file you are viewing and what type of browser you have on your machine.  Most often, you may need to have a certain plugin on your computer that your browser can "find," or you may have an outdated or too new browser.  You may also be using a "pseudo-browser" such as those provided by America Online or Earthlink.  You really should download Internet Explorer and Netscape (or Mozilla) onto your machine, as current browsers usually have more functionality than those provided by Internet Service Providers such as SBC, AOL, and Earthlink.

At Chabot College Library and other places on campus that have computer labs, we usually keep the most recent versions of the Internet Explorer and Netscape browsers, however in 2001-2002, there were compatibility problems with Netscape 6 and when it first came out, Internet Explorer 6.  As of 2004, current versions of Netscape 7.1 and Internet Explorer 6 are operating fine, in most cases, but not all computer labs may have caught up.  If you are using your home computer, you may be using an older browser (pre-Netscape 6, pre-Internet Explorer 5).

These days, pages are being drafted in sophisticated Cascading Style Sheets or other formats that may not be able to appear in the intended format in older browsers.  The new college home page is a very good example.  For older versions of Netscape and Internet Explorer, the page may appear in one column, in a "plain text" format, or the positioning of graphics and links may appear lopsided.  To solve this problem, you will want to download the current version of Netscape, Mozilla or Internet Explorer or other browser on your machine.  While all the content will still appear on your page, the organization of that content can sometimes matter.

If a page ends with the extension, .xml, you will not only need to have a current browser, but for full functionality, these pages only work on Internet Explorer 6 and Netscape 7.1, for the moment (as of February, 2004).  Below are the links to the three most common web browsers.

Note:  Do NOT go to these sites if you are at the Library!  Only at Home.

Mozilla 1.4  http://www.mozilla.org  (Note: Mozilla IS the Netscape browser, but without America Online features and is considered to be bug free and has a faster speed.  Down side is some sites may not recognize the Mozilla browser (but will recognize the Netscape browser) to get some content.  Also includes the free web editor, Composer.  If you have an Email software at home, download by Custom and make sure that the Mail and Newsgroups feature is NOT selected).

Netscape 7.1  http://channels.netscape.com/ns/browsers/download.jsp  (If you have Email software at home, download by Custom and make sure that the Mail and Newsgroups feature is NOT selected.  Like Mozilla, also has the free web editor, Composer.  Netscape 7.1 is now recognized and works in most web sites).

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/critical/ie6sp1/default.asp  (Internet Explorer has become the most popular browser.  These days, practically every maintained web site and service easily recognizes, adapts, and provides content through Internet Explorer 6 (officially registered with Blackboard, our course delivery software).  Unlike Netscape and Mozilla, however, Internet Explorer does not have any way to block out pop-up ads, or have as much features to assist you in evaluating the quality of web-sites).

Another web browser that allows you to download for free but contains banner advertising is Opera, which in 2000 has received a lot of positive reviews.  Here is its address:

Opera 7.11   http://www.opera.com/
If you do not like the banner advertising, you can also purchase it at the Education rate of $20.

Facilities/Services

Restrooms  |  Pencil Sharpener/Typewriters  |  Photocopying  |  Reference Service
Policies (Food/Drink, Noise in Library, Children, Alarm System)  |  Other

Restrooms

Where are the restrooms?

Restrooms are located on opposite ends of the Library, before the outdoor exits.  The Women's' restroom is towards Building 300 (Business).  The Men's' restroom is towards Building 2300 (Cafeteria/Student Services)

Pencil Sharpener/Typewriters

Where do you have a pencil sharpener (or other tools)?

A pencil sharpener is currently located to your left if you are facing the Reference Desk.  It is on the table, after the bank of reference computers.   A hole puncher and a stapler are available above the book drop in the center of the circulation/reference desk.  A paper cutter is located next to room 119 (computer classroom) of the hallway of the main floor of the Library.  Scissors, white-out, scotch tape, and a few other tools are available from the reference desk.  Some tools like a calculator require a one hour checkout and for you to leave with us a student ID.  NEVER ASSUME, however, that we will have whatever tools you need for an assignment.  For example, we do not have computer disks for borrowing or for sale, so you should be bringing a disk with you each time you want to use the computer lab!  You should also bring with you a pen or pencil and paper and some money for photocopying (or a copycard) EVERY TIME YOU PLAN TO DO RESEARCH AT THE LIBRARY.  Most of the time we are open, the bookstore is also open and has computer disks, pens, pencils, paper, etc. for sale.  To get to the bookstore, go downstairs, exit to your right, and walk in between buildings 2300 and 200.  The new building behind 200 on your right is the bookstore.

Do you have any typewriters?
Typewriters are available on the mezzanine, behind the green microfilms cabinets, against the wall.

Photocopying

Do I have to purchase a copy card to make photocopies?

No, you do not.  There are photocopiers inside the Library that only accept copy cards, but there are also others that also accept coins.  The ones outside the reference room, against the wall near the exit heading towards Building 2300 (cafeteria/student services) all accept coins.  Copy cards are available for your convenience and can be purchased in 5 or 10 dollar amounts and can then be recharged.  You can purchase them from the circulation (right) side of the circulation/reference desk.  Against the wall near the Building 2300  exit, there is also a machine where you can purchase cards at the five dollars value.  Next to that, there is a machine (the one with the big red "X) where you can recharge your copy card.  If you need to copy pages from a reference book, let us know at the desk so we will know what you are doing once you set off the alarm (as you head to the photocopiers against the wall).  Reference books should be returned at the desk and NOT left at the copiers.

Where do I go for copy enlargements or color copies or have someone else to do photocopying?

While the Library has photocopiers, that does not mean the Library provides photocopy services. Several of our copiers provide limited abilities to enlarge and reduce originals.  When there's a machine problem, we are authorized by Xerox to only provide minor maintenance.   Whenever a copier's down, we contact Xerox immediately, but it may take a day before the machine's fixed.  Unfortunately, we do not have a color copier.

Reference Services

I have a class in five minutes and want to find information for my assignment now! or Why is the Librarian wasting my time showing me how to use the Library Catalog when all I want is a book from the Fiction section!  or I work and do not have time to do all this "running around" trying to find as simple a piece of information as a statistic!  Why is the librarian showing me all this?

Simply put, a Library is not a "fast food for thought" type of institution.  When you are asked to find research for an assignment or need some type of information, you have to allow yourself time to find that information.  Librarians' main purpose is actually NOT to find the information for you, but as faculty instructors, we are to help you LEARN how to find information so that for future assignments, and future times in life when you need information, you know HOW TO FIND THE INFORMATION.  If the information you need requires some digging, then the librarian will help you more directly with hunting for it.    Sometimes when the desk is busy, the librarian has to and will provide a certain degree of attention and help to the persons in front of you in line, meaning you have to wait a little bit.  The best plan you can give to yourself is to GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO DO RESEARCH IN THE LIBRARY (AT LEAST A HALF HOUR would be a good bet).  Regardless, you can always save yourself time by coming to the desk.  And you should always come to the reference desk if you do not know how to use the online Library Catalog, find a book on the shelf from the Library of Congress classification system, search one of our periodicals database and even search the World Wide Web.  We will be more than happy to show you how to search or understand the system at hand.

Oh, and by the way, academic libraries DO NOT have sections labeled "Fiction," "Biography," or "History."   Works by authors are classified based on the Library of Congress Classification system.  You need to look it up on the Library Catalog, first.  Librarians are always available to work with and teach you how to use it.

I do not see a librarian at the reference desk.  Is one always available?

First of all, ask anyone at the circulation side (right side) of the desk if a librarian is available if no one is there on the reference side (left side) at the moment.  Chances are, the librarian may be helping another student.  Whoever is at circulation will find the librarian for you.

If it is after 4 p.m. on weekdays or if it is a Saturday, there may be a possibility that the Librarian is providing a library orientation at the time.  Library orientations after 4 p.m. are supposed to never last longer than an hour and no more than one is ever scheduled on a particular evening or Saturday.   Unfortunately, the current staffing budget cannot allow more than one librarian at these particular times, which is why you may have to wait an hour or the next time the Library is open.  One recommendation we can give is that if you are going to be here on an evening and weekend, and you anticipate you may need help, call the reference desk at (510)723-7006 or -6764 to see at what times the librarian will be available.

Policies (Food/Drink, Noise, Cell Phones, Children, Alarm System)

What is your policy on Food/Drink in the Library?

Food and drink are NOT allowed in the Library, INCLUDING OUR CONFERENCE ROOMS AND BALCONY.  Some leniency may be given to bottles of water that REMAIN sealed.  If a computer or book is ruined by liquid or food, it can take as long as MONTHS to replace, that is if the book is still in print.

What is your policy regarding talking/silence in the Library or People are talking in the Library and I'm trying to study.  Is this allowed?

In general, libraries do serve other functions than simply study halls-- so absolute silence is impossible.  We do have a pay phone available, students may be working in twos on a  project huddled around a computer, we do conduct classes, lectures are sometimes being given, as well as tours.  And of course, librarians are often providing instruction to students from the reference desk which can move on to the reference computers, the reference shelves, and even the stacks.

However, the Library still should be a place of reasonable quiet so people can study.  Given the architecture set up of our building, voices do carry, so in general, students should keep conversations to a minimum.  If you are in a study group, please reserve a conference room.  Conference rooms are available for a study group up to two hours a day.  Also, weather and light permitting, the balcony behind the windows is also available if all conference rooms are in use.  At times, conference rooms may not be available so it is often good to plan ahead of time and to sign up for a future time when the room will be available.  Sign-up sheets for our conference rooms are at the reference desk.

Also, for those who may be using the pay phone, please conduct your conversations quietly and briefly.  As mentioned before, voices seem to carry over a larger range given the architecture of the building.  If you plan to have an involved conversation, there are more pay phones available downstairs.

If you are trying to study and other people are bothering you and conversations are carrying over an unreasonable period of time or if there is any kind of disruptive behavior, please notify a librarian.  We  are staffed on the left side of the reference/circulation desk.  We will let those know, calmly and politely, that they are disturbing other people.  So please feel free to approach us.

Shouting, boisterous laughter, and any other form of disruptive behavior are grounds for removal.

What is your policy on cell phones in the Library?

People who use cell phones, no matter where they are, can and should provide general courtesy to those around them.  Unfortunately, some of your fellow students have not shown such consideration and have continued to distract many other students in the library due to unanswered cell phone rings and melodies or loud conversations.  So we have put forward this new policy:

1.  Have your cell phone at vibrating.

2.  Go outside if you want to have a cell phone conversation.

If you were in deep concentration, you would not want an atmosphere of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" played continuously in the background like a car alarm or not want to overhear a private argument one is having with one's significant other.  Show those who are studying the same respect they would give you if you were studying!

If someone is disturbing you due to a cell phone conversation, please let a librarian know immediately.

What about children who make noise in the Library?  Are children allowed?

Children under twelve are allowed, when with an adult.  Children are also expected to be reasonably quiet in a Library.  We will be happy to talk to the parents if children are disturbing you.  If you find yourself disturbed by a crying infant, please understand that parents are also students who need to perform research just like you do and cannot always find or afford a baby sitter.  Be reasonable, and allow some lenience.  If the infant is making continual noise, however, we will speak to the parent.

By the way, parents should be aware that Chabot College does have a Children's Center.  Call (510)723-6684 for more information.
Children may not be left by themselves in the library.

I have a class to take and cannot find or afford a sitter for my child(ren).  Can I leave them at the Library while I take my course?

The answer is no.  You should plan ahead of time and contact the Children's Center which is available on campus.  Call (510)723-6684 for more information.  The Children's Center is basically the "daycare center" on campus and is available for those of you who are parents, taking classes.  Leaving children unattended in the Library is the same as leaving children unattended at ANY public place.  If there are children hanging around the Library with no accompanying adult, we are authorized to contact Campus Security who will then locate the child's parents.

Alarm System

Why Must I Show my Belongings every time the alarm sounds?  Isn't that a violation of my privacy?

All that we ask is that you give us any books you have either checked out here or purchased at the bookstore and have us deactivate them for you.  Once we have deactivated them, we give them back to you immediately.

Other Services

My teacher says you have transparencies I can use to photocopy my planned presentation.  Is that true?

Yes, it is!  Limit is ten transparencies and are ten cents per copy, just as if you were making a regular photocopy.  Come to the reference desk to get assistance.  SORRY, TRANSPARENCIES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR LASER PRINTERS.

Is there a service to FAX materials or to receive materials by FAX?

Unfortunately, the Library does not have a FAX machine for public use.

Especially for Instructors

I am an instructor and want to schedule my class to meet with a librarian to get to know the Library.  What do I do?

Library orientation requests are available at the reference desk.  You need to schedule a library orientation at least a week ahead of time.   If you want to follow up on your request, please contact Barbara Lawrence, (510)723-6763.  The instructor should accompany his/her class.  Please do not schedule an orientation simply because you are going to be out that day (which you cannot do, anyway, due to insurance purposes).  Please do schedule an orientation around the time a research assignment is being given, not weeks beforehand as your students would then not be motivated and not remember what to do once they have received the assignment.

You cannot simply bring a class in and request an orientation at the spur of the moment.   In fact, we do NOT provide spontaneous orientations!  Orientations are given any time the Library is open, including Saturdays, so do fill out a library orientation request ahead of time.  We hope to have such forms available on line in the near future, so keep your eyes posted on the About the Library and Its Services web page!

I am an instructor and am thinking of a research assignment but am not familiar with your collection.  Should I contact the Library?

By all means, yes!  In fact, even if you are a full time instructor and have been here at Chabot for awhile, it never hurts to get an update of our collection.  Keep in mind that due to the current budget crisis, we have hardly any money available for collection development, so you will want to put copies of your own books on reserve.  However, we can still provide study guides to our databases and to web sites if we know about your subjects and research assignments ahead of time.

If you send students on a research assignment without knowing what is in the campus library's collection, you may be sending them on a wild goose chase!  Please keep in mind that a community college Library does not have as large a volume of books as a research college, nor as many electronic databases or electronic books!  All community colleges are also not the same.  They have different needs, different departments, different emphases of subjects.  If you think the Web can remedy what we do not have in our print sources or in our subscription databases, think again.  Unless you have particular web sites in mind that you ask your students to search, you may be sending your students on an even a wilder goose chase when it comes to the World Wide Web.

Please feel free at any time to contact a librarian.  Our numbers are available on the Library Personnel page at http://www.chabotcollege.edu/Library/abby/personnel.html   We will be happy to meet with you and also provide a library orientation for your specific research assignment.

We are also happy to take any purchase requests from you for books and other materials you believe we should have.  Also, once we know about assignments you plan to give regularly, we can then select books, online materials, and web sites so that there are more and/or better materials available for future classes.

Contacting the Library provides success for your students!

I need my class to use particular equipment for my course.  Does the Library have it?

It's best to assume we do not.  If you think it is something a Library usually will have that is available to students, contact us first at (510)723-7006 or -6764.  Please keep in mind that when you are asking your students to use what may seem to you to be simple as an adding machine, you are placing a burden to those who do not have one.  A library usually will not have an adding machine available for the public to use.

If you have an assignment that requires equipment you know some of your students may not have or cannot afford, but you see as absolutely crucial to your assignment, you may want to contact your Division for some backup funds or services, first, and THEN, if needed, contact the Library.

Budget Crisis

What impact is the state's budget crisis having on the Library?

In the past, it has quite a bit.  For the 2003-2004 budget year, the Library had to make significant cuts in hours, services, and collections.  The Library cut a number of hours it would ordinarily have been open during last summer (we got a couple more hours a week this summer, but still significantly less than summers of the past).  Hours for Fall are currently not known at this time, but there is less staffing and we have less student assistants, which means there will still be somewhat reduced services.  

Will your databases still be available?

Yes.  We have money allocated for databases until June, 2005, and were able to renew most (but not all) of our databases for the January to January cycle of this year, thanks to some money allocated to us from the District.  We cancelled our subscriptions to Encyclopedia Britannica Online and Mc-GrawHill AccessScience.  However, at the same time, we did purchase one online book through the Gale Virtual Reference Library.   

For the future, funding for databases is now in uncertain territory due to changes in the budget structure allocated in Governor Schwarzenegger's current budget proposal.  When he proposed it, There was NO categorical fund for databases for any of the California Community colleges.  Thanks to  state-wide efforts, the categorical fund is at the moment restored in the state budget.  Even so, we do spend a bit more above the state fund, have some price increases in our databases, and as always, depend on our District as well to fully fund our entire suite of databases.

Will You Still Be Able to Order Books?

In March 2004, voters living in the Chabot Las Positas Community College District passed a Technology and Facilities BondAct-- one of the items included funding for the physical book collection (but not for periodicals, videos, databases, or any electronic resources).  For the next ten years, we should have a much better book budget than we have had for over ten years.  Before the bond, we had a very small allocation of money for books, coming from our District, which mainly paid for a small set of reference books and the Opposing Viewpoints series.  This was not really a "book budget" as far as getting individual titles for particular disciplines or even getting titles to reflect current events.  Some monies also funded our print periodicals subscription, and we are continuing to cut titles each year.  All other monies come from the state in a budget allocation called "Instructional Equipment and Library Replacement" materials, which in the past couple of years has had significant cuts in funding--relying on it while maintaining the quality of our collection was not possible.  With a number of years where we had only a three thousand dollar budget for books, our book collection is not what it was in the past and went down in quality as each year passed.  With the Bond passing, we will have a goal to remedy a lot of gaps and replace a lot of obvious outdated books that are in our collection within the next ten years.  The Library is very grateful for our voters in our area!

In the meantime--while we have our gaps--Instructors should arrange to have copies of books (of which they own) placed on reserves and students should prepare to check out books from other libraries.  If students get an Alameda County Library card, they can use that same card to also check out materials from Cal State Hayward, Hayward public and some other local libraries in the area.  As books are more analytical and in-depth than any web site or online magazine, journal, or newspaper article will ever be, you should make sure your students are aware of options and to find time to visit at least one other Library.

Cliffs Notes

How come you do not carry Cliffs Notes?

At the reference desk, we have four articles on reserve.  They will let you know about the quality of Cliffs Notes and then you should understand why we do not carry them.

When it comes to literary criticism and study guides, Cliffs Notes may be the most famous resource available due to incredible marketing, but that does NOT mean they are superior resources.  Cliffs Notes are usually written by undergraduate and graduate students, and not always English majors.  In-depth studies on some of the Notes have revealed glaring inaccuracies and incoherent interpretations.  As far as most libraries are concerned, Cliffs Notes are poor resources as either literary criticism works or study guides.  At Chabot College Library, we have a fantastic database called Literature Resource Center.  It includes many literary criticism essays and articles, biographies with related criticisms, and great work overviews written by scholars in the fields!  Click on Criticisms, Articles and Overviews to look up interpretations to many of an author's works!  If your results lead to a Twayne Author Series article, you will also get detailed criticisms on particular works that are much more superior than Cliffs Notes.  For our most studied authors, we also order books that contain many literary criticism essays as well.  Go into the Library Catalog, enter the author's last name than first name and then click on Subject.  Project MUSE and Ebsco Host Academic Search Elite also contain a wealth of literary criticism articles as well.  We have so much better materials than Cliffs Notes.

If you are using Cliffs Notes as a substitute to reading the original work, itself, keep in mind the authors of these Notes are your peers, fellow students, and just because they read the book in detail does not always mean they are the best readers.  In fact, in-depth studies on Cliffs Notes have revealed many glaring inaccuracies and incoherent interpretations!  Relying on Cliffs Notes can be the same as relying on what your friend overheard from a conversation.  You're also not allowing yourself to read the author's original words and style and not allowing your OWN reading of the work, itself.  The purpose of reading literary works is not simply to get grades or credit, but to expose yourself to various expressions of the English language as well as to figure out the many complexities of the human condition.  Do you want a college sophomore who is desperate for money try to explain that to you?  If you have not read the book and do not have time to read it at this point, it is time to talk to your instructor and make arrangements for you to catch up.  It still takes time to read Cliffs Notes, and sometimes it even takes longer to read the Notes than the original work, itself.  Reading Cliffs Notes is not a time saver, nor will it enhance your education.  Your instructor's talk on the work will almost always have superiority over what the college sophomore thinks!