Library service is furnished to the Del Rio and Eagle Pass Campuses through digital libraries. Students also have access there to all of the databases available from the library web page. They also have access to the book collection at the main campus in Uvalde through the use of the online library catalog. They can make online requests with delivery to each library. For journal articles, students have access to the same databases and indexes online as the main library and can request articles online if the article is not full-text. Articles can be faxed directly to the student.
The Library web page and the online
databases are accessible through the Portal located on the SWTJC homepage.
The SWTJC libraries are open 68 hours per week. Between semesters, all libraries are open 40 hours per week. See hours and locations.
For Rio Grande College students and faculty and SWTJC faculty, the Sul Ross State University Library at Alpine provides interlibrary loan access to materials from academic and public libraries across the state when material/information is not available locally or is not available in full-text form. Online request forms (See: How to Request Material) provide timely service.
SWTJC students have interlibrary loan access through the Alamo Area Library System located in the San Antonio Public Library. This is a state-wide system through which requests may be made for materials. SWTJC students may request this service at the circulation desk at each library or may call the main library at 830-591-7367.
Articles received through interlibrary loan may be faxed to the student or picked up at one of the campus libraries. They are usually received in 5 - 7 days. Books received through interlibrary loan need to be picked up and returned to one of the three libraries. They usually are received in 1 - 3 weeks if they are available.
Information literacy
forms the basis for lifelong learning. All
SWTJC Libraries offer instruction in
the library so the student can:
1.
Determine
the extent of information needed
2.
Access the
needed information effectively and efficiently
3.
Evaluate
information and its sources critically
4.
Incorporate
selected information into one’s knowledge base
5.
Use
information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
6.
Understand
copyright issues and what plagiarism means.
Course-related instruction sessions are available at all campuses to specific classes for specific subjects. Faculty members are asked to schedule these sessions with at least a 2-day advance notice so facilities, equipment, and personnel will be available.
One-on-one help is given as needed. Self-help is provided under ‘Guide to Research’ from the library web page. Access to an online tutorial on using library resources is provided here. Each online database also has a help section or ‘Tips on Research’. Access to a librarian is also provided on the library web page under "Contact a Librarian"
Faculty and staff family members may have an ID card updated by paying a $5 fee each semester, once in the summer, for a total of $15 per year. Online students who don't have an ID or have not visited a campus to update it need to bring their receipt for the current semester.
Reference books and periodicals are not checked out of the library. Copiers are provided if information needs to be copied. Some faculty reserve materials are also designated as 'library use only' if the professor so desires. Items placed on Reserve should not replace materials that students need to purchase because of copyright restrictions.
The fines for late books is $.25 per day with a maximum of $10 per book. Fines are charged for holidays. . Fines for overnight books and interlibrary loan books is $1.00 per day with a maximum of $10 per item. All fines must be paid before other books may be checked out. If a book is lost, a replacement fee plus a $5 processing fee is charged. College grades and transcripts will be withheld until fines and lost books are cleared. The replacement cost will be refunded for a returned book that was previously reported lost. The processing and late fees are not refunded.
The SWTJC/RGC Libraries also serve citizens of the area. The public may use our computers (See computer guidelines in the next section.), our reference and periodical sections, and even check out books if they have a TexShare card from their local public library. This card will be honored when presented with a picture ID of some type.
1. Students must sign-in with an ID. Access will be on a first-come first-serve basis with SWTJC and RGC
students and faculty having priority.
2. Please limit your use to 30 minutes if others are waiting.
3. Limit of 1 person per computer.
4. Computers are for educational use such as research, word processing,
presentation programs, spreadsheets, etc. E-mail is acceptable.
Games, chatting, messaging, or entertainment websites ARE NOT ALLOWED.
5. Viewing materials that may be offensive to others is unacceptable.
6. A printing charge of $.05 per page is charged.
7. Installation of unauthorized programs is not permitted. Ask at the
sign-in desk.
8. Computer sign-in will cease 15 minutes before the library closes.
9. Minors are not allowed to use the computers. Dual Credit students under the age of 18 will be allowed computer access with a valid high school ID or SWTJC ID. The library does not restrict use of the Internet and cannot be held accountable for information or images accessed through the Internet.
LIBRARY PATRONS' RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
All library users should abide by the following standards of responsibility in using library facilities:
1. Every patron has the right to study or read undisturbed; likewise, he has the responsibility to refrain from infringing on the right of others to study undisturbed.
2. Every patron has the right to borrow circulating library materials; likewise, he has the responsibility to assure others the opportunity to use those materials by returning them promptly.
3. Every patron has the right to use the public facilities of the library; likewise, he has the responsibility to maintain those facilities in the same condition in which they were made available to him.
4. Every patron has the right to be treated with courtesy; likewise, he has the responsibility to extend the same courtesy to other patrons, library personnel and guests of the library.
Acceptable behavior in the Library includes reading, studying, or sitting quietly.
Unacceptable behavior includes talking loudly enough to disturb others, drinking, eating, smoking, chewing tobacco, destruction or mutilation of library materials or furniture, or tampering with the computers. The consequences of such behavior may include expulsion from the Library, loss of library privileges, payment for damages, and/or withholding of grades and transcripts.
The staff is not responsible for young children brought to the Library. They need to be closely supervised by the adult who brings them and to follow all Library rules. Children who are too young to be students of SWTJC are not allowed to use the computers.
Theft of materials from the Library is punishable by dismissal from SWTJC and possible prosecution in a court of law.