Library FAQs

Library Hours and Location 

What are the library’s hours?Library hours are as posted on MCC's website. 

Is the library open during spring and winter break?Yes, the library is open during breaks, though hours may be different from those during semesters. Please check our website for break hours.  

Where is the library?
MCC’s Library is located in the lower level of the Donald C. Burns Administration/Library Building on the college’s Sidney campus. It is accessible by taking the stairs or elevator in the foyer of the east entrance to the lower level. 

Where can I park?
Free parking is available on campus. 

Library Cards 

Do I need a library card?
If you are a currently enrolled MCC student, you already have access to all our library resources. The first time you check out books, be prepared to verify your identity by presenting your student ID card or another form of photo ID. As a student, you will already have a patron record in our system.

Non-student community members may apply for a library card by presenting their driver's license or Michigan state ID card. A library card is not needed for computer use and other services that are open to the general public.

Material Checkouts 

May the public checkout items from the library?
The public is welcome to use the MCC Library during its regularly scheduled hours. To check out books you must present a valid Michigan ID or Michigan Driver’s License and you will be responsible for any overdue fines or damages related to borrowed materials. 

How do I locate material in the library?
All of the library’s materials may be found in the MCC library’s online catalog, where you can search for material by author, subject and/or keyword. Please note the item’s “Call Number” and check “Holdings” to make sure the item is available. The call number will direct you to the shelf location of the item and if you need assistance, please ask.  Our library staff does not have access to your assignments or course outlines, so please come prepared with your needs so that our courteous and informed staff of library professionals can assist you. Also, researching information is not always a quick task, so please allow yourself adequate time to make the most of our resources. We look forward to helping you! 

How many items may I borrow at a time?
You may borrow up to six (6) items at a time.

How long can I keep library materials?All circulating library material has a three-week loan period. If you need your material longer, please call or visit the library and we will renew your material for another three weeks. It is important to renew material you are still using.

What are Two-hour Reserves?Materials may be placed on reserve by your instructor to ensure that the entire class will have access to the required readings. Ask for them at the Circulation Desk. They’re usually available for two hours and must be used in the library. A few items, however, are open reserve with unique loan periods set by the instructor.

How do I access the library's electronic resources?

Please access all our resources through your student Apps page at login.montcalm.edu. This will ensure that you have full access. Your Apps page also includes passwords for databases that are restricted to students (see the Databases and Passwords app).

Can community members use the library's electronic resources?

Many of our online resources are available to all Michigan residents (check for the "MeL" logo to the left of the database name, which indicates that community members have access). However, some of our databases are restricted to student use by our licensing agreements.

Amenities 

What type of conditions can I expect to find in the library?

• Quiet work stations equipped with tables, chairs and charging stations
• Comfortable couches and chairs for reading and studying
• Restrooms
• Drinking fountains 

Do you have private study areas?There are three (3) study rooms for small groups or to meet with a tutor.  Private study rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

What equipment is available for me to use at the library?

• 10 computers equipped with MCC’s databases, online access and Microsoft Office software
• Students are able to check out laptops from our Reference Desk for use within the library
• Printers are available for printing from library computers 
• Scanner
• *Please note the library does not have a fax machine or laminator. 

How much does it cost to use the printer?You may pay to print documents at the library’s print station and the library staff can help you add money to your account.  Printing costs are as follows:

• Single-sided black and white printed pages cost $0.05 each
• Single-sided color printed pages cost $0.25 each. 

Policies 

Can I use the phone?Phone calls are not permitted inside the library.  Please use the lobby outside the library to take calls. Out of respect for others, please mute the ring of your cell phone while in the library.  

Can I bring food and/or drinks into the library?The library allows food and drinks in covered containers, but we ask that patrons be respectful and report any spills right away so that they can be cleaned. An eating area is available in the area near Crystal the Mastodon, just before you enter the library; there is also space on the library patio, weather permitting. 

What if I lose or damage an item?All library borrowers are responsible for the material they check out. Borrowers are charged the replacement cost of any lost or damaged material as well as any outstanding overdue fines on these items. Failure to settle any outstanding fines or fees may result in a hold being placed on your student record.

What is a library hold and what should I do if I have one?If you have overdue library materials, a hold will be placed in your student record and you will not be able to conduct official business with MCC until the overdue material is addressed.