The RCC Library strives to promote student learning and faculty instruction in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Library programs include computer technologies, print and media materials, and information literacy instruction essential to lifelong learning. We invite you to visit the Library often.

Philosophy
We believe that all RCC students are capable of excellence if given the skills necessary to succeed. In the new millennium, more than ever, library staff must teach information literacy and learning skills to empower students to take a proactive role in their own education. The more the Library can respond to changes in the information society, the better we can provide programs essential to preparing students for careers and continued learning.

Goals

	To promote quality education for a diverse, non-traditional, multi-cultural population using information literacy skills development, on-line services, and the use of library collections to support classroom instruction and provide resources and instruction for those pursuing learning on their own.
	To take a leadership role in the development and use of instruction and information technology essential to effective teaching and learning.
	To initiate and develop partnerships with faculty, staff and colleagues in other institutions to expand learning opportunities for our students.
	To empower students to develop research skills essential to college level work and lifelong learning and to help students develop an appreciation for different cultures and lifestyles and a natural curiosity about the world in which we all live.
	To assess the effectiveness of library programs using current library assessment tools and to maintain a profile of library users to provide appropriate, high quality programs.
	To assess the collection in relationship to the curriculum, student learning needs, standards for community colleges and planned methods of instruction.
	To manage effectively a dynamic and flexible library capable of anticipating and responding to the evolving needs and responsibilities of the college.

Policies

General Information
Food, drinks and smoking are not permitted in the Library. Patrons caught with food or drink in the library will be required to leave for the rest of the day. Rodents, insects and spilled food are very destructive to Library materials. Patrons are encouraged to visit the food service areas or designated lounge areas.

The Library is reserved for quiet study. Due to the nature of our open study spaces, we do not support group study efforts, except in the Group Study room . Use the library's group study room (you must sign up for the room at the circulation desk) or other designated student activities areas located throughout the RCC campus in order to study in small groups, to visit with classmates, and for informal discussion of a personal nature. Please respect each patron's right to a quiet study area. Please refrain from talking when using the photocopy machines as they are adjacent to study areas. The RCC Security Officer will handle situations involving patrons who repeatedly disrupt other students. In order to maintain a quiet study environment, the use of IPod's/MP3 players and cell phones are prohibited.

Library computers are to be used to access the Polaris online catalog and to facilitate research through use of the Library's electronic databases. Patrons are not allowed to use the computers for gaming, chat rooms or any illegal activities. Patrons violating these rules initially will be asked to leave the Library's computer area. Repeated violations will result in an RCC Security Officer being called to the scene. Students must sign in at a computer using their student ID # as the user name and the intitials of their first, middle and last name + their student ID# as their password.. Students are then allotted a one-hour period on a computer. Students may request an additional hour if no other student has signed up for research time. Patrons are not allowed to upload any program to the Library computers or change any Library computer configuration. A printer is available for student use. Every student gets $20.00 placed into their account for printing each semester.

The Library upholds policies outlined in the RCC Student Manual regarding plagiarism and defacement/damage to college property. It also upholds Article III: Proscribed Conduct of the Massachusetts Community Colleges Model Student Disciplinary Code (i.e. specifically Item B sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 15, 16). The Library may inspect your bags upon entrance and exit from the facility. Damage done to Library property will be charged to the patron responsible.

Children under three years of age are not allowed in the Library unless participating in a college related activity supervised by two adults or accompanied by an adult who does not intend to stay in the Library more than five minutes. Under no circumstances are children of any age to be left unattended in the library. Security will be called.

If the Library's security alarm system sounds as a Library patron exits the Library, we reserve the right to recall the patron and inspect his or her belongings.

Please do not return materials to the bookshelves. Return all books and all other materials to the Circulation Desk or to "Return Stations" located throughout the Library.

Materials in the Library are protected under the copyright laws. Any duplication, outside of copyright specifications, without permission from the author(s), producers is subject to legal action as deemed necessary by federal law. For information about the copyright laws, inquire at the Circulation Desk.

The Library is easily accessible to physically challenged persons. We have an internal elevator, space between stacks to permit wheelchair access and a carrel designed for wheelchairs. We also have special equipment for the sight impaired.

Beginning September 3, 2003, there will be a $1.00 replacement fee charged for anyone who loses his RCC Library barcode.

Beginning September 3, 2003, the processing fee for a lost book or lost AV material will be increased to $15.00.

Gift Policy: The RCC staff gratefully acknowledges those wishing to donate materials to the library. We reserve the right to select only those materials that will enhance the curricula of the college and to dispose of any remaining material by way of donations to area booksellers or other appropriate means.

Your Feedback is Important! Please share your ideas, comments and suggestions with us through the use of the Feedback Notebook at the Help Station or reach us by email at Library1@rcc.mass.edu.