Library offers wide array of services

In the past, a person went to the library to check out books, then leave. Those days are gone.

There are a variety of new things that can be done at the PCC Shatford Library.

Dean of Library Services Mary Ann Luan said, “We have an EBook collection. Most of the books are academic focused but we have a lot of classics.”

According to Luan, you go to the Shatford library website, click on the EBook tab where you will log in with a student I.D. and pin number.

From there it will lead you through the steps to downloading a book.

More than mere books are available.

“Not only do we offer print materials such as books, journals, magazines; audio visual materials (DVDs’, CD’s) but we also have some great online resources as well,” Reference and Social Media Services Librarian Diana E. Lopez said in an email. “We have periodical databases that offer information that Google alone isn’t going to give you.”

The library also offers classes. “We have credit classes that are one unit,” Luan said.

“The first class is basic lab, which is a great way to get research information. The second class is Internet and web which focuses on databases, and at the end of the class they build a web page.”

“Another tip that not all students know is that we are available 24/7 to help you,” Lopez said.

“From our “Ask a Librarian” page, you can find out about all the ways in which you can get help.”

The computer lab is one of the most popular areas in the library. “You can be on the computers for four hours or four log ons, if no one else is waiting,” said Library Technician , Roger Banh. “Each log on is an hour long.”

“There are 120 computers on the first floor, nine on the second floor and nine on the third floor,” Banh said. “The best time to use the computers is in the afternoon after 3 p.m.”

“The library had 8,800 people on the first day of school,” Luan said.

There are three floors and they are each used for different purposes. “The first floor is the computer lab, the second floor is to work, relax, to study or hang out, and the third floor is the quiet study floor. We monitor it and have a security guard up there,” Luan said.

There are plans in the works for the future of the library.

“We are working on downloadable audio books, software where you can download to a personal device and listen to it,” Luan said.

“Just remember, the way to get the most out of the library is to ask us. It makes our day to help you,” Lopez said.

The library is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m.to 9 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m to 2 p.m.