Frequently Asked Questions
Computer Uses ~ Facilities & Services ~ Materials
Where is the Library?
The El Centro College Library is located on the 2nd floor of the B Building, just behind the A Building elevators.
What are the Library's hours?
See Hours
How do I get a Library card?
Your El Centro College ID (with a current semester sticker) is your library card. You may also show us your driver's license, state picture ID, or passport.
What should I do if I lose my school ID?
Report the loss to the Circulation Desk and your record will be blocked to prevent others from checking out materials with your ID.
What do I need to check out a book?
Your El Centro ID card OR a Driver's license with photo OR a passport.
How many books can I check out?
You can check out 10 books - 4 per library visit, for a total checkout of 10 items.
How long can I check books out for?
You can check out 3 weeks - then renew them once (in person or online) for an additional 3 weeks. However, you can not renew overdue books!
Renew Online: Library Catalog > Check Your Record > type in your name, social security number and PIN number > View My Record.
Does the Library have textbooks?
The Library doesn't purchase textbooks for checking out. Some instructors will put copies of their textbook on Reserve, so you can use the textbook in the Library.
What if I lose a book?
You will be charged the replacement price, plus a $10 processing fee.
Can I return books when the Library is closed?
Yes, place the items in our outside book return (located to the left of the Library front doors).
Does the Library have paperbacks, bestsellers and other popular books?
Yes, the paperback rack is located on the first floor of the Library, next to our Classroom. Bestsellers and recent popular books are behind the Reference Desk. Donations are always welcome. Popular books are selected from the New York Times Best Sellers List.
Can I check out books from other Libraries with my El Centro ID card?
Yes and No. You can check materials out from other DCCCD campuses and even request that they send the book to El Centro for you to pick up!
You can request a TEXSHARE card at the Circulation Desk. The TEXSHARE card will allow you to check books out from any public college library in Texas. You can return the materials to El Centro and we'll send them back to the owning Library.
Each public library has its own policies for checking out. Many - but not all - will allow you to check out their books with a TEXHARE card. Dallas Public Library does not use the TEXSHARE card.
Does the Library have videos or talking books to check out?
No
I'm from another DCCCD campus. Can I check out materials?
Yes, with your DCCCD campus ID or your driver's license or state picture ID card.
I'm not a DCCCD student. Can I check out materials?
If you are attending a Texas college, request a Texshare card from your college library. That will allow you to check out materials. Otherwise, request materials from your local library via InterLibrary Loan.
Does the Library have TASP study guides?
The Library has a limited number of TASP study guides for checking out. The Library LINKS (Tests) links to the online TASP Study Guide.
How do I find magazine and newspaper articles?
The DCCCD Libraries subscribe to over 4,000 magazine, journal, and newspapers via the Online Databases! These can be accessed via the web, read online. You can print, email, or download these articles to a disk. The online databases are available not only in the DCCCD Libraries, but you can use these at home also, via the web!
What else does the Library have?
The Library has a Vertical File of pamphlets, maps, and other brief materials. These are stored in file cabinets. Ask any Librarian for help in using these materials.
How do I find out what books the Library has?
All books for El Centro and the other DCCCD campuses are found in the Online Catalog. You can access this from home (http://library.dcccd.edu) AND you can check books out from any campus library with your El Centro ID! We can also request books from other campuses for you - they will be sent to El Centro for you to pick up.
Can I check email in the Library?
No. If you are currently taking classes, you can check email in the 4th Floor Computer Lab.
Can I type papers or print out my research paper in the Library?
No. If you are currently taking classes, you can type papers or print out papers in the 4th Floor Computer Lab.
Can I print from the databases and the web? How much does it cost?
Yes! You can print for 10¢ a page. You can also download to a disk or email databases articles to yourself. The copier machines are located in the Library Copy Center, next to the Circulation Counter. The copier machines accept dimes, nickels and quarters AND will give you change back. They do not accept dollar bills. However, the Cashier's Window (across from the Library) has a change machine that will accept dollar bills and give you back change.
Can I use a zip disk OR flash drive in the Library to save from the web?
Yes!
Can I use the CD that came with my textbook?
No.
Can I use my laptop in the Library?
Yes. However, we do not have wireless connections.
Doe the Library have a scanner?
Yes! The scanner is next to the Reference Desk. Any librarian can assist you in using the scanner.
Are children allowed in the Library?
Please read the DCCCD's Children on Campus policy.
Does the Library have a photocopier?
Yes. The Library has 3 copy machines, two on the main floor and one upstairs. Copies are 10¢ in cash or with a copy card. Copy cards can be purchased from the El Centro Cashier's Window. The machines will magnify, reduce and print on legal and standard paper. They do not create double-sided copies.
Does the Library has a color printer?
No
Where are the quiet study areas?
We have two study rooms located at the back of the Library. These are for group study. Our second floor also offers study carrels and tables.
Where are the restrooms?
To the right of the Library entrance and against the right wall as you stand near the 2nd floor stairway.
Where is Lost & Found?
In the El Centro A Building, Campus Security.
Reference/Information Desk: 214-860-2174 Circulation:
214-860-2175
Comments or suggestions are welcome.
©2006 El Centro College Library
Dallas, TX
Last Updated:
February 6, 2007