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Library Liaisons: Services

The liaison librarians function as a contact between the departments and the Library. They share information about resources and solicit requests and suggestions for developing the library's collection.

Services

Prince George's Community College Library provides services and assistance six (6) days a week (fall and spring). Click the following tabs to learn more about our services:

Information literacy instruction helps students develop a set of skills to comprehend and use information sources - inside and beyond the library - to fulfill information needs in academia, the workplace, and for lifelong learning. These skills help develop productive citizens by enabling them to analyze information and to make informed decisions.

Information literacy instruction helps students:

  • master the research process
  • develop search strategies
  • locate electronic and print materials
  • evaluate, synthesize, and use information
  • use information ethically and legally by learning how to cite and document sources
  • use strategies for future research and lifelong learning
  • Information literacy instruction sessions are typically taught in Accokeek Hall, Room 109 
  • Arrangements can be made for a librarian to teach at the college's extension centers
  • We request the faculty member be present and participate in the sessions to emphasize the importance of this learning and research process 

Please request an information literacy instruction session by using the electronic Library Instruction Form.

What’s an Embedded Librarian?

An embedded librarian is a librarian that is integrated into an online class for a period of time to support the student's in their research process. 

Why do I need an embedded librarian?

The popularity of online classes has risen over the years. The reasons for choosing an online class are varied. Most often the main reason is that the student is not able to visit the physical campus, and the library, so they do not have the same exposure to the services of the library.

For this reason, the library has increased the number of electronic resources that can be accessed remotely. But having the resources is not enough. Many students have difficulties and need help, not only accessing resources remotely, but knowing what resources and services are available to them. An embedded librarian will provide support for these students in their virtual space. 

What can the embedded librarian do for your class?

  • provide information about the library's databases, e-books and services
  • help students find credible web sources
  • assist with citations
  • help narrow topics and brainstorm ideas for research
  • identify keywords and search terms for a topic
  • assist students with the PGCC online catalog
  • answer questions about the library or research

To request an embedded librarian in your course, simply fill out the Information Literacy Instruction Form. 

What is Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a borrowing privilege that is used to acquire books, journal articles, or multimedia that the library does not own.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Textbook requests are not accepted.
  • Some materials may be difficult to obtain, including bestsellers, books recently featured on TV talk shows, genealogical materials, special collections, rare books, expensive materials, or fragile items.
  • Loan periods for returnable items obtained through ILL vary widely due to circulation policies.

Who can borrow materials?

Interlibrary Loan can be used by enrolled students, faculty, administrators, and staff.

Are there any fees?

There is usually no cost related to this service.

  • If the item requested is only available from an institution that charges, the person making the request (requestor) will be notified. The requestor is responsible for any charges.
  • Costs incurred from overdue fines, lost books, or damage costs are the requestor's responsibility.

How many requests can be submitted?

Request no more than five items at one time.

What are the loan periods?

Book loan periods are usually for three weeks with one renewal before the due date. Books should not be returned in the book drop. They must be returned in person and handed to a Circulation Services staff person.

How long does it take to receive the items? 

Response and delivery time vary. Delivery may take between three days to three weeks. The requestor will be notified by telephone or e-mail when the item arrives. Items are held at the Circulation Services Desk.

Adherence to all copyright laws is the responsibility of individual patrons.

Circulation Services is located on the first floor of Accokeek Hall. Services include:

  • circulating books
  • multimedia
  • reserve materials
  • issuing photo identification cards
  • assisting with the scanner and photocopying equipment

Please call Circulation Services at 301-546-0475 for further information.

Circulation Facts

  • limited to five (5) check out items per day and a maximum number of ten (10) 
  • loaned for three (3) weeks with one renewal
  • a Prince George's Community College photo identification card is needed to check out materials
  • lost materials: the borrower must pay a replacement cost of $50.00, plus a processing fee of $15.00

Reserves

Library and personal materials, print and audiovisual, may be placed on reserve in the library for student use. The use of materials on reserve is for within the library only. The reserved item will not be allowed to be checked out. However, students may photocopy or scan materials.

Please observe these two requirements:

  • Materials to be put on reserve must be brought to the Circulation Desk (x0475) at least 48 hours before the students are to begin using them.
  • Photocopies of articles, or other loose pages, must be in a binder, available from department supplies.

The multimedia collections (DVDs) are located on the first floor of the library. Faculty may check them out for Prince George's Community College instructional purposes only.

The Reference Information Desk is located near the front door and is staffed by a professionally trained librarian all hours that the library is open.

The librarians are prepared and pleased to answer questions and offer direct personal assistance on using the Library's electronic and print sources to find information for research and study.