Does the library have the textbook I need for my class?
The Oregon Tech Library does not purchase textbooks required or recommended for
classes. In a very few cases, we may, coincidentally, have a copy of a
textbook in the collection. In some other cases, your instructor may
put a copy of a book into the library's reserve collection for student
use. Otherwise, the expectation is that students will purchase required
materials for their own use. Oregon Tech's Paper Owl bookstore sells
course-related texts.
Why doesn't the library have more novels or science fiction?
The library has a budget to purchase books, journals and other
materials to support the Oregon Tech curriculum, with little money available
for buying pleasure-reading books. Some fiction is purchased, primarily
to support classes in the Humanities. There is a donated collection of
recreational reading paperbacks located in the Pit (the downstairs area
in the eastern corner of the library). This collection is maintained
with an honor-system circulation (no check-out necessary). Donations
are accepted at the Circulation desk. The Klamath County Library also
has a large fiction and popular reading collection.
Can I get access to the library databases from home or work?
Oregon Tech students, staff, and faculty can gain access to the library's
subscription (restricted-access) databases from off-campus, either by
dialing into an Oregon Tech web server or by using the username and password
for their OIT email account. For information on setting up an OIT email
account, go to Off-Campus Access. Information about connecting to Oregon Tech's
Internet web server can be gotten from the CITS (Computing &
Information Technology Services) help desk in Boivin Hall 124. Because
of licensing agreements with database vendors, not all
off-campus-database access is available to non-Oregon Tech affiliates.
My professor said to come to the LRC - isn't that the library?
The LRC is the Learning Resources Center, the building that houses both
the Oregon Tech Library, on the first floor, and CFLAT - Center for Learning
Resources and Teaching, on the second floor. Also on the second floor
is the Shaw Historical Library, which has a special collection of
materials relating to the Klamath Basin and surrounding area. The
Library administration office is on the second floor, room LRC 216.
The Library also provides student study areas in rooms LRC 219 &
211.
How many books can I check out at one time?
For Oregon Tech students, the check-out limit is
100. For Oregon Tech staff and faculty the check-out limit is 300. The
check-out limit for local high school students and community borrowers
is 10 items.
I gave all of my contact information to the Registrar: why do I need to give it to the library, too? I gave the library my address and phone number last term: why do I need to tell you again this term?
The computer systems used by the library and the Registrar are
separate. The Library system should normally reflect the most current
contact information you have supplied to the registrar's office.
However, there may be occasions when your data in the Library system is
incomplete or incorrect. We ask for your cooperation in making the
corrections.
I'm in the library trying to print off the Web? Where's the printer? How many copies can I make? Do I need to pay?
The library has two networked public printers located next near the
Access Services (check-out) counter. Printing requires that you input a
temporary password at the time of the print request. You must use the
password to release your print job from the printer. Currently, there
is no limit to the number of black and white printouts you can make,
but we ask that you help us to conserve paper by printing out only what
you really need. Black and white printouts are free to Oregon Tech and KCC
students, who pay a technology fee with their tuition each term to
cover print costs. For all other users, including Oregon Tech staff and
faculty, and members of the community, the cost is 15 cents per page.
The library also has a stand-alone color printer located at the Access
Services counter. Color printouts are 40 cents per page for all users. You will need some kind of file transport device, such as flash drive
or disk, to move your files to this computer. Or, you can access the
material via the Internet or your email.
Can I check out a book from Reference?
Reference books are intended to be used only in the library. In
general, these books contain information of a "quick look-up" nature
and photocopying a short section will serve most needs. Loan exceptions
may be made for Oregon Tech students, staff, and faculty who need a short-term
outside loan for some special purpose (e.g. scanning an illustration
for a presentation). Ask a reference librarian, or the Access Services
Manager, if you have a situation like this.
I got a bill for some overdue book fines. Can I pay them at the library?
All fines should be paid at the Oregon Tech Cashier's Office on the first floor
of Snell Hall. The library Access Services Manager can assist you in
determining the reason for the fines, but the Cashier's Office handles
all of the money. Fines are processed every Friday so you will not be
able to pay your fines immediately after returning overdue materials.
Why does the library security alarm go off when I don't have any library books?
The library's security system is not as discriminating as we would like
it to be and we apologize for any embarrassment or inconvenience. Some
items besides library books which can set off the alarm include
textbooks from the Paper Owl or books from other bookstores, cellular
phones, laptop computers, and videotapes. In the case of textbooks,
library staff can desensitize them so they don't set off the alarm.
Because they are a magnetic media form, Library copies of VHS videos
are not desensitized. These items will also trigger the alarm.
How do I learn how to use specific software products?
Try the ITS quick tips for quick helps. If you have something more detailed check some of the resources below.
For Microsoft office products such as Word or Excel CFlat sometimes offers classes.
The library may also have books on the software you are looking for. Try looking in Safari Tech books, or the Online Catalog to find these.