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 OIT 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?
OIT students, staff, and faculty can gain access to the library's subscription (restricted-access) databases from off-campus, either by dialing into an OIT webserver 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 OIT's Internet webserver can be gotten from the CITS (Computing & Information Technology Services) help desk in Boivin Hall 124. Because of licensing agreements with database vendors, off-campus database access is not available to non-OIT 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 OIT 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 Library, which has a special collection of materials relating to the Klamath Basin and surrounding area. We all have different types of materials and try to keep track of what the other places have. Please be patient while we help you figure out where you need to go.

What's a copy card? How much does it cost? Do I really need one?
The library's photocopy machines work with either coins or bills (at 10 cents/copy) or with a copy card (at 7 cents/copy). You do not need to purchase a copy card to make copies, but a card can save you money, especially if you anticipate making large numbers of copies.

A copy card costs $2.00. One dollar of that initial cost covers the cost of the card itself. The other $1.00 goes toward copies. Both of the machines have a box with which you can add "value" to your card by inserting the card and some money (coins or $1 or $5 bills). All of this added money goes toward the cost of copies.

How many books can I check out at one time?
For OIT students, staff, and faculty, as well as local high school students and Klamath Community College affiliates, the check-out limit is 300 items. Community borrowers are limited to 10 items at a time.

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 and we have had difficulty in the past with information given to us by students being overwritten with older information when we load an update file from the Registrar's system. We have made a change that should correct this problem, as long as you have provided the Registrar with your most current contact address and phone number.

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 a single, networked public printer located next to the Circulation (check-out) counter. Printouts can be picked up at the printer. 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're really going to use. Black and white printouts are free to OIT students, who pay a technology fee with their tuition each term to cover print costs. For all other users, including OIT staff and faculty, the cost is 15 cents per page.

The library also has a color printer. Color printouts are available through Circulation at 25 cents per page for all users. See Circulation before printing in color.

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 OIT 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 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 OIT Cashier's Office on the first floor of Snell Hall. The library circulation supervisors 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 embarassment or inconvenience. Some items besides library books which can set it off include textbooks from the Paper Owl or books from other bookstores, cellular phones, and videotapes. In the case of textbooks, library staff can desensitize them so they don't set off the alarm. Library copies of CDs and videos are not desensitized, so these items will also trigger the alarm.