2023-2024 Student Handbook

Contents
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S. C. O'Neal Sr Library and Technology Center

The mission of the S. C. O’Neal Sr. Library and Technology Center is to provide comprehensive and innovative information services to support scholarship, learning and the instructional programs offered by Drake State Community & Technical College. The library supports the administration, faculty, staff, students, and community clientele by employing traditional resources and current technology to facilitate access to information. 

The library also provides state-of-the-art hardware and software programs. The instruction and training needed to use the equipment and services effectively, along with the unceasing promotion of emerging technologies, serves as the model for information resource goals of the college. Students have access to books, periodicals, journals, audio/visuals, materials on reserve, as well as numerous databases and eBooks.  The library also offers a variety of technological aids along with librarians to assist with learning needs.    

Drake State now has its own library platform on the college’s website called EBSCO Stacks. This new addition has many excellent features to help students effortlessly navigate this library platform to discover all the library services, resources, and information about current events at the college, all in one place.     

Library User Behavior Policy    

All visitors of the S.C. O’Neal, Sr. Library and Technology Center are expected to follow Drake State’s Student Code of Conduct. All visitors should familiarize themselves with the Code of Conduct. A copy of the Code of Conduct can be provided upon request.     

Behavioral Expectations 

Library users are expected to keep noise levels low. Groups working on projects are encouraged to utilize the group study room located on the second floor to engage in discussion without disturbing others in the library.    

  • Any behavior that disturbs or endangers others is prohibited. This includes loud noises, misuse of library materials or facilities, or verbal or physical harassment.    

  • Cell phones must be turned off or muted. ALL cell phone conversations must be held outside the library.    

  • Food and/or drinks are not permitted in the library.    

  •  Tobacco use is not allowed anywhere on campus.     

  • Library users are expected to follow the instructions of the library staff.  

  • Children 18 years of age and under must ALWAYS be accompanied by an adult, unless they are high school students participating in the College’s early enrollment program. Children should NEVER be left unattended and are expected to comply with all library policies. Students may not leave their children in the library unattended while they are in class. The library staff is not responsible for the care of children, or for supervising 
    their use of library materials or facilities. Any library materials damaged by a child will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to make restitution for any materials damaged by the child while on campus.   

  • Personal belongings should not be left unattended. The library is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Items that are found will be held at the Circulation Desk for (30) days. Any unclaimed items will be disposed of after (30) days. 

*Failure to comply with ANY of the rules listed above or Drake State’s Code of Conduct may result in the following consequences:

  • Disciplinary action by Drake State Community and Technical College     

  • Expulsion from the building     

  • Legal action, where applicable

  • Loss of access     

Drake State Community and Technical College and the S. C. O’Neal, Sr. Library &Technology Center reserves the right to change and/or update this policy at any time.      

Resources and Services   

The library houses a host of resource materials which support the instructional programs at Drake State Community and Technical College. The overall collection consists of books, industrial and technical   manuals, journals, periodicals, software programs, over 100 electronic databases available in the Alabama Virtual   
Library (AVL) plus the ProQuest Global NewStream database, CINAHL, Nursing Reference   
Center Plus and three newly acquired databases, JSTOR, OverDrive eBook collection and Films on Demand, as well as a variety of audio-visual materials and equipment for use on an individual or group basis. Other resources include Reference books, the Black Collection, Juvenile Collection, Audio-Visual Collection, and the Faculty ResourceCenter Collection.   

The library’s services consist of access to the Internet and Wi-Fi, photocopying/fax and much more. Printing and copying services are available to students and offered at reasonable costs. The library recently procured a digital book scanner for patron and library use. Students can receive personal assistance with computers, research, or other needs from the library staff upon request.   

The library staff initiated two new organizations in 2021, the Friends of the Library and the Library Book 
Club. Both organizations are open to staff, faculty, students, and members of the community. The Friends of the Library is a support group for library projects and promotions and the Library Book Club allows members to participate in book discussions, book signings and programs in local school systems where members read books to students and help them learn the enjoyment of reading books.  

The library has a convenient drop box for returning any books or audio-visuals after hours.       

Personal Computers    

One open lab is provided in the library for individual use. Students are asked to adhere to the Computer Usage Policy of the college. All students are required to sign the computer log before using all personal computers. As a reminder, priority is given to academic or instructional assignments over recreational activities.       

Borrowing Privileges- Reciprocal Lending Agreements    

The S. C. O’Neal, Sr. Library and Technology Center have reciprocal lending agreements with Alabama A&M   
University, Athens State University, Calhoun Community College, Oakwood University, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville.    
    
Drake State students are allowed to check out the following number of resources at the reciprocal lending agreement institutions:     

  • Alabama A&M University: 5    

  • Athens State University; 3     

  • Calhoun Community College: 5    

  • Oakwood University:  8    

  • University of Alabama in Huntsville: 3     

Students attending the reciprocal lending agreement institutions are allowed to check out the same number of resources from Drake State Community & Technical College. All students participating in reciprocal lending agreements must provide a valid student ID from their institution and a current address and telephone number. Practical Nursing students may also use the University of Alabama, Huntsville, Primary Medical Library Facility located near Huntsville Hospital.    

Other community members who wish to check out library materials may request a community user account. To open an account, community members must pay a $20 fee and provide a picture ID, proof of address and two phone numbers. The account is valid for two years and membership is renewable. Community users may have two items on loan at one time.    

Children wishing to borrow material must have a parent or guardian check out the material for them. The material will be checked out in the parent or guardian’s name and the parent or guardian will assume all responsibility for the material including fines and replacement costs if the material is lost or damaged. Fines are $0.10 per day for each overdue item.       

ProQuest Global Newsstream Database    

ProQuest Global Newsstream Database searches are a combination of periodical retrieval software and quality information available via the Internet. ProQuest is available on the campus in any computer lab with Internet connectivity. ProQuest (www.proquest.com) can also be accessed through Canvas Learning Management System on the library’s web page https://www.library.drakestate.edu.

Circulation of Materials  

Students with current identification cards may borrow up to ten (10) resources (books and audio-visual materials) from the library for a period of thirty (30) days. Resources are renewable provided there are no “holds” in place for the circulating items. Delinquent materials will incur fines at a rate of ten (10) cents per day.  

Hours of Operation    

The library staff, upon request, will provide instruction, orientation and personal assistance during regular operational hours as follows:     

Monday thru Thursday- 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 
Friday - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

These hours are subject to change due to holidays and semester breaks. If you have any questions, email directly to or carla.clift@drakestate.edu or dennis.borden@drakestate.edu or call (256) 551-5207.