Services for Students

Library Cards

Your student ID card is also your library card and you need to present your card to borrow materials. If you don't already have a student card, you can get one at the Centre for Educational and Information Technology  (CEIT).

My Library Account

Login to My Library Account  from the Library website to see what you have checked out, renew books and videos, view holds and requests, check to see if you have any overdue materials and fines, etc.

Notifications

The Library will notify students via their myDouglas email account for alerts, or they can subscribe to text message notifications  instead.

Library notices would include:

• items you placed on hold that are ready for pickup
• courtesy reminder of materials that will be due in two days
• overdue materials or fines
• reminder of the last day to return Library materials (i.e. last day of the semester)

Loan Periods

Books, CDs and Records	Two weeks.
Videos and DVDs	Two days. Maximum three at any time. Videos and DVDs  borrowed on a Thursday or Friday are due on Monday by the close of business hours. Exception: The loan period for feature films is 1 week.
Reference Books	Library use only.
Magazines, Journals	Library use only
Newspapers	1 hour
Course Reserve Material	Loan periods are set by instructor and vary: 2 hours, 24 hours, 3 days and 1 week.

Holds

Holds may be placed on materials that are out on loan, on items requiring intercampus delivery and on items marked "just processed". Holds cannot be placed on items that are on order. Instead, use the catalogue alert service  to receive an email when the item becomes available. 

Material may be placed on hold at the Circulation Desk or online through the Library catalogue . You will be notified of their arrival through your MyDouglas email. Items are kept for pick-up on a self-serve shelf in the public area near the Circulation Desk for a maximum of five days.

*Tip: If you don't check your MyDouglas account very often, change the settings so that notifications are forwarded to one you do check regularly.

Renewals

Students can renew their materials:

• in person
• by telephone at 604-527-5467 (New Westminster Campus) or 604-777-6130 (David Lam Campus)
• online via My Library Account

High demand materials such as reserve items and books on hold for other patrons may not be renewed and must be returned by the due date to avoid fines. Videos and DVDs may be renewed if there is no conflict with other requests.

A block will be placed on the Registrar's files for students who have overdue materials that are on hold or booked for other patrons and who have not responded to the library's attempts at retrieving the material.

Returns

• Books can be returned to either campus library, with the exception of course reserve items which have to be returned to the library from which they were borrowed.
• Return all videos and DVDs to the campus from which they were borrowed unless you've made a prior arrangement to do otherwise.
• If the Library is closed, contact a guard at the Security booth and they will arrange to open the Library so you can leave your media equipment securely in the alcove.
• Book drops are cleared by 7:45 a.m. and overdue fees will be charged accordingly.

End of Semester Returns
If materials are not returned by the final day of the semester, the Library will issue a replacement bill in addition to any fines that may have accrued. Students will not be issued their grades or transcripts and will not be able to re-register at Douglas College until outstanding material has been returned or paid for.

Patrons who have long overdue materials from the previous semester will have their name submitted to a collection agency by the Finance Office.

Fines

Books, CDs & CD-ROMS	$1.00 / day to a maximum of $20.00
Videos & DVDs	$5.00 / day to a maximum of $20.00
Course Reserves	$1.00 / hour to a maximum of $20.00
Audio Visual Equipment	$1.00 / hour to a maximum of $20.00
High Demand Material: Any type of material above might fall into this category (at the discretion of the Library)	Fines will continue to accrue up to the replacement cost of the item. If not returned by the final day of the semester, a $20.00 processing fee will be added.
Library privileges will be suspended when a borrower owes $10.00 or more.

Reason for Fines
Fines are charged to encourage borrowers to return material on time so that others may also use it. There is a limited number of materials which must be shared by a wide range of users and many reserve materials are required for course use. Fines can be paid at either campus library.


Replacement Fees
Books and CDs: Original price plus a $20.00 processing fee.
Videos and DVDs: Replacement value plus a $20.00 processing fee. 
Periodicals: $10.00

These fees may seem high but, in fact, they do not truly reflect the cost to the Library of purchasing another copy and processing it so that it can go back on the Library shelves. Many valuable books are no longer in print. The Library would prefer to get all materials back, rather than try to replace them.

Course Reserves

Books, articles and other readings that are assigned for specific courses are placed on reserve by instructors for short-term loan. Reserve items are kept behind the check-out counter. They may not be renewed. Some items may be placed on hold and you can check for exceptions at the check-out counter. Go to course reserves  to see what materials are available.

Audio Visual

New Westminster	Videos/DVDs: 604-527-5186 Equipment: 604-527-5187
David Lam	Videos/DVDs: 604-777-6130 Equipment: 604-777-6129

Online requests
Book videos and DVDs
Book audio visual equipment

Email requests
lib_media@douglascollege.ca

Advance requests
Advance requests for overnight loans or classroom presentations are available on most audio visual software items.
 
AV Loan Periods
Returns
Renewals
Fines

Audio Visual Equipment

• Since hardware is used during class time, loans are usually made for two or three hours. However, most equipment can go out overnight, one day, or for a weekend loan depending on the purpose of use and availability of equipment.
   
• Equipment loans may be renewed, subject to availability.
   
• First priority for laptops is for classroom instruction.
   
• Laptops, visual presenters and LCD projectors are normally booked for the presentation session (i.e., two hours, half a day). Camcorders are normally booked for the production shoot (i.e., up to one day). The digital camera is normally booked for the photo shoot (i.e., half day).
   
• Video playback equipment, television monitors and overhead projectors cannot be circulated off campus.
   
• Production equipment, such as cameras and camcorders, is available for off campus use by students and College employees only.
   
• Visual presenters and LCD projectors are available for use by College employees and students only and do not normally circulate off campus.
   
• Camcorders and digital cameras are available for use by College employees and students only.
   
• If a class will be using equipment from the Library for an assignment the instructor should notify the Library about the class, nature of the assignment and equipment needed. To book a class for training on equipment usage (e.g. camcorders, video editing), please contact CEIT .
   
• It is recommended that users become familiar with the equipment being borrowed. One-on-one or small group training may be requested prior to pick up of equipment.
   
• Users are expected to test out compatibility of LCD projectors and laptops in advance of their presentation.
   

Interlibrary Loans

Books and periodical articles that are not available at Douglas College Library may be requested from other university, college and selected public and special libraries in British Columbia in support of work or studies undertaken at the College. See the full policy .

Please submit an interlibrary loan request  from the library's home page.

Telephone : 604-527-5197 - Glen Robinson

Community and Reciprocal Borrowers

Patrons who are not students or employees of Douglas College may apply for a library card either as a Community Borrower or a Reciprocal Borrower.

Community Borrowers
Members of the general public may obtain a Community Borrower's card for a fee of $25 per year. The card is valid for one year from the date issued. When applying, photo identification and proof of current address are required. The Community Borrower fee of $25 is waived for anyone over the age of 65.

Reciprocal Borrowing by Students from Other Institutions
Douglas College Library extends free reciprocal borrowing privileges to students and employees from other BC public post-secondary libraries. See complete list . Picture ID, proof of current registration/employment and current address are required to apply. Examples of acceptable proof of address are a valid driver's license or mail addressed to the person. Library privileges expire at the end of each semester and need to be renewed. COPPUL cards from students of Douglas College's out-of-province partnership agreement institutions are also accepted.

Reciprocal borrowing is allowed for all circulating items in the collection with the exception of equipment, audio visual and reserve materials. Reciprocal borrowers may borrow up to five items at a time. Audio visual materials may be used in the Library only. An intercampus transfer may be requested, but holds may not be placed on checked out items. 

Reciprocal borrowers will be able to make use of most library services. However, they will not have access to interlibrary loans or off campus access to electronic resources.


Reciprocal Borrowing by Douglas College Students and Employees
Douglas College students and employees may borrow materials from participating institutions listed below. Reciprocal borrowing privileges are not extended to alumni or extramural borrowers. You must present a current Douglas College photo identification card when you apply to receive a library card with one of our reciprocal borrowing institutions. A COPPUL card is not required at these institutions. Restrictions to borrowing may exist.

Library patrons are held accountable for all materials borrowed through the Reciprocal Borrowing agreement. It is the responsibility of the patrons to be familiar with and adhere to the lending policies of each library from which they borrow materials.

Any overdue fines and replacement costs for lost or damaged books will be charged to the patron by the lending library.


Participating Institutions
Douglas College students may borrow from the following educational institutions:

British Columbia Institute of Technology
Camosun College
Capilano University
College of New Caledonia
College of the Rockies
Emily Carr University
Justice Institute of BC
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Langara College
Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
North Island College
Northern Lights College
Northwest Community College
Okanagan College 
Selkirk College
Simon Fraser University
Thompson Rivers University
Trinity Western University
University of British Columbia
University of the Fraser Valley 
Vancouver Community College
Vancouver Island University  
Yukon College

See complete list of institutions whose students may borrow from Douglas College Library.

Alumni Borrowers

The Douglas College Alumni card enables Alumni to borrow books at the Library. Videos, DVDs and equipment are not available for borrowing but Alumni may use videos and DVDs in the library. Due to licensing restrictions, off-campus online journal databases are not available for use.

Your Alumni Card is permanent, costs $10 and is issued by CEIT. Please call 604-527-5662  to book an appointment. For more information, see the Alumni Association .

Copyright and Copying

The Canadian Copyright Act protects the intellectual property of copyright owners. Infringement of copyright law includes photocopying, taping, or adapting someone else's work without permission, with certain exceptions covered by the concept of 'fair dealing'.

Fair dealing allows copying and use of small portions of copyright works for the purpose of private study, research, criticism, review or newspaper summary, provided that the source is fully cited or credited. Douglas College also has an agreement with Access Copyright which allows instructors, students and staff to photocopy copyrighted works without having to obtain permission under certain terms and conditions.

For details regarding Canadian copyright law, see Access Copyright  or contact  Debbie Schachter , Library Director at 604-527-5182.

See also Audio Visual Copyright and Licensing

Photocopiers

Photocopiers are available for student use in the Library. Both coins and photocopy cards are accepted. The cost is 10 cents per page and photocopy cards may be purchased at the self-serve photocopy card dispenser. A $1.00 deposit is required for the card in addition to the money for photocopying. A refund for the initial $1.00 deposit can be collected at the Bookstore.

Computer Account & Internet Access

You need to set up a computer (Novell) account in order to use the PCs and access the Internet on campus. See Novell Account Maintenance  to create or reset your Novell password. For your convenience, this process can also be completed at home.

Computers

Computers are located on the main floor at both campuses. Microsoft Office 2007 is available at all workstations except those few reserved for library catalogue searching. If all computers are in use, student computer labs are available on the 5th and 6th floors at the New Westminster campus and on the 2nd floor at the David Lam campus. At New Westminster, room 6212 is an open lab that is always available for students to use during lab operating hours . At David Lam campus, the open lab is room A2030.

Laptops

Laptops may be borrowed by Douglas college students and employees. The loan period is 24 hours though some exceptions may apply. Please note that wireless printing from laptops is not available.

Wireless Access (WiFi)

Wireless Internet access is available throughout the College at both the New Westminster and David Lam campuses. Your username is the letter s plus your student number and your password is the same as your Novell password. (e.g. s123456789...). You must have already set up your computer (Novell) account on a desktop computer first. There is no wireless printing available at this time.

Printing

Students are able to print up to a maximum of 300 pages per student per semester at no charge. Additional pages are available on a pay-per-page basis at the stand-alone print stations in the Library at both campuses and in rooms 6212 at the New Westminster Campus and A2030 at the David Lam Campus. Purchase a copy card for $1.00 at the self-serve copy card dispenser located in the Library and add the amount you need. Cost for printing is 10 cents a copy for black and white, 50 cents for colour. You can get your $1.00 deposit back from the bookstore when you turn in your old copy card. See more detailed information .

Colour printing is available at the pay print station at both the New Westminster and David Lam campus libraries. Students will simply click on File > Print then choose either the colour or black and white printer. The cost for colour printing is 50¢ per page. The Student Union Office at New Westminster also has colour printing for student use.

Transparencies

Photocopier transparencies are available for purchase at the circulation counter of the library for 35¢ each.

Group Study Rooms

Study rooms are available in the library for small groups (minimum of two people). Students may book rooms up to two hours per day and twice a week. Bookings may be made up to one week in advance. Booked rooms not occupied within the first 15 minutes are then available for anyone to use or book.

With your student ID card, you can book a study room in person at the Circulation Desk or by phone. Phone the New Westminster campus at 604-527-5568 and David Lam at 604-777-6130.

Cell Phones

In consideration of other library users, patrons are strongly encouraged to leave the area before using their phones. While in the Library, patrons are asked to either set their cell phones to low volume or to non-audible signals.

Food and Drink

Drinks in covered spill-proof containers and foods that won't disturb others or leave a residue are acceptable in the library. That means leave hot food items like pizza and hamburgers in the cafeteria and all other foods that would be considered a meal, and save your quick snacks for the library.

Lost and Found

All lost and found items are immediately taken to the Security booth.

U-Pass BC

Students who are registered for a minimum of three credits and who are paying student union fees are required to participate in the U-Pass program (regardless of whether you live in or outside of Metro Vancouver). FastTrax stickers are no longer available nor are semester validation stickers -  all students must get a new student ID card starting this Fall semester. See the student card production times »

Once you have your new student card you can then proceed to a U-Pass dispensing machine. There are two in the atrium at the David Lam campus, two across from the Security booth at the New Westminster campus and an additional one in the Library. The U-Pass provides unlimited, all-zone access to bus, skytrain and seabus services, as well as discounts on the West Coast Express.

There is a lot more information on the U-Pass BC program now available at Douglas College. See the full FAQs here . If you have more questions, please contact the College at upassbc@douglascollege.ca or call 604-527-5770.

Reference Services

You can get reference help from librarians in the following ways:

• In person: speak with a librarian at the Information desk at either campus.
• AskAway: chat online with a librarian.
• Email reference: email your question or fill out the online form and you will be answered within 24 hours.
• Appointment with a librarian: use this form to book your one-on-one appointment with a librarian for up to 30 minutes.
• Phone reference:  call 604-527-5176 or 604-777-6131.