Frequently Asked Questions
Computer Uses ~ Facilities & Services ~ Materials
Where is the Library located?
The El Centro College Library is located on the 2nd floor of the B Building, just behind the A Building elevators.
What are the Library's hours?
See Hours
How can I contact a Librarian for help?
See Ask a Librarian!
How do I get a Library card?
Your El Centro College ID (with a current semester sticker) is your library card. You may also show us your driver's license, state picture ID, or passport. You will use your Library card/El Centro ID to check out books, request books from other locations, use the Library databases remotely, and use the Library classroom.
What should I do if I lose my school ID?
Report the loss to the Circulation Desk and your record will be blocked to prevent others from checking out materials with your ID.
What do I need to check out a book?
Your El Centro ID card OR a Driver's license with photo OR a passport.
How many books can I check out?
You can check out 10 books - 4 per library visit, for a total checkout of 10 items.
How long can I check books out for?
You can check out 3 weeks - then renew them once (in person or online) for an additional 3 weeks. However, you can not renew overdue books!
Renew Online: Library Catalog > Check Your Record > type in your name, social security number and PIN number > View My Record.
Does the Library have textbooks?
The Library doesn't purchase textbooks for checking out. Some instructors will put copies of their textbook on Reserve, so you can use the textbook in the Library.
What if I lose a book?
You will be charged the replacement price, plus a $10 processing fee.
Can I return books when the Library is closed?
Yes, place the items in our outside book return, found in front of the Library.
Does the Library have paperbacks, bestsellers and other popular books?
Yes, the paperback rack is located on the first floor of the Library, next to our Classroom. Bestsellers and recent popular books are behind the Reference Desk. Donations are always welcome. Popular books are selected from the New York Times Best Sellers List.
Can I check out books from other Libraries with my El Centro ID card?
Yes and No. You can check materials out from other DCCCD campuses and even request that they send the book to El Centro for you to pick up!
You can request a TEXSHARE card at the Circulation Desk. The TEXSHARE card will allow you to check books out from any public college library in Texas. You can return the materials to El Centro and we'll send them back to the owning Library.
Each public library has its own policies for checking out. Many - but not all - will allow you to check out their books with a TEXHARE card. Dallas Public Library does not use the TEXSHARE card.
Does the Library have videos or talking books to check out?
No
I'm from another DCCCD campus. Can I check out materials?
Yes, with your DCCCD campus ID or your driver's license or state picture ID card.
I'm not a DCCCD student. Can I check out materials?
If you are attending a Texas college, request a Texshare card from your college library. That will allow you to check out materials. Otherwise, request materials from your local library via InterLibrary Loan.
Does the Library have Accuplacer study guides?
The Library has links to online study materials for Accuplacer and other tests.
How do I find magazine and newspaper articles?
The DCCCD Libraries subscribe to over 4,000 magazine, journal, and newspapers via the Online Databases! These can be accessed via the web, read online. You can print, email, or download these articles to a disk. The online databases are available not only in the DCCCD Libraries, but you can use these at home also, via the web!
How do I find out what books the Library has?
All books for El Centro and the other DCCCD campuses are found in the Online Catalog. You can access this from home AND you can check books out from any campus library with your El Centro ID! We can also request books from other campuses for you - they will be sent to El Centro for you to pick up.
Books are arranged on the shelves according to the Library of Congress classification system. This system arranges books alphabetically by topic.
Do you have eBooks?
Yes! Search the Online Catalog by topic and a symbol for eBook will appear down the left side of the screen. These can be read online!
Can I check email in the Library?
Yes and No. If you are currently taking classes, you can check email in the 4th Floor Computer Lab or in the Library classroom (if a class is not meeting in the classroom). Always check the whiteboard schedule to see when the classroom is reserved for a class. The computers in the main section of the Library do not access email.
Can I type papers or print out my research paper in the Library?
Yes and No. If you are currently taking classes, you can type papers or print out papers in the 4th Floor Computer Lab or in the Library classroom (if a class is not meeting in the classroom). Always check the whiteboard schedule to see when the classroom is reserved for a class. The computers in the main section of the Library do not have any word processing installed on them.
Can I print from the databases and the web? How much does it cost?
Yes! You can print for 5¢ a page. You can also download to a disk or email databases articles to yourself. The copier machines are located in the Library Copy Center, next to the Circulation Counter. Copy accounts, set up with $1, can be set up at the Circulation Counter.
Can I use a flash drive in the Library to save from the web?
Yes!
Can I use the CD that came with my textbook?
Only in the Library classroom or on the two "public" computers next to the stairway. Always check the whiteboard schedule to see when the classroom is reserved for a class.
Can I use my laptop in the Library?
Yes. We have wireless access... but be aware that you will need to configure your computer to work on the District wi-fi.
Doe the Library have a scanner?
Yes! The scanner is next to the Reference Desk. Any librarian can assist you in using the scanner.
Are children allowed in the Library?
Please read the DCCCD's Children on Campus policy.
Does the Library have a photocopier?
Yes. The Library has 3 copy machines, two on the main floor and one upstairs. Copies are 5¢ via a copy account. Copy accounts, set up with $1, can be set up at the Circulation Counter. The machines will magnify, reduce and print on legal and standard paper. They do not create double-sided copies.
Does the Library has a color printer?
No. The 4th Floor Computer Lab has a color printer.
Where are the quiet study areas?
We have two study rooms located at the back of the Library. These are for group study. Our second floor also offers study carrels and tables.
Where are the restrooms?
To the right of the Library entrance and against the right wall as you stand near the 2nd floor stairway.
Where is Lost & Found?
In the El Centro A Building, Campus Security.
Reference/Information Desk: 214-860-2174 Circulation:
214-860-2175
West Campus: Reference/Information Desk: 972-391-1433 Circulation: 972-391-1427
BJP: (Room 2300) 214-860-5780
Comments or suggestions are welcome.
©2006 El Centro College Library
Dallas, TX
Last Updated:
September 21, 2009