Ask a Librarian

You can contact any ACC library to check on the current status of your library record. Your privacy is important to us, so you will be asked to identify yourself satisfactorily. If you come into a library, your ACC ID and photo identification will be required. Hours and phone numbers can be found on our Locations & Hours page.

You can also view what you have checked out as well as any fines you might owe through the My Account link. To view your account online, you will need to enter your current ACC eID and password. Note: The My Library Account Link on the Libary Web Site navaigation bar will also take you to the My Account link on the Library Search Site.

See related: ACC Identification Cards

Reserve items and laptops cannot be renewed. Items in the circulating collection may be renewed twice if no one has placed a hold on the item. If an item must be returned because the renewals have been exhausted, then the patron must wait at least 24 hours before checking it out again.

You may renew online, by phone, or in person. {Exception: Tablets have a 2-week loan period and can be renewed twice in-person (pending review of availability). After a checkout period, patrons must wait at least 24 hours in order to check out another tablet.}

1. In person:
   During library hours, you can come in person to any ACC library Checkout Desk to renew materials. You don't even have to have the materials with you to renew!
2. Over the phone:
   Call during library hours and speak to checkout staff.
3. Online:
   Go to the My Library Account link on the library homepage

Some materials may not be renewed. Otherwise, there is a maximum of 2 renewals per item as long as the item has not been requested by another patron. If the item must be returned because the renewals have been exhausted then patrons must wait at least 24 hours before checking it out again. Be sure to read through our checkout and fine policies:

• Checkout and Fine Policies for ACC Library Users

Hours and phone numbers can be found on our Locations & Hours page.

See related: Contact the library about my record | How to renew online

Yes- here's how to do it:

Note: You cannot request textbooks from the Student Support Textbook Collection online.

1. Search the ACC Library Search Tool on the library homepage http://library.austincc.edu for the item.
2. Once it is found, Click on the Request Item button.
3. Fill in your ACCeID and password.
4. Choose the campus location where you plan to pickup your item.
5. Review your request and click on the Request Item button to complete your request.

NOTE on books/videos at other libraries: Items are pulled from shelves only once each morning (M-F). Campus mail delivery may take 2-4 days. If you require faster service -- or, if you have not heard from us within 10 days -- contact the library directly. Also note that items are not always returned by their due dates. Items on order will take longer.

NOTE on requesting books/videos that are checked out: Items are not always returned by their due dates. You will receive a message at your ACC email address when requested items are ready for pickup.

If you wish to suggest or request that a new title be purchased for the library, you can find more information here.

See related: Get a book or article ACC does not own || Document Delivery

• Books may be returned to any ACC Library.
• Reserve items must be returned to the original Library from which they were checked out.
• When a library is closed, you can return most material in the book drop if there is one available.
  Book Drop Locations
  There are book drops at Cypress Creek, Eastview, Elgin, Hays, Pinnacle, Riverside, Round Rock and South Austin campuses. These book drops also remain available for book returns throughout intersessions.

If you are currently registered and paid for the session, you may want to consider renewing your library material. Some materials may not be renewed. Otherwise, there is a maximum of 2 renewals per item as long as the item has not been requested by another patron. Be sure to read through our Checkout and lending policies:

• Lending and Fine Policies for ACC Library Users

See related: Contact the library about my record | How to renew online

Librarians take the confidential nature of information about patrons very seriously. Everything about your record and library use is confidential and includes:

• What materials you have checked out or used in the library
• What materials you have checked out or used in the past
• What e-resources you have accessed at the library or at a remote location
• What reference questions you have asked
• What fines you may have or may have had in the past

To keep your record/library use information confidential, the library:

• Uses the college's network security to secure information retained online
• Designs online retention processes to delete all extended-use history for print materials and online database and Internet information (print materials deletes use after "last patron," online search information is deleted every 24 hours)
• Requires extensive training for library staff concerning the protection of patron rights and information
• Records and retains any and all use statistics in the aggregate rather than specific to the question, the source or the user

You may provide the library with a written statement that designates someone else access to your record. Please check with library staff for the appropriate procedure.

There are two ways to find and use ebooks.

1. Go the library catalog.
   • E-books are tagged in the catalog by an icon which is a blue book with an "e" on the cover.
   • Open the book online by clicking the View Now button.
2. Or, you can go to our Online E-Books page and choose to look a a list of books for a particular e-book vendor.

If you are off-campus: You will be asked to enter your ACCeID and password to verify that you are a currently enrolled student.

If you need additional assistance, please call or visit our Ask a Librarian page. Hours and phone numbers can be found on our Locations & Hours page.

DO I HAVE TO DOWNLOAD AN E-BOOK TO VIEW IT?

No, you don't! Our e-books can just as easily be read via your phone, tablet, or computer browser -- all you need is an internet connection. While viewing titles online, you can search their content, turn pages, and print -- all without having to download to your device. Downloading can be helpful if you wish to view a title offline, i.e., you wish to read an e-book without having to use the Internet, WIFI, or data to access.

For an explanation of what course reserves are and what types of materials you will find on reserve, please visit our Information About Course Reserves page.

How do I Find Course Reserves?

Take a look at this FAQ (Finding Course Reserves) for details and a print-friendly copy if you want it.

If you need additional assistance, you can come in person, call, or visit our Ask a Librarian page.

Hours and phone numbers can be found on our Locations & Hours page.

(Sending Library Materials to You)

Online-Distance Learning -- Early College Students --

• ACC Library circulating materials can be sent to distance-online students, as well as to ACC Early College program students.  
• Use this online form to request "distance" Library document delivery: Document Delivery Form

Campuses - Students with Classes on any ACC Campus --

• ACC library materials are routinely sent between our ACC campus libraries upon request by students. This is part of our regular library service provided at all campus libraries. Thus, if you need a library item sent between campus libraries -- just ask the Librarian at your campus ACC Library for assistance.

If you need additional assistance, please call or visit our Ask a Librarian page.

Hours and phone numbers can be found on our Locations & Hours page.

ACC Libraries maintain circulation guidelines to provide maximum availability of its resources to ACC borrowers as referenced in the Administrative Rule #4.02.002

Check Out

• An ACC ID is required to check out Library materials and to use the Computer Centers. (See note below about non-ACC borrowers.)
• Loan Period by Borrower | Loan Period by Material Type
• Almost any material found in the Library catalog can be sent from campus to campus.
• Ask a faculty librarian to help you find and obtain materials from other campuses or other libraries.
• Note about non-ACC borrowers: Courtesy borrowers and TexShare borrowers from other institutions.

Renewal

• Reserve items and laptops cannot be renewed. Items in the circulating collection may be renewed twice if no one has placed a hold on the item. If an item must be returned because the renewals have been exhausted, then the patron must wait at least 24 hours before checking it out again.
• You may renew online, by phone, or in person. {Exception: Tablets have a 2-week loan period and can be renewed twice in-person (pending review of availability). After a checkout period, patrons must wait at least 24 hours in order to check out another tablet.}

Return

• Books may be returned to any ACC Library.
  During hours the libraries are closed, many libraries have outside book drops.
• Reserve items must be returned to the original Library from which they were checked out.

More Information

• How much are overdue fines and other fees?
• How does an ACC Student or Employee get a Texshare card?

To maximize use of resources and services for ACC students, faculty and staff, ACC libraries require sign-in or presentation of a current valid ACC ID card. Some ACC Library resources and services are limited by licensing agreement for use by our students and employees only.

Please note that:
Current students and employees have priority use of all library resources and services.

For purposes of this FAQ, Guest and Visitor are defined as anyone who is not currently enrolled or employed by Austin Community College.

It is important that you read the information linked below.
(Optional: Click here to see a brochure of all information.)

• Signing In
• TexShare Users
• Identification
• Use of Library Facilities
• Computer Use
• Time Limits
• Printing

What happens when I get an error message like "Untrusted Connection" or "Your connection is unsecure."

The Library has received questions regarding certificate errors or security exception errors when clicking library database links. We are aware of this issue and it is not unique to ACC. Database vendors are moving to the more secure "https" and adding security certificates. So, you may encounter more of these types of messages.

To find out more about web security certificates and what to do when you see one, go to our page on Security Certificate Errors and Library Databases.

All of our electronic resources are available to currently enrolled students and ACC faulty and staff through the library website (http://library.austincc.edu).   The electronic resources  are listed in a number of ways. 

Quick ways to e-resources:

• Use the A-Z List of Databases link on the right side of the home page under Quicklinks.
• For general database searches, use the articles search box in the middle of the home page to enter your search keywords.

Are you off campus or using a personal device on the ACC student wifi network?

When you want to access our electronic subscriptions from off campus or using a personal device on the ACC student wifi network, there are some things you must check before going to those links. Please see the Instructions for Accessing Databases page before you try to use those resources.
Note: You will need to enter your currently valid ACCeID and password to use the databases.

Having problems getting to a database or electronic resource?

Please see links to our troubleshooting pages in the right sidebar on the Instructions for Accessing Databases page.

ACC Library Services has a large selection of DVDs, CDs, videos and other media materials. Some of these are for library use only-- but there are many available for check-out. Also, thousands of educational videos are available streaming through Films on Demand or Kanopy.

Finding media items is easy:

1. Open the Library Search Tool.
2. Type the subject or title in which you are interested.
3. Click on Search or press the Enter key..
4. Choose the type of resources you want from the "Material Type" option on the left sidebar.
5. This will display all the items that relate to your search.

How do I access the Web site on my phone or mobile device?

All users no matter what kind of device -- phone, tablet, desktop PC -- should be able to view all pages on the Library Web Site. Just as the ACC Web Site, the pages are designed to be viewed on any size screen. The URL http://library.austincc.edu is the same for all devices.

How can I search for books and articles on my phone or mobile device?

If you are able to access the internet on your mobile device, type https://austincc.ent.sirsi.net into your mobile device internet browser.

Why do the sites look so different on my phone or mobile device?

The look of the Library Web Site and the Library Search Tool (Catalog) will vary depending upon your device. All information is there but may be arranged differently depending upon the size of your screen.

What mobile devices can the sites support?

The sites support any handheld devices, PDAs or mobile phones, which provide access to the internet through the browser (like Safari or Chrome).

What can I do once I get into the Library Web Site?

You can do almost anything on your phone or mobile device that you can using a desktop computer -- Find information .. Search for Articles, etc.

What can I do once I get to the search box for books and articles?

• You can find books, movies, music, journals, magazines, news.
• You can search by keyword, title, author, etc., just as you would on a larger computer.
• You can limit your search to a campus, DVDs, online resources (like e-books or streaming videos), or journals and magazines.
• You can save records for viewing.
• Clicking on My library account allows you to vew items checked out, renew checked out items, view fines, view and cancel book/dvd requests.

How accessible is the Library Web Site for those with a disability?

Library Web Site is designed to be accessible by all and is compliant with the U.S. government's Section 508 standards for web site accessibility. This compliance is essential for library patrons with disabilities because it makes sites more accessible with screen reading software.

Library Services provides materials and resources to support the curriculum goals of the college and research, informational and lifelong learning needs of students, faculty and staff.

You may also want to consider: Options For Getting Rid Of Unwanted Books, Magazines, Videos

Students should not depend upon the Library for their required textbook. In general, the Library does not purchase textbooks nor does the library subscribe to or purchase electronic textbooks for students.

Some instructors may bring current textbooks to the library for student use. When this happens, the books are put in the library's special Course Reserves section. See the FAQ Finding course reserves and language CDs for more details.

**Selected textbooks are purchased by the ACC Student Support Center to assist certain student groups to gain access to required textbooks. More information about the Textbook Collection ...

You may want to check in the Library Catalog for older editions of various textbooks. Often instructors will donate older copies to the collection when a new edition is released.

Use our My Library Account link on the Library Web Site navigation bar.

Click on "My Account" at the top of the next screen. Note: You will be asked for your ACCeID and password. See more information.

Hours and phone numbers can be found on our Locations & Hours page.

See related: Contact the library about my record | How to renew online

Some materials may not be renewed. Otherwise, there is a maximum of 2 renewals per item as long as the item has not been requested by another patron. If the item must be returned because the renewals have been exhausted then patrons must wait at least 24 hours before checking it out again. Be sure to read through our checkout and fine policies:

Hours and phone numbers for every campus library can be found on our Locations & Hours page.

You can view hours:

• By the day we are open
• By location

... Talk to an advisor?

Academic advisors assist new students to complete the application process, review state-mandated TASP requirements, understand ACC's placement policies, and evaluate assessment results. For information on academic advising, and to find out how you can get in touch with an ACC advisor, follow this link:

ACC Advising Centers

... Get help from a tutor?

The libraries do not provide tutoring services. However, each ACC campus has a Learning Lab that offers free tutoring in a variety of subjects.

Links to all of the different ACC Learning Labs can be found here:

ACC Learning Labs

It is easy to find books and videos by using the ACC Library Catalog. Just type in keywords and press the search button.  Your results will be on the Books, movies, music tab. You can limit your results using the options on the left sidebar.

You can also find online books through our E-Book resources. E-Books are online, full-text versions of printed materials. Find more information on how to find and use e-books.

More information on how to find books can be found by using our quick Library Guide to Finding Books, Videos, & Course Reserves or our online tutorial, Finding Books and E-Books.

Distance Learning students can use our Document Delivery services.

If you need additional assistance, please call or visit our Ask a Librarian page.

Hours and phone numbers can be found on our Locations & Hours page.