MSJC Libraries: Library Policies

Borrowing Materials

Only current MSJC students, faculty or staff members can borrow materials and access online resources, such as eBooks, streaming video, and article databases, from off campus. Members of the community are welcome to use the library for research, but may not borrow materials or access online resources from off campus.

A maximum of 10 items total can be checked out at one timeA current MSJC student or staff ID Card is required to check out.

Check Out Periods:

Item Type

Check Out Period

Books and Popular DVDs and CDs

3 Weeks

Reserve Materials

2 Hours (in-library use only)

Interlibrary Loan Books

Varies - determined by lending library

Renewals: 

Books and popular DVDs and CDs may be renewed if they are not overdue and no requests have been placed on them. Renew materials online by logging into My Library Account with your mymsjc username and password.

Renewals may also be requested by phone:

Call 951-346-2292

Text 951-783-4977 

Overdue and Lost Items:

The Library does not charge late fees on overdue items, but replacement costs may be applied to lost/never returned items. Borrowing privileges will be blocked for overdue items and/or lost item replacement fees. Additionally, a hold may be placed on student records if materials are not returned.

Please note: All notices regarding charges and overdue materials are sent to MSJC e-mail addresses.

Study Rooms

The Libraries have study rooms available for groups of at least 2 and no more than 6 students, on a first-come, first-served basis. Please see library staff for study room access.

Study rooms are designated for current MSJC students only. Faculty, tutors, and administrators are not allowed to use study rooms for meetings.

Conduct

The MSJC Libraries strive to maintain a safe and welcoming learning environment for all who seek information and a quiet place to study. All library users are expected to follow the MSJC Standards of Student Conduct (AP 5500) and the specific Library rules of conduct listed below: 

  • Be considerate of students who are studying. Keep voices and headphones low.
  • Quiet conversations are permitted in active group areas only.
  • Set cell phones to silent; please take calls outside.
  • Drinks with lids and snack foods are allowed in the library. Please enjoy full meals and hot foods outside the library so that food odors don't disturb others.
  • Help maintain a clean and welcoming environment by using trash cans and cleaning kits located around the library.
  • Smoking and e-cigarettes are not permitted (No Smoking and Tobacco Free Campus, AP 3570).

Library Computers

​The MSJC Libraries provide computers for student use. Library computers offer free Internet access and are equipped with Microsoft Office software. Priority use of library computers is for student study and research.

Guest users may be allowed to use computers at the discretion of Library staff and must present a valid photo ID each time they request access. Please note that printing is not available for guest users due to authentication issues with the college's printing software

Since the Libraries’ computers are in public areas, students and guest users shall not access websites that contain any material that may be offensive to others. Students and guests must abide by the MSJC Computer Acceptable Use Policy (AP 3720) and must not engage in any behavior that is not consistent with MSJC Standards of Student Conduct (AP 5500) and/or the laws of the United States. The intent of this provision is not to limit academic freedom but to respect the sensibilities of others using these facilities. Students who are conducting legitimate academic research on a subject that may be controversial should notify library staff before using the computer to access this material. Students and guest users may not engage in any of the activities below or risk having their computer privileges withdrawn.

  • Carry out illegal or intentionally offensive or slanderous activities
  • Access pornographic or violent material on the Internet without prior approval
  • Use abusive or harassing language in email or other online communications to any MSJC student, faculty, or staff 
  • Engage in unauthorized gaming
  • Download or make unauthorized copies of proprietary software or copyrighted materials
  • Intentionally change or damage hardware or software
  • Use library computers or printers/copiers for commercial activities, which includes the unauthorized soliciting, promoting, selling, marketing or advertising products or services, or reselling technology resources.

Children/Minors in the Library

Children under 18 who are not current MSJC students may occasionally accompany an adult student or employee to the library for a brief visit. They must remain supervised at all times by the adult responsible for them.

A child's presence should not disturb others. If children become overactive or noisy, we ask that they be taken outside. An employee may request that children or visitors leave the library if it's considered necessary or appropriate.

Please be aware that children may not use any computers or equipment.

Children must never be left unaccompanied in the library or on campus. If children are present without an adult, staff are required to notify administration and/or the Campus Safety office.

Please see MSJC Board Policy, Children on Campus (AP 3502), for further details.

Posting Flyers

MVC Library:

  • One SGA approved (stamped) flyer, per event, may be posted on the bulletin board in the Copy Center for one month, or until the event is over, whichever comes first. 
  • Hand-outs up to 8 1/2" x 11" may be posted in the wall brochure rack next to the Copy Center doors. No SGA approval is necessary, and the hand-outs will remain up for one month, or until the event is over, whichever comes first.

SJC Library:

  • One SGA approved (stamped) flyer, per event, may be posted on the bulletin board in the lobby area for one month, or until the event is over, whichever comes first. 
  • Informational handouts or brochures may be placed in the wall brochure rack near the entrance of the library. No SGA approval is necessary.

TVC Library:

  • TVC Library currently does not have a dedicated event bulletin board. Please speak with staff about placing event flyers and handouts in the TVC Library/LRC.

Donations

The MSJC Libraries accept limited donations with the understanding that the materials will be evaluated according to the same standards as items purchased by the Libraries. The Libraries may decline donations that do not meet those standards. Generally, materials should be in good condition and related to the curriculum of the college, rather than popular fiction, non-fiction, or magazines. Additionally, outdated textbooks are not useful to current students.

  • Materials that are not acceptable because of age, format, topic, physical condition, or other factors may be offered as book sale items or disposed of through recycling or other appropriate means. 
  • The Libraries reserve the right to refuse a donation if the donor requests special conditions, such as retrieval from the donor's home, restricted access to materials, or particular shelving requirements.
  • The Libraries cannot provide a monetary evaluation of donations.