The MSJC Libraries are collaborative and shared spaces for the MSJC community of users, including students, faculty, administrators, visitors, and library staff. We strive to maintain safe, welcoming learning environments for all who seek information and a quiet place to study. All library visitors must follow the MSJC Standards of Student Conduct (AP 5500) and agree to observe the guidelines below.
All three MSJC libraries have study rooms available for current MSJC students only, on a first-come, first-served basis. Please see staff at each campus library for study room access.
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.
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 Additionally, outdated textbooks are typically not useful to current students.
This policy outlines general information about the selection of library materials. Providing access to appropriate and relevant material to support the curricula and the mission of Mt. San Jacinto College are of primary importance. The Libraries must also be responsive to student interests and diverse backgrounds to create a collection of materials that supports the academic, cultural, and personal information needs of the MSJC community.
The Libraries rely on their own faculty librarians, teaching faculty, and students for purchase recommendations. It is a professional responsibility of teaching faculty to make recommendations in their respective disciplines and to incorporate library materials into course development. Since librarians can best judge the balance of the total collection, the final decision concerning acquisitions rests with them.
In the pursuit of knowledge and learning, it is the responsibility of the librarians to ensure that a variety of viewpoints, subjects that may be considered controversial, and uncensored access to all library materials is available to all users.The Libraries endorse the American Library Association Bill of Rights, Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries, Freedom to Read Statement, Challenged Resources Statement, and the Freedom to View Statement. The principles of these documents are an integral part of this policy statement.
Every effort is made to purchase materials representing different points of view on controversial issues, and to include topics and materials that reflect the diverse society in which we live. It is not the intent of the Libraries to offend any individual or group, but to provide unrestricted access to all ideas whether popular or not. The Libraries do not withdraw material based upon objections to content or ideas presented. If an individual or group objects to any material in the collection the individual or group will be required to submit a formal request for review of the material.
The challenged material will be discussed with the complainant(s). If the request for review is not settled through discussions between the Libraries and the requestor, the written specific objections shall be submitted to the library administrator who will guide the next review of the challenge. Teaching faculty and other appropriate personnel may be recruited to read, view, or listen to the challenged work and submit recommendations. The administrator will inform the complainant(s) in writing of any decision.
The first priority of the Libraries is to provide materials to students in support of curriculum requirements. Since a community college focuses on the first two years of an undergraduate curriculum, materials recommended for undergraduates will receive first priority for purchase. Second, the Libraries serve faculty research needs by purchasing more advanced materials when funds are available, or by obtaining them through interlibrary loan. General reference, cultural, recreational, and other materials are also acquired to meet the needs of MJSC community members and are purchased as funds permit.
The following criteria are used when evaluating materials for inclusion in the collection:
Evaluation of the Libraries' physical collections is undertaken as time and other duties permit. Faculty members are encouraged to review their subject areas and recommend additions to and withdrawals from the collection. Outdated, seldom-used and damaged materials are withdrawn from the collection; these items and lost books are replaced at the discretion of the librarians.
In accordance with all applicable state laws, including the California Reader Privacy Act, and college policies, library patron records and borrowing histories are confidential.