Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I access resources from off-campus?
The On-line Public Access Catalog (OPAC) of book (including e-books) and audiovisual resources can be searched via the World Wide Web. NCTC students and faculty can also access journal article databases. You may use whatever password you are using (even if you changed it from that which was assigned at the beginning of each semester) for the Network Account that you use in the computer labs on campus. However, when using the Angel Account, you must use the user account name and the original password assigned by the Information Services Department. For printed instructions on accessing these databases, click here or for a visual of the process, click here.  To access the 25,000+ electronic books (e-books) in the NCTC collection remotely, one must establish a free ebook account at any NCTC Library/LRC workstation.

How do I check out materials?
Present a current photo ID card (such as a driver's license) or a Texshare Card and college ID. Students needing an ID card should obtain it from the Admissions/Registrar's Office (Gainesville or Corinth) or the Library/LRC (Bowie) at the beginning of each semester.

How long can I check out materials?
Books are loaned for three weeks during the Fall & Spring semesters. The loan period shortens near the end of the semester. During the summer semesters, books can be borrowed for one week and are renewable. Some materials (i.e. periodicals, reference or reserve materials) must be used in the Library/LRC. A photocopy machine is available at each campus Library/LRC at cost of 10 cents per page.

Audiovisual materials generally check out only to faculty for a limited period of time for classroom use. Videotapes and DVD's are the audiovisual resources most often sought by students. These resources are included in the Library Catalog. Both may be used in the Library/LRC. Sometimes, faculty may place an audiovisual program on RESERVE for members of a class to view in the Library/LRC or to check out overnight only. RESERVE video and audio tapes that check out Overnight are due back by 6 p.m. the following day.

Where do I find Reserve materials?
Materials may be placed on reserve at any NCTC Library/LRC. The catalog indicates the location of the material as follows: RES-G=on reserve in Gainesville, RES-C=on reserve in Corinth, or RES-B=on reserve in Bowie. Request these materials at the Circulation Desk by call number and title of the material, course and/or faculty member. "In Library Use Only" reserve items which are removed from the Library/LRC are considered stolen; the theft of state property is viewed as a serious disciplinary matter.

What happens if I do not return materials by the date due?
Patrons are responsible for returning materials on time. OVERDUE NOTICES MAY NOT BE SENT. A hold is placed on transcript requests and registration time permits when items are not returned on time and/or when fines or lost book fees have not been paid.

How much are fines and lost materials fees?

Can I return a book or video when the Library/LRC is closed?
A book drop is available at the Gainesville and Corinth campuses.

How do I renew an item which I have checked out?
The loan period may be extended once for books provided that the item has not been requested by someone else. Renewals may be made through the OPAC, in person at the Circulation Desk of the closest Library/LRC, by calling the closest Library/LRC, or by sending e-mail to choenig@nctc.edu. Be prepared to give your library identification number and the bar code number from the label in the front of the book. You may also renew items by accessing your circulation record through the NCTC Library/LRC Webpage. To obtain a PIN and instructions on how to renew materials through the webpage, contact a librarian at your campus.

Can area residents and other school students use NCTC Library/LRC resources?
Yes, non-students may obtain a library card to borrow books and other materials provided they are at least 18 years of age and can verify residence in NCTC's service area: Cooke, Denton, Montague counties. Students in area schools may borrow library materials through special arrangement made by their teachers.

How do I get books from another NCTC campus library?
When you have located the item in the NCTC catalog, click on the View button, then click the Request button, select Place A Hold, and fill in the boxes. Date Needed By is the last date the material is useful to you. In the Note box, indicate the NCTC campus Library/LRC to which the material should be delivered.  A courier delivers materials between Gainesville and Corinth Monday through Friday and between Gainesville and Bowie Monday through Thursday. Enter your User ID: (If you do not know your user i.d., check with the campus librarian).  Click the submit button to complete your request.

How can I get books from a library other than NCTC?
The NCTC Library/LRC partcipates in the Texshare Borrower's program. To check books out from other participating Texshare libraries such as the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University, ask about a Texshare card at your nearest NCTC Library/LRC.

Interlibrary Loan

Another means of obtaining a book or article not in the NCTC Library/LRC collection is Interlibrary Loan. Contact a librarian for more information.

Updated 26 September 2007