It's In a Book: A Look at Valencia College East Campus Library

You can always find a friendly Librarian at the reference desk
to help you with any questions you might have.
Adjunct Librarian Ven Basco fielded my questions.

Most college students can only be found in the library when finals week rolls around, if that. However, Valencia College East Campus library has many untapped resources and I got the scoop on them from Adjunct Librarian Ven Basco.

Just one row of several shelves that are home to the law books. 

Mr. Basco said that one of the resources that students might not be familiar with are the materials on reserve. Often times teachers will put the textbooks and other materials for their classes on reserve so that students can use them. If you want to check out items on reserve you will need your course number. You will also need your student ID to check out anything. There is a limit of 25 items that can be checked out at one time and a limit of two renewals as well.

Mr. Basco discussed that while many libraries have downsized their print catalog, Valencia has kept theirs intact. For example, the library has a section for the Paralegal program that is all law related books. Another unique section of the library is the section that has plays.

As well as still having print copes of several different newspapers in addition to popular magazines.

Some current periodicals in the library collection.

With that being said, that doesn't mean that Valencia hasn't also integrated technology into the library. There are a wide variety of tablets for students to check out including:
                - 85 iPads
                 - 7 Kindle Fires
                 - 4 Samsung Galaxys
                 - 2 Nooks
The library also has over 180 databases as well that can be accessed online, so there is no shortage of information to access. Whether students choose to do so online or in person.

The library weeds out books that are either old or not frequently used so the collection stays relatively close to the same size. On the library website students can check out what has been added to the catalog that month.

The library has computers for student use, with two being equipped for use by students with disabilities. Though it should be noted that they shut down 15 minutes before the library closes.

Water bottle filling station
and water fountain

During a long day or night of studying students might get hungry and thirsty. No food or drink is allowed near the computers but anywhere else you can have a quite snack (non-crunchy) and covered drink. There is also a water bottle filling station in addition to the old run-of-the-mill water fountain.

Mr. Basco offered advice about finals saying that in addition to the  library, students should also utilize the writing and tutoring centers. He also said that libraries are great because sometimes it can be hard to find credible sources online. In the library you know you are getting credible sources because you have the primary source right in front of you.

During finals week the library expands its hours and Monday through Thursday is open till 12:00am and you can get assistance from a librarian till 9:00pm, but if you still need help there is a chat and email feature on the website that you can use at any time. The cool thing about the chat is that librarians from across the state use it. This means that no matter what time of day it is you can get information from a librarian.