Library
By Selina O. Affram
Many students may not know that one of the most helpful places on campus is the library.
The second, third and fourth floors of Moody Learning Center are full of information, databases, classes and informative librarians.
“A librarian of the 21st century is an information navigator,” Librarian Stephen Dingman said. They are the guides to finding relevant information.
Librarians perform a range of tasks, but one of the most important is to serve and help the students.
On Jan. 15-16, the librarians and volunteers were available to help 1,024 students who requested assistance with registration and directions at the library help desk.
Dingman said the library is a user-friendly place.
Librarian John R. Deosdade said, “The only stupid question is the question that is not asked, and no question is stupid.”
A library newsletter published twice a semester informs faculty and students about new and updated activities, including art displays and instructional classes.
Dingman said professors bring classes in for sessions and he helps demonstrate and guide students on accessing research online.
Throughout the year, there are 275 classes and labs presented.
The library system provides students unlimited access 24 hours a day to 145 databases and indexes.
The databases are filled with factual and reliable information that students can use for research in their courses.
The databases are unique to the campus and limited to San Antonio College students.
When referencing the library databases off-campus, students can go to the home page of the college Web site, click on the library, then articles and references.
Students must use the same logon used for their PALS account.
When students need to ask questions, they can instant message a librarian through quick chat.
Librarians also can be reached by e-mail and in-person at the reference desk.
Students are offered a TexShare card that allows them to check out books and other material at participating libraries throughout Texas.
Area universities that participate are Incarnate Word, Our Lady of the Lake, St. Mary’s, Texas State-San Marcos and University of Texas at San Antonio.
TexShare cards are issued free of charge at the library’s reserve desk in Room 315 of Moody.
Students must have a current San Antonio College identification card and no overdue or unpaid fines.
Students are allowed to check out total of seven items, books or dvds at one time, which can be renewed every two weeks online or in-person.
The hours for the library are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
The library is in Moody Learning Center and can be accessed online or at 733-2477.