How long can books be checked out?
**The San Marcos and Center Libraries will remain closed due to COVID-19 until the end of the Spring 2021 semester..
How do I get a Library card? Can children get a Library card?
If you are a Palomar College student or employee, you do not need a library card to check out materials. You can check out materials with a government issued photo ID and your eServices number.
All other persons who are 18 years old or older may register with the Library as a “Community Patron” to borrow materials. A valid picture ID and proof of current mailing address is required.
**However, the San Marcos and Center Libraries will remain closed due to COVID-19 until the end of the Spring 2021 semester.
Are there computers for students to use in the Library?
Internet -accessible computers are available on all floors of the Libary/LRC, and may be used for searching the Internet and typing papers.
**However, the San Marcos and Center Libraries will remain closed due to COVID-19 until the end of the Spring 2021 semester.
“Stacks” refers to the area of the 4th Floor of the Library where books that can be checked out are located.
**However, the San Marcos and Center Libraries will remain closed due to COVID-19 until the end of the Spring 2021 semester.
Help! I have to write a research paper. Where do I start?
Palomar College Library has many resources and services to help you write your term papers and reports. For help with a specific question connect with a Librarian using either: our virtual reference desk (Library Zoom Room), our chat service or email .
You may also find valuable assistance on your own from one of the Library’s many online resources:
1. To find books or media in the Library, search the online catalog. Go to the Library home page and input keywords (e.g. title, author, subject) into the catalog searchbox.
NOTE: During the current library closures only online materials (eBooks, database articles, eVideos, etc.) will be available to support your research.
2. To find journals, magazines, or newspaper articles, search one of several online databases that the Palomar College Library subscribes to. To access, go to the Library home page, and click the “Databases” menu link.
NOTE: To access or search databases from home you will need to be a current Palomar student, faculty, or staff member and use your e-services login and password .
Generally the Library does not keep copies of all the textbooks – we generally purchase other books which supplement the textbooks assigned in class. This is because (1) they go out of date or change editions so frequently that it is not cost-effective to purchase them (the Library does NOT get free copies of textbooks – we have to purchase them just like you); and (2) we do not have the space to shelve all the books.
In some cases, there may be a copy of your textbook in the Library general collection (or at least an older edition that you could use). Also, many instructors put their own extra copies of textbooks on reserve in the Library for you to use.
**However, the San Marcos and Center Libraries will remain closed due to COVID-19 until the end of the Spring 2021 semester so these materials are not available . In some cases an ebook version of your textbook may be available from the Library, To locate copies, search the online library catalog. You can look the book up by author name or title, or click the “Textbooks” link just below the catalog search box.
Can I access Databases from off campus?
Current Palomar College students, faculty, and staff can access online research databases from off-campus. Users must click on any database link and at the login screen, type:
- Students: student ID# and password (same as student
eServices login) - Faculty and Staff: network user name and password (same
as email login)
Can non-students check out books from the Library?
Yes.
Click here for details.
**However, the San Marcos and Center Libraries will remain closed due to COVID-19 until the end of the Spring 2021 semester.
My Instructor told me she put a book on reserve in the Library. Where do I find the Course Reserves?
Instructor Reserves are course materials (books, articles, videos, etc.) set aside by instructors for reserved student use. Reserves are shelved by course title and kept behind the Circulation Desk at our San Marcos and at the public services desks of our Center Libraries.
**However, the San Marcos and Center Libraries will remain closed due to COVID-19 until the end of the Spring 2021 semester so these materials are not available . In some cases an ebook version of a textbook may be available from the Library. To locate copies, search the online library catalog. You can look the book up by author name or title, or click the “Textbooks” link just below the catalog search box.
**The San Marcos and Center Libraries will remain closed due to COVID-19 until the end of the Spring 2021 semester. However, you can receive ‘live’ help with your reference and information needs using our Library Zoom Room (hours M-Th 10am-9pm; Fri 10am-2pm; Sun. 6-9pm).
Can I access other library catalogs at Palomar College?
Yes. Many libraries have online catalogs which can be accessed via the Internet. For links to San Diego area, national, and foreign libraries
see https://www.palomar.edu/library/other-libraries/
**These libraries’ hours are uncertain due to COVID-19 closures. Please visit their websites for current information.
How do I print from computers in the Library?
Printing is available from computers in the Library Reference area on the 1st Floor at San Marcos, or in the Center Libraries. Charges are 10 cents per page for black & white printouts, and payment is by using an existing GoPrint account. Color printouts are also available at
all locations for 30 cents per page.
**However, the San Marcos and Center Libraries will remain closed due to COVID-19 until the end of the Spring 2021 semester.
Are there rooms available for group study?
Group study rooms are located on the 4th floor of the Library/LRC.
**However, the San Marcos and Center Libraries will remain closed due to COVID-19 until the end of the Spring 2021 semester.
Do you have photocopiers? What forms of payment can I make for copies?
Yes. At the San Marcos Library/LRC, the photocopier is located near the main stairway on the 1st floor. Black & white copies are 10 cents/page, color copies are 50 cents/page. Payments are with cash only.
Center Libraries – black & white copies are 10 cents/page, color copies are 50 cents/page. Payments are with cash only.
**However, the San Marcos and Center Libraries will remain closed due to COVID-19 until the end of the Spring 2021 semester.
Yes. Read about the process.
**However, the San Marcos and Center Libraries will remain closed due to COVID-19 until the end of the Spring 2021 semester.
Can I check out periodicals (magazines, newspapers, or journals)?
Periodicals do not circulate. You may, however, photocopy any article you need.
**However, the San Marcos and Center Libraries will remain closed due to COVID-19 until the end of the Spring 2021 semester.
Can I return books when the Library is closed?
**During the Spring 2021 semester the book drop at the San Marcos campus is the main location where you can return materials. It is located in Lot 12 of the San Marcos campus and can be accessed from the Avenida Azul entrance. Materials can also be returned in person by appointment using the Library Curbside Pickup page.
Who was Ernest J. Allen and why is the Escondido Educational Center Library named after him?
Ernest J. Allen was a local dairy man known for his generosity. Upon his death in 1996, his estate provided the funding for the establishment of Palomar College’s first branch library in the Escondido Educational Center.
As a student at Palomar College, is there anything I can do to improve the Library Collection?
Yes, we welcome all suggestions for titles that would improve our collection.
**However, since the San Marcos and Center Libraries remainsclosed due to COVID-19 until the end of the Spring 2021 semester, access to physical items is only available on a limited basis. p
Suggestions should be submitted using either: our virtual reference desk (Library Zoom Room), chat service or email .
Can I borrow videos from the Library and does it cost anything?
**The San Marcos and Center Libraries remain closed due to COVID-19 until the end of the Spring 2021 semester. However, Palomar owns many evideos and subscribes to several databases with evideo content. You can use our catalog or Databases link to locate such items. For help locating evideos connect with a Librarian using either: our virtual reference desk (Library Zoom Room), chat service or email .
Where do I pay any Library fines?
**All library locations remain closed due to COVID-19 until the end of the Spring 2021 semester. During that time no Library fines can be paid and no new fines will occur for unreturned items (from the Spring 2020 semester forward). We will notify everyone promptly about library reopenings using our webpage.
**Currently (Nov. 2020- present) selected materials can be requested from our San Marcos location. Visit the Materials Request page for information about this service.
Can I borrow books from CSUSM or Mira Costa College Libraries?
Yes-if you are a registered Palomar College student or faculty member, you may borrow books from either CSUSM or Mira Costa College Libraries.
**During the Fall 2020 semester those libraries’ hours are uncertain due to COVID-19 closures. Please visit their websites for current information.
CSUSM Library – https://biblio.csusm.edu
Mira Costa College Library – https://library.miracosta.edu/homepage