Circulation Desk & Checking out Items
How do I check out books, media items, laptops, and more?
Ø Just bring your student ID to the Circulation Desk and we will gladly check out your items. You can get a free student ID by visiting Student Services, and any valid ALAMO ID will work at any ALAMO Library. Some items have restricted circulation definitions. Staff can assist you determine which sources can circulate and for how long.
How many can I check out?
Ø Students may have up to 7 items checked out at a time. No more than 2 of these items may be media. Reference materials can only be used in the library.
How long can I keep them?
Ø Student check-out periods are 7 days for media and 21 days for non-media. Check-out periods are shorter near the end of a semester. The other ALAMO Libraries may have different circulation periods for their items.
Can I renew my items?
Ø Yes (except for media). You can do this yourself via the ALAMO Library Online Catalog. Click on My Record on the right-hand side of the page and enter your name and social security number to view and renew the items you currently have checked out. Unfortunately, media cannot be renewed, but books may be renewed once (unless a hold has been placed on them). Some media is in-house use only but you can view any media item in our media viewing room.
Are there overdue fines?
Ø Overdue media accrues fines at a rate of $0.50 day up to $25.00. Non-media accrue fines at a rate of $0.10 per day up to $25.00. Fines must be paid at the Bursar’s Office.
Can I request items from other libraries?
Ø Yes! Currently enrolled NLC students, faculty, and staff may request to have items from other ALAMO Libraries sent to NLC for them. Just check the ALAMO Library Online Catalog for holdings and availability, then fill out one of our online In-District Borrowing Request Forms. You may also request items from libraries outside the Alamo system via one of our Interlibrary Loan Request Forms.
Where can I go if I need help with a research paper or assignment?
Ø Head for the Reference Desk. Reference Librarians are happy to assist you get started with your research project. If you need assistance with structuring your paper, you can also get help in the Academic Support Center on the 2nd floor of the library.
ComputersWhat software is on the library computers?
Ø All our workstations have Internet access and Microsoft Office Suite.
Can I check out headphones?
Ø Yes, just bring your student ID to the Circulation Desk and we will gladly issue you headphones to be used inside the library for a 2 hour check-out period. We also have whiteboard markers and erasers for use in our group study rooms.
Is there a priority use for library computers?
Ø Priority use of our workstations is for course research and coursework. Users that are not actively engaged in research for their NLC / ALAMO colleges courses may be asked to relinquish their workstations at heavy use times. Read more about our computer use policies here: http://www.alamo.edu/nlc/library/t_Internet%20Workstation%20Access.htm
Can I access things with my laptop? How?
Ø Wireless access is available throughout the library and the NLC campus. Students, staff, and faculty can take advantage of the District's free wireless access on their wireless ready equipment. To read more about the District's wireless access, visit the ALAMO Colleges Wireless FAQ. Currently enrolled NLC students may borrow a laptop from the circulation desk to use IN the library. Circulation staff will provide user agreement forms to laptop borrowers.
How do I print?
Ø Printing costs .10 per page and requires a GoPrint card for payment. Read more about how to purchase the card here: http://www.alamo.edu/nlc/library/t_Printing%20and%20Copying.htm
Can I buy a printing card with change or a debit/credit card?
Ø No. The GoPrint machine only takes bills.
How do I make copies and how much does it cost?
Ø Copies cost .10 per page and can be paid with cash or change. The district photocopiers do not make double-sided or color copies. A copy center is planned for the NLC Student Commons.
How do I find my class?
Ø We will try to assist you as best we can. Many students have questions about classes and registration that we can't answer. Please refer questions about classes making and your registration to our advising center - 210.486.5401
Is there a fax machine on campus for students?
Ø No. The copy center may offer this service once it's up and going.
Where is the closest ATM machine?
Ø There will be an ATM machine in the Student Commons once is opens. HEB on the corner of Kitty Hawk and FM 1604 may have similar services.
Where can I get change?
Ø Change is usually available at the NLC Bookstore or the Bursar’s Office.
Does the library have a laminator or color photocopier or color printer?
Ø No. These services may be available in the copy center once it opens.
General Library Questions
Where is the library located?
Ø We are located on the first floor of the Library building (NLIB) 1201 Kitty Hawk Lane, Universal City, TX.
When is the library open?
Ø Visit this link for the library hours: http://www.alamo.edu/nlc/library/t_Hours.htm. Please note that hours do change for summer session and intersession.
Do you have calculators to check out?
Ø No, but the Academic Support Center (second floor Library) has calculators for students to use in-house only. They also assist with tutoring.
Is the textbook for my course in the library?
Ø It depends. The library does not order textbooks. Some instructors will bring us a copy to put on “Course Reserve”. We will make this copy available to students for the time specified by the instructor. Many are limited to in-house use only. Check our Course Reserves by Course or Instructor here: http://library.alamo.edu/search/r.
Are there group study rooms in the library?
Ø Yes. Group study rooms are available to NLC students working on group projects or as a study group, and are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Read more about them here: http://www.alamo.edu/nlc/library/t_Group%20Study%20Rooms.htm
Can I access library resources from home?
Ø Yes! NLC Library resources are available 24/7 from any Internet connection for all NLC students. When accessing a resource (electronic book, library database, etc.) from off-campus, you will be prompted to log in with a username and password. You can look up this information here: https://proxy.nlc.alamo.edu/proxy/find_proxy.html
How can I get help regarding library resources?
Ø Give us a call at 210.486.5388, send us an email at nlc-reference@alamo.edu, come by the Reference Desk, or chat with us online via our Contact Us page: http://www.alamo.edu/nlc/library/t_Contact%20Us.htm