Community Borrowers - Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the linked questions to find answers.  To return to the questions, hit the 'back' button on your browser.  If there is a question that we have not answered, please contact us at 256-306-2774 (Decatur) or 256-890-4774 (Huntsville).
Last update: August 23, 2017 ShareThis


libbulletc.GIF (293 bytes)How do I get a Library Card?

Community borrowers will need to bring a picture ID (driver’s license or military ID) with your correct mailing address to the Brewer Library or Huntsville Campus Library and complete an application. You will be required to provide your Social Security Number on the application.

A parent or guardian’s signature will be require for all persons under the age of 16.

libbulletc.GIF (293 bytes)How do I find items in the libraries?

Most of the Brewer Library and Huntsville Campus Library materials are included in the Library Catalog, found on the main Brewer Library/Huntsville Campus Library Web page. The Library Catalog is searchable by keyword, title, author, and subject.

The Brewer Library and Huntsville Campus Library shelves are organized by the Library of Congress classification scheme.  You may also browse the print collection for relevant materials.

The Brewer Library and Huntsville Campus Library journal and periodical print collections are not cataloged, but can be browsed alphabetically on the shelves.

You can also find online books, journals, newspapers, encyclopedias and more materials via the Online databases and EBSCOhost eBooks ebooks.

libbulletc.GIF (293 bytes)How do I check out a print book

You must have a library card to check out books.  To check out books, take your books to the circulation desk. You may check out a total of six (6) items including:

libbulletc.GIF (293 bytes) Can books be sent between the Brewer Library and the Huntsville Campus Library?

Yes.  To request an item, search for the book in the Library Catalog.  Click on "Request Item" and complete the request.  You will need a library card to complete the request form. 

The book will be sent to the library you have requested and held for you. 

libbulletc.GIF (293 bytes) Can I borrow books located at another library? How?

Calhoun libraries do not borrower books via interlibrary loan for Community patrons.  This service is provided by your local public library.

libbulletc.GIF (293 bytes)How do I pay a library fine?

Library fines must be paid in the business office.


libbulletc.GIF (293 bytes)What is a "Reserve"?

A Reserve (book, CD, article, video, etc) is an item that has been set aside, or reserved, for the use of a specific group of students.   Usually the request to place an item on reserve comes from a librarian or a faculty member.  Check out privileges are extended to current Calhoun students only.

Reserve materials are held behind the Circulation desk and on special shelves in the collection.  Ask at the Circulation desk for more assistance.  Reserve Items are noted in the Library Catalog under the "Reserve Location."

libbulletc.GIF (293 bytes)Are there copiers available for use at Brewer Library/Huntsville Campus Library?

There is a coin-operated copier available for use at the Brewer Library.  This copier is a digital scanner, which allows photo quality copies (b/w), and top feeding and collating of multiple pages.  Copies are $.10 per page.

There is one coin-operated copier at the Huntsville Campus Library.  Copies are $.10 per page.

libbulletc.GIF (293 bytes)Can I print documents in the library?

Yes, but you are required to purchase a print card.  Print cards are sold at stand-alone machines in the Library and the Huntsville Campus Library and can be revalued in increments of $1.00. There is a one-time charge of $.50 for a print card.  Prints are $.10 per page.

Print cards are also sold and may be revalued at the Math/Writing Lab on the Huntsville campus and the Writing Lab in Harris Hall on the Decatur campus.

libbulletc.GIF (293 bytes)Can I return books when the Brewer Library/Huntsville Campus Library is closed?

Books can be returned when the Brewer Library is closed via the book drop conveniently located near the street in front of the Brewer Library.  We do, however, request that you return books inside when the Brewer Library is open.

When the Huntsville Campus Library is closed and the Huntsville Campus is open, books may be returned in the blue and white book drop located in the hallway outside the Huntsville Campus Library.  When the Huntsville Campus Library is open, please return books to the inside drop located at the circulation desk.

libbulletc.GIF (293 bytes)Can I suggest a book to be purchased by the library?

The Calhoun libraries welcome suggestions for materials that support teaching, study, and research at the College.  Requests are referred to the appropriate collection development manager.

Before submitting a suggestion, please check the Calhoun Libraries Catalog to see if the material you need is available. 

libbulletc.GIF (293 bytes)How do I use the AVL databases off campus?

Calhoun Community College does not support off campus access to AVL databases for community users. The AVL databases are available for off campus use via the AVL Website which uses geoauthentication to provide access to residents of the state of Alabama. If you are traveling out of state, or have other issues gaining access to the AVL Website, please contact your public library for support.

libbulletc.GIF (293 bytes)Does the library have software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.?

The computers at the Brewer Library and the Huntsville Campus Library have Microsoft Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Word for users who have MS Office skills.  There is no lab assistant available to offer instruction. 

If you need assistance using the software, the following tutorial sites may be helpful: Microsoft Tutorials (Official Microsoft site).

libbulletc.GIF (293 bytes) Is there a way I can access my library account online?

Borrowers are able to access their library account online using “My Account”.  To use this feature, access the Library Catalog. Then, click on “My Account”.  Enter the barcode number from your Library Card and then the pin.  The pin number is the last four (4) digits of the telephone number that you provided on your borrower application.  Click on “Items Out” to show all the items that you currently have checked out.  Then, check each item that you would like renewed and click the renew button.  The item will be renewed as long as it meets the criteria for renewal.  The new due date will appear next to the item.  Note: New, Gift and Leased items cannot be renewed.  Students:  If your record has been placed on Academic Hold, you will not be allowed to renew books until the delinquency is settled.  Note:  Books may only be renewed one time online via "My Account."

libbulletc.GIF (293 bytes)Can I place a request on a book from home?

Yes, look up the book in the Library catalog. Click the “Request Item” button. You will be prompted to log into “My Account.”  Enter the barcode number from your Library Card and then the pin.  The pin number is the last four (4) digits of the telephone number that you provided on your borrower application.  After you log in, you will be directed to a “request confirmation” page.  Click the Request button at the bottom.  The message at the top of the screen will say “Your request has been successfully placed.”  You will be notified  when the book becomes available for you to pick up.  Note:  Books may only be renewed one time online via "My Account."
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