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Black Hawk College Library

A guide to the library's services and collections

Borrowing from the Library

 

Borrowing Privileges 

A BHC student ID or a library card, and a library account in good standing, are required to borrow materials from the library. Patrons can borrow from the library’s main collection, Course Reserves, and can utilize interlibrary loan services.

Library account details:

  • Student accounts are valid for one academic year.
  • Accounts will be renewed annually if the student is enrolled in classes and the account is in good standing.
  • The cost is free.
  • Borrowers are fully responsible for all library materials checked out on their account, including replacement cost of lost materials.
  • Failure to pay any library fees will result in the loss of library privileges and a possible hold on the student’s account.
  • Students must notify the Enrollment Services office of any changes in contact information.
  • Contact the library if you need help getting a replacement library card.
  • Policies and fees are subject to change.

 

Online Catalog and I-Share Account Access

You must have a myBHC username and password to sign into the online catalog. You can renew checked out items and check the status of requested material on your account page.

  • To login to your account, go to the BHC Library homepage.
  • Scroll down and Select the "Search the Catalog" icon to view the library catalog.
  • Click on Sign in in the upper right-hand corner of the search page.
  • On the pop-up, Click on Black Hawk College Users.
  • Enter your myBHC username and password on the login pop-up.
  • Click on your name in the upper right-hand corner of the search page
  • Choose Loans, Requests, or other options from the drop-down menu.

 

Loan Periods

The library loans materials for the following lengths of time:

  • Books = 4 weeks
  • DVDs = 7 days
  • Reserve items = 2 hours, 24 hours, 2 days, 3 days or 7 days
  • Renewals are permitted if not requested by another patron.
  • Reference materials may be available for a 24 or 48-hour loan with permission from a librarian.
  • Periodicals, except for the most recent issue and Allied Heath, are available for 7 days.

 

Returning Items

Materials can be returned at the Check Out Desk. At the Quad-Cities Campus, there is also book return located by the Welcome Desk in Building 1. 

Reserve items, DVDs, and loanable technology should be returned at the Check Out Desk.

Library books may be returned at any library in the I-Share consortium.

 

Overdue & Lost Materials

It is the borrower's responsibility to return library materials on time. Fees vary according to material type and lending library. 

The BHC Library does not charge overdue fines, but fees will be assessed if materials are returned damaged or lost. 

If materials are damaged or lost, the following fees will be charged:

  • Lost items = replacement cost; if out of print: $50
  • Damage = assessed according to extent of damage
  • Lost library card = $2 per replacement card

Fees for lost or unreturned items may be entered on the student financial record at the BHC Bursar’s Office.  A library account with delinquent fees cannot be used to borrow materials from BHC or other libraries in the I-Share system. 

Fees for items borrowed from other I-Share libraries will be billed directly to the borrower by the lending library. The borrower is responsible for paying fines and fees directly to the lending library.

 

Course Reserves

Instructors may place a copy of their textbook on course reserve in the library. Most course reserve materials check out for 2-hours at a time and are in-library use only. 

To borrow materials on reserve, ask to borrow the book at the Check Out desk. Students will need a student ID or library card to borrow materials. Knowing the title, author, edition, and/or ISBN number of the textbook will make the check out process more efficient. 

 

Digitization Requests

Using the online catalog, you can request to have a chapter from a print library book scanned and emailed to you. 

Due to copyright restrictions, digitization requests are limited to 1 chapter or article per request. Library users may have up to 3 active requests on their account at a time. 

Here are the step-by-step instructions for requesting a digitized chapter: 

Each request will be evaluated by library staff to ensure compliance with Copyright and Fair Use.

 

Community Borrowers

The BHC Library will issue a restricted-use library card to residents of the Black Hawk College District #503 who are at least 18 years of age. These patrons can borrow materials from the library’s local collection.

Privileges do not include borrowing the following:

  • I-Share materials
  • Reserves
  • Interlibrary loans
  • Off-campus access to research databases

To obtain a community borrower library card, bring a valid Illinois driver’s license or state ID with your current address and complete a library card application at the Check Out desk.