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Library Policies: Using the Library

Library policies on checking out and returning items, using the computers and printers, and more.

Foothill College Library

LIBRARY HOURS:

Fall 2024 Hours
Mon – Thur   8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sat & Sun  Closed

Reference Hours

Fall 2024
Mon – Thur   8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (in-person & online)
Fri 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (in-person & online)
Sat & Sun  Closed

The Library is closed during all college holidays and breaks.

Reference Desk
(650) 949-7608

Ask a Librarian

Circulation & Reserve
(650) 949-7611

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Using Foothill College Library

Your Library Card

Your OwlCard is also your library card. Get your free OwlCard at the Smart Shop (room 2016) in the Campus Center. Check the Smart Shop website for hours.

Checkout and Renewal 

Stacks books may be checked out for 3 weeks while reserve materials may be checked out for the entire quarter. They can be renewed in the library at the Circulation Desk or use your library account online. Books that are not returned 21 days after the due date will be considered “lost.” Patrons will no longer be able to renew their materials remotely for lost items. 

Reserve Materials 

The Circulation Desk has a variety of materials for all students available for checkout such as textbooks, calculators (graphing and scientific), Chromebooks, etc. These materials can be loaned out for the whole quarter. For books, if one copy of the book remains, the copy can only be loaned out for 1 hour. Students can continue to renew their 1-hour loan if no one else has requested to check out the book. Holds cannot be placed on reserve materials to abide by our first come, first serve policy. If you have any difficulty regarding picking up reserve materials or any other questions/concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to circulation staff through email at fhlibrary@fhda.edu or call us at (650)-949-7611.

Overdue Notices  

Library overdue notices and bills automatically are sent to patrons using the e-mail address supplied at registration. It is the patron's responsibility to keep the library informed of e-mail or telephone changes.  

Placing a Hold 

You can request a book located in Stacks that is already checked out. From the results list, click on Details and then look for the Place Hold link in the left-hand column. Your held books will be at the Circulation Desk for 1 week after they are returned. 

Return of Materials 

Items may be returned to the 24/7 bookdrop in front of the library. Books can also be returned to the Circulation Desk staff library or bookdrops inside the library. If late/lost materials are returned, any fines or fees addressed to your library account will be removed.

Fines for Lost or Damaged Materials 

If you lose any library material, or, if the material is returned significantly damaged, you may replace it with an acceptable* copy of the item instead of paying the full cost of the item/lost fee. 

 *Replacement copies are subject to review. Please talk to circulation staff before making the purchase of a replacement copy.

Computer Use 

Computers are available in the library to access the online catalog, databases, and internet. The login information will be your 8-digit student ID and the password will be the same as your MyPortal login. 

The Circulation Desk also has Chromebooks available for check out.

Wireless 

Wifi is available in the library under the wireless network name: College Wifi. To log in, sign in using your 8-digit student ID and the password you use for MyPortal. NOTE: This is a secured connection. College Guest or College Visitor wireless networks may be used if you do not have your student ID.

Printing & Copying 

There are two ePRINTit machines in the library. The cost is 15¢ a page for B/W printing and 50¢ a page for color printing. Upload documents and add funds on the ePRINTit portal or from your MyPortal page. There is a required $3 minimum when uploading funds to ePRINTit. There are also two copiers in the library. The cost for copying is 10¢ a page, however it only accepts coin payments. If you need additional help for printing and scanning, please ask any of the library staff.

Study Room Use 

There are 10 study rooms available in the library. Study room reservations and policies are available on the online reservation system.

Food and Drink Policy

Food and covered drinks are allowed in the Library if those items are consumed responsibly and with consideration to other library users. Please enjoy your food anywhere in the Library, except for the computer areas and study rooms, as only water is allowed in those areas. If we receive complaints about smells or areas being left unclean, we will ask you to put your food away while at the Library. Thank you for your help in keeping the Library clean and enjoyable for everyone.

Off-Campus Access

For off-campus access to the online databases and eBooks, you'll need your student ID.

You can also renew your books online from home.

Book Donation Policy

Book Donations Suspended: Due to a staffing shortage, the library has temporarily suspended all book donations. In the meantime, consider donating your books to your local public library or visit Earth911 for suggestions on recycling in your area.

Solicitation Policy

The Foothill Library does not accept solicitations of resources to be added to our LibGuides or other websites. Our LibGuides are collated resources that use faculty recommendations and reviews from reputable resources and other library communities. Any solicitations for additions to our LibGuides will be ignored; persistent contact from vendors or others trying to promote links to be added will be blocked.