Richard Bland College Library
Book logoDr. Virginia CherryStudents in the Information CommonsStaircaseStudent Phillip Grubbs
RBC Library Home PagedividerFriends of the RBC LibrarydividerA to Z Index of Library InformationdividerRichard Bland College Home Page

About the Library

Events

FAQ

Newsletters

Research

Special Collections

Link to the RBC Library on Facebook RBC Library on Facebook

FAQ

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Frequently Asked Questions
regarding library services & resources

Symbol indicating on-campus link [on-campus link] | Symbol indicating off-campus or residence hall link [off-campus link]

 

What are the library hours?

clipart graphic

When classes are in session, the Library is open Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Please consult the online schedule for holiday and summer hours.

 

 

Where can I get directions to the college?

clipart graphic

Directions
to the college are available online.

 

 

Where are the bathrooms?

clipart graphic

Bathrooms are located in the library foyer.

 

 

Do I need change for the copy machine?

clipart graphic

Currently enrolled students do NOT pay for photocopies. Alumni and community patrons are charged five cents per page.  The honor system is used for payment. Copier money can be placed in a large money jar located next to
the copier. Change can be made at the Circulation Desk.

 

 


I know that the Bookstore is in this building, but I don't seem to be able to get to it.

clipart graphic

The Bookstore is located in The Commons, closer to the cafeteria. Their phone number is 863-4490.

[Return to top]

                                                                                                 

 

Where can I find a phone?

clipart graphic

There is a pay phone in the parking lot across the street from the library next to the track.

 

 

Is there a book drop?

clipart graphic

Yes, the book drop is located on the side of the Library/Commons building at the loading dock near the disabled parking.
 

 

 

Do I have to sign up for a study room in the library?

clipart graphic
No, there is no sign-in sheet. However, patrons wishing to use a study room on the second floor will have to present their Library ID card at the Circulation Desk in order to borrow a study room key for two hours.

 

 

How many books may I check out?

clipart graphic

At one time, students may check out five books as well as two videos and/or DVDs.

[Return to top]

 

 

I'm a high school student. How many items may I check out and what about videos and DVDs?

clipart graphic

High school students may check out two items at a time. Videos and DVDs are only available for RBC students, faculty and staff. High school students must fill out a registration form that requires a parent or guardian signature prior to check out.
Dual enrollment students may check out five books at a time like undergraduates. They may not borrow DVDs and videos, however. Since dual enrollment students are enrolled with the College, they do not have to complete a registration form.

 

 

Do you have tax forms in the Library?

clipart graphic

Tax forms and accompanying instructions are available online: IRS Forms & Publications and Virginia Department of Taxation. (While public libraries carry print versions of tax forms, the College Library does not.)

 

 

What is the Financial Aid School Code Number for Richard Bland College?

clipart graphic

The Richard Bland College Fina ncial Aid School Code (also known as the Title IV Code) is 003707. For more information, please consult the RBC Financial Aid web page.

 

 

Who can check out videos and DVDs?

clipart graphic

Videos and DVDs may only be borrowed by RBC students, faculty and staff.

 

 

I need to talk to a librarian. How do I contact someone?

clipart graphic

You may call or email any of the librarians for information or assistance with research. Send an email to library@rbc.edu or telephone a librarian at 804-862-6226/6227/6228.


 

 

How can I get help when the Library is closed?

clipart graphic

The Library does not have 24/7 reference service. However, you can submit an online form requesting help. You may also find some help through these FAQs or through the Library Tutorial.

 

 

Can you help me research and write my term paper?

clipart graphic


Consult a librarian for research assistance. We can help you locate books, articles, reference material and websites on your topic. Visit our Research Help page for information on selecting a topic, understanding the research process, writing a paper, and avoiding plagiarism. Use our MLA and APA online style guides for help with parenthetical documentation and works cited pages. For extensive help formulating, writing and editing your term paper, you should consu
lt the RBC Writing Lab.

 

 

My professor wants us to find a newspaper article. How can I do this?


The Library subscribes to local and national newspapers. However, in order to be able to search by topic and to find full-text articles in a variety of newspapers, use our online database called Factiva. For current articles you might go directly to the websites of some newspapers, such as:

 

 

My professor said I had to have an article from a professional or scholarly journal. Where do I find that?

Scholarly journals are periodicals that are often published by a society such as the American Medical Association which publishes the Journal of the American Medical Association. An easy way to find full-text professional journals online is to use Academic Search Complete. When setting up your search, check the box that says limit to "peer-reviewed publications." This will limit your search results to publications where the articles have been peer reviewed and therefore will have more validity. Be aware that professional journals do not have to start with the phrase "Journal of."

 



Where can I find reserve books and online reserves?

clipart graphic

Ask for these books at the Circulation Desk. Depending on the preferences of individual instructors, reserve items may be borrowed overnight, for three days, for five days, for fourteen days, or for just one day as a library-use-only item. You can review reserve lists by going to Access LION on-campus LION | Access LION off-campus LION and searching under "Reserve Desk." The overdue fine for late reserve items is $5 per day. Online reserves are available through Blackboard under the course "Library eReserves." For more information on Reserves, review the Library's information page on Course Reserves.

 

 

My professor keeps talking about VIVA. What is VIVA?

VIVA graphic

VIVA is a consortium of nonprofit academic libraries in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Through this consortium, students at RBC have access to thousands of electronic journals and newspapers. More information about VIVA is available online.

 

 

Why do I need to use VIVA when I can get information from lots of websites?

VIVA graphic

VIVA provides access to newspapers, journals and reference tools that you cannot find through a search engine. The Virginia General Assembly and member libraries in VIVA pay the companies who compile and digitize this information in order to make it available to academic users. This is a real benefit for students who attend RBC. Remember that the information you find through a search engine is often not very reliable, and although some journals are available free of charge on the Web, most are not. It is often possible to find current newspaper articles free on the Web, but you will have to pay for articles from back issues. If you use VIVA to find these newspaper articles, you will not be charged for them. The information that you find through VIVA is reliable information that has been published in journals, newspapers, reference works, and government publications.

 

 

How do I get an RBC e-mail account?

clipart graphic

As of Fall 2004, RBC students will be automatically assigned Student Email Accounts. For more information, review information on the RBC Student Email web page.

 

 

How do I get to VIVA from home?

VIVA graphic

First you will need to make sure that you have an RBC email account. The RBC Library web page contains a list of databases available to RBC faculty and students through the library's VIVA subscription. Off-campus access is available for most of these databases. When you click on these database links from off-campus, you will be prompted for your RBC email account username and password. If you are using AOL, we suggest that you minimize AOL and open Internet Explorer. Use Internet Explorer to access the databases. Also, make sure that your browser accepts cookies.

 

 

What is Find It Virginia?

clipart graphic

Find It Virginia
is similar to VIVA in that it provides access to online databases. Whereas VIVA is designed to be used by college students and faculty, Find It Virginia is designed to be used by Virginia residents with Virginia public library cards. Use your Virginia public library card to access Find It Virginia resources anywhere and at anytime.

 

 

Can you obtain articles or books for me from another Library?

clipart graphic

Yes. You can complete an Interlibrary Loan request form. Please allow time for delivery.

 

 

Do I have to pay fines if my books are late?

clipart graphic

Yes. There is a late fee of 25¢ per day for overdue books, a fee of $1 per day for videos and DVDs, and a fee of $5 per day for late reserves and Interlibrary Loans. Transcripts and grades will be withheld if a student has outstanding library obligations.

 

 

What do I do if the computer says a book isn't checked out, but I can't find it on the shelf?

clipart graphic

Verify the location of the book within the Library to see if you should be looking in the STACKS or in another area of the library. Also, make sure that you are not searching the STACKS for an electronic book. If you are still having trouble, ask a librarian for assistance!

 

 

I can't get on Blackboard. What do I need to do?

clipart graphic

Students can access Blackboard from any of the computers in the Library by using their student username and password. Remember that the password is a capital P followed by the last six digits of your Social Security number. If you still can't get on, ask a member of the library staff to help you. Not sure what your username is? You can look it up in Banner, or you can ask a librarian for assistance!

 

clipart graphic

Students use Banner to view their course schedule, access grades and register for classes. Logging into Banner requires you to enter your R number (captial R + eight digits) and your PIN. Note that you can log in using your Social Security number. Initially, the PIN is your birthdate in six digits (MMDDYY). After first using the system, you will be required to create a new PIN. To actually register for classes in Banner, you will need to use the six-digit alternate PIN assigned to you by your advisor. The library staff can help you get started in Banner, but detailed questions about registration should be forwarded to the Registrar (862-6206 or registrar@rbc.edu). If you have forgotten your R number and need a reminder, be prepared to present photo ID so that an RBC staff member can assist you. A Banner Help Module is available online!

 

How do I get on the Internet?

clipart graphic


You can access the Internet from any of the computers in the library. Open Internet Explorer or Firefox.
Wireless access is also available. RBC students and faculty use their RBC username and password to access. Community members should ask for temporary guest access at the Circulation Desk.

 

 

May I use the Library computers for email or chat?

clipart graphic

Chat is not allowed on any of the computers on campus. You may check your email on Library computers, but you must always keep in mind that research always comes recreational Internet browsing and email.

 

 

Do I need to have my disk scanned?

clipart graphic
No, the computer automatically scans your disk when you insert it.

 

 

Is wireless available in the Library?

clipart graphic
Yes. Wireless access is available in the Library and in parts of The Commons. Faculty and students can log in using their RBC email username (without the @rbc.edu) and password. Temporary access is available for non-students; please ask for more information at the Circulation Desk. Prior to accessing the wireless network, all users must download Cisco Clean Agent software. Also, all users must abide by College, state and federal usage guidelines. More information about the wireless network is provided by the ITS Department.

 

How do I look up a book in the RBC Library?

clipart graphic Use Access LION on-campus LION | Access LION off-campus LION, the RBC online catalog. You can type in a title, author, subject, keyword, serial title, or series title. Then click on the appropriate search box.

 

 

Can I renew my books without coming to the library?


Yes. You can use the "My Account " component of Access LION on-campus LION | Access LION off-campus LION and renew your items yourself. Or you can call the library and ask for a renewal at 804-862-6227.

 

 

Can I renew my videos and DVDs?

clipart graphic
No. We do not renew videos or DVDs for students.

 

 

What does the location "Internet" mean when I look up a book?

netLibrary eBook graphic

It means the book you have located is an eBook or electronic book. Click on the DETAILS button to access more information. Next, click on the URL in the "Electronic Access" portion of the record. More information about netLibrary eBooks is available online
.

 

 

Can I view my library account online?

clipart graphic
Yes. You can use the "My Account " component of Access LION on-campus LION | Access LION off-campus LION.

 

 

 

Can I use my computer at home or in the residence halls to access everything that I can access from the computers at the Library?

clipart graphic

First you will need to make sure that you have an RBC email account. The RBC Library web page contains a list of databases available to RBC faculty and students through the library's VIVA subscription. Off-campus access is available for most of these databases. For the purposes of database access, the residence halls are considered off-campus! When you click on these database links from off-campus, you will be prompted for your RBC email account username and password. If you are using AOL, we suggest that you minimize AOL and open Internet Explorer. Use Internet Explorer to access the databases. Also, make sure that your browser accepts cookies.

 


   library@rbc.edu | Last Update: July 28, 2010