Collection Information
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The redesigned and renovated Richard Bland College Library, located in The Commons, supports the information and research needs of students. The Library is a comfortable, well-lighted, two-story facility seating over 250 students. Two seminar rooms and a multimedia viewing room are available for students on a first come first served basis. For more information about the many services of the RBC Library, students are encouraged to stop by and meet the staff, call the library at 804-862-6226 or visit the website: http://www.rbc.edu/library.
Library Catalog:
The Richard Bland College Library uses an online catalog. Patrons can look up materials and review their check-outs online. Read more about the features of this catalog.
Library Computers:
The Library contains over thirty computers for student use. All students using Library computers must abide by the Acceptable Computer Use Policy. The RBC wireless network use is complimentary and subject to all applicable RBC and state acceptable use policies. Use of the campus network implies consent to comply with those policies. Research and classwork always take precedence over recreational use of computers. Food and drink are prohibited at the workstations.
There are five black-and-white printers available in the library. Currently enrolled students do NOT pay for black-and-white printing. Alumni and community patrons are charged five cents per page for all black-and-white printing. The honor system is used for payment. Printing money can be placed in the large jar next to the copy machine, or if you need change, it can be given at the Circulation Desk. The library does offer color printing for both students and community patrons at a charge of 25 cents per page.
VIVA:
VIVA, which stands for Virtual Library of Virginia, is an academic library consortium composed of the 39 state-assisted colleges and universities within the Commonwealth of Virginia. The majority of VIVA’s funding comes from the Virginia General Assembly, individual library budgets and some outside grants. Through VIVA, students and faculty at institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth have access to digital and print journals, books, reference sources, and databases that are essential for educational success and research enterprise. VIVA databases can be easily accessed from the library website.
RALC:
RALC (The Richmond Academic Library Consortium) membership is composed of Randolph-Macon College, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, John Tyler Community College, Richard Bland College, University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Union University, Virginia State University, Union Presbyterian Seminary and The Library of Virginia. By participating in RALC, the library is able to greatly expand its Interlibrary Loan services and expedite the delivery of resources using the RALC shuttle which makes deliveries twice weekly. The Richmond Academic Libraries (RALC) Online Catalog — can be searched by selecting an individual member library or across all the member libraries. Once connected to the catalog, be sure to set the search default to RALC.
Proxy Server:
Off-campus access to VIVA databases is available from the library web page. Students may access databases off campus using their RBC email username and password.
Collection Highlights:
Students have access to over 66,000 volumes; over 64,000 electronic books; 75 current periodicals; 9 daily and weekly newspapers; numerous spoken and musical recordings as well as over 800 videos and over 4,000 DVDs. A comprehensive collection of ready reference materials is housed on the first floor of the Library. The RBC Library has an extensive collection of books in English and American literature covering all time periods. The history collection emphasizes American and European history with a broad collection of books on the Civil War and the Second World War. The RBC Library also has significant religion and philosophy sections within the collection. A special collection, the Virginia Room, houses not only books but also memorabilia pertinent to the history of Southside Virginia communities, rare books, and the archives of the College. Located upstairs, the Virginia Room is open only by appointment.
eBooks:
Over 64,000 eBooks are available through EBSCO ebooks. Students may use the EBSCO ebooks link from the "QuickLinks" on the Library home page or access these titles from the catalog. eBooks are electronic versions of printed books and can be viewed online from any computer connected to the Internet. Students may print from and run keyword searches of eBooks.
Online Requests:
Online forms are available on the Library home page which allow students to request items be ordered through Interlibrary Loan and to ask reference questions.
Reference:
The Library staff is available to answer reference questions, assist with research, and locate materials. Students may request assistance in person, by phone, by email, or by using an online form. The library staff conducts Library orientation throughout the year and upon request from faculty and students, provides group and individualized instruction.
Reserve:
Professors place curriculum materials on reserve. Reserve materials must be checked out from the circulation desk and are loaned for a short period of time as determined by individual instructors. Some reserve items are available for library use only requiring that students use those materials in the Library only. Reserve materials are for the use of an entire class and need to be returned on time. A non-negotiable late fee of $5.00 per day is charged for overdue reserve materials.
Interlibrary Loans (ILL):
Library staff will obtain research materials from other libraries when students need books or articles not available in the RBC Library. Students may use an online form or speak with a librarian to make a request. There is no charge for Interlibrary Loan services; there is, however, a non-negotiable late fee of $5.00 per day on overdue ILLs. Items borrowed through ILL may be recalled at the request of the loaning library which would require students to return an ILL item immediately. Students are limited to five requests at a time.
Library Cards:
Students need a Library card to check out Library materials. To receive a card, students much present photo identification, such as a driver’s license, military ID or RBC student ID card, at the Circulation Desk. The first Library card is complimentary, but there is a $5 replacement fee for a new Library card.
Circulation Policies:
Books circulate for 28 days and may be renewed if no hold has been placed on the material. Books may be recalled by another student during the renewal phase; in this case, the original student borrower would be required to return the recalled item immediately. Reference books and periodicals do not circulate. DVDs and videos are available only to RBC students and faculty. The DVDs and videos circulate for 7 days and may not be renewed. Overdue notices are sent out as a courtesy. It is the responsibility of the student to return items on time. Any items may be subject to recall if needed for Reserve. Additional information is available online.
Fines:
Fines are charged for overdue materials. For fine amounts, please refer to the web page.
Lost Library Materials:
Paying for lost or damaged items is the responsibility of the student borrower. All lost or damaged materials are charged at a $50.00 standard fee per item. The only exceptions are entertainment DVDs (which are assessed a $25.00 standard fee per item) and Interlibrary Loan materials. The replacement fee for a lost or damaged Interlibrary Loan material will be determined by the respective lending library and may exceed $50.00.
Academic Holds:
Fees for lost books and fines must be paid before grades or transcripts are eligible for release.
Hours:
The Library schedule is posted on the website.
Other Services:
A standard copier is available. 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.
Friends of RBC Library:
The Friends host fundraising activities throughout the year including the sale of used books and media available at inexpensive prices. The Friends maintain several bookcases on which they place used books for sale.
library@rbc.edu | Last Update:
August 23, 2012
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