ABOUT THE LIBRARY

Comprised of over 100,000 titles of books, periodicals, videos, and audio-cassettes, the Orange Coast College Library supports and enriches the quality of the educational program. The new library, opened on January 3, 2008, is located on the west side of the campus near the Lewis Science Building, the Arts Pavilion, and Starbucks.

Some of the services the library provides are:

• Remote access to the library's online catalog and full-text databases
• Textbook collection for in-library use
• Reciprocal borrowing privileges from libraries in the Cal-West Consortium
• Group study rooms
• Instruction and research help

MISSION STATEMENT

The general purpose of the Orange Coast College library is to support and complement the college mission of promoting student success by providing a wide range of basic to indepth resource materials, library instruction, and encouragement of lifelong learning. At the same time, the library staff serves as a central and vital link for the informational and enrichment needs of all campus personnel.

The library maintains a print and non-print collection of resources built around the college curriculum. The library maintains a collection of best sellers for the enrichment of staff, students and community users. We provide photocopiers, typewriters, and a computer lab to allow students to perform more effectively. To help develop the library skills of our students, the librarians provide library orientations to classes as well as offer a one unit transferable self-paced course, ENG 108. The library further helps students, faculty and staff by providing reference service. The library offers a comfortable environment in which to study or do class assignments. Interlibrary loan is available to give access to hard-to-find materials.

The Orange Coast College library primarily serves the students, faculty and staff of the college. Beyond our primary mission, we serve all district personnel, as well as students from GWC and CCC. Our inter-district library automation project has resulted in opening the collections and services of Fullerton College, Cypress College, Golden West and Orange Coast College libraries to all staff and students of these institutions. We also serve members of the Alumni Association, the Emeritus Institute, and the Friends of the Library.

LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services:

1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
5. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Adopted June 18, 1948, by the ALA Council; amended February 2, 1961; amended June 28, 1967; amended January 23, 1980; inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 24, 1996.