How Do I? or Gavilan Library FAQ
Check Out Materials:
How do I check out library materials?
Gavilan library has 60,000+ books, audiobooks and videos available for checkout. Students, staff and faculty use your GavID number at the main desk in the library.
How do I get a library card?
Students, staff and faculty don't need a card. You will use your GavID number (be sure to use all characters.) When the campus is open, community residents can get a library card in the library. They will need a photo id and proof of residency in the district.
How can I check out a laptop?
Students can check out a laptop for 2 hours at a time with their GavID number.
The library also has a collection of laptops that can be checked out by currently registered students for the semester. Place a request in the library catalog.
How long may I check materials out?
Books and audiobooks...3 weeks
Videos and DVDs.........1 week
Laptop......................2 hours
Semester Laptops........1 semester
Reserve items............Usually 2 hours in library use. Some materials have different loan periods.
May I renew an item?
Yes, as long as there is no hold on the item. Resources can be renewed in the library catalog online by signing in with your MyGav login. Reserves and semester laptops cannot be renewed.
How many items may I check out at one time?
Up to 10 items, but negotiable if there is a need.
May I order books from other libraries?
Yes. Materials that we don't have in our collection may be requested via Interlibrary Loan (ILL.) (ILL process) Items should be requested at the reference desk.
How long does it take to receive a journal article or book via ILL?
Depending upon the format, electronic can take a few hours to a few days or print can take from a few days to a few weeks.
May I place a hold on an item in the Gavilan College Library?
Yes. Library users can place a hold on items in the library catalog by signing in with their MyGav login.
What are the fines for overdue materials?
Reserves that checkout by the hour: $.60/hour/item, maximum of cost of book.
Reserves that checkout by the day or week: $1/day, maximum of cost of book.
Does the library have textbooks?
Sometimes. Many class textbooks are available online in the library catalog by signing in with your MyGav login. Some physical textbooks or chapters from texts are also available on reserve at the circulation desk. You can search the Course Reserve collection in the library catalog. Course reserves are library materials shelved behind the circulation desk and generally available for 2 hours use in the library.
If the library does not have a text you need, the Gavilan College Bookstore provides a rental service and sells textbooks. Additional rental & purchase sites: Chegg, CampusBookRentals, CengageBrain, BookRenter, Half.com, Bigwords.com, OpenStax College.
How do I find a book in the stacks?
You will find books on the shelves by their Library of Congress call number. Search the library catalog and make note about the location and call number. You can then use the library shelf signs to find your book's specific address. You can always get help in locating a title from the reference librarian or circulation staff.
Print:
Can I print in the library?
Printing is available from all student computers. Currently there is no charge for printing. We ask that you limit printing to 25 pages.
Can I print from my own device?
No. To print a document that is on your device, save it to a flash drive, email it to yourself, or save it to a cloud drive. You can then access and print your document from a library computer.
Can I print in color in the library?
No. The library does not have a color printer.
Use library resources & services:
How can I check out a laptop?
Students can check out a laptop for 2 hours at a time with their GavID number.
The library also has a collection of laptops that can be checked out by currently registered students for the semester. Place a request in the library catalog.
Can I access Library resources from off campus?
Yes. To access the online Library resources, you will need your MyGav login.
Can I scan documents?
Yes. Scanners are located at LIB016, LIB017 and LIB018 computers.
Library computers?
The library has 34 computers for use during library open hours.
Can I access the Internet from the library?
Yes. All library computers and laptops can access the Internet. Gavilan provides a wireless signal all over campus.
Does the Library have study rooms?
Yes the library has a study room. The Learning Commons has small group study rooms. You can make
May I look at my email in the library?
Yes.
Is large format printing or laminating available on campus?
There are no laminating services available on campus, and no large format printing is available to anyone who is not in an art or graphic arts class.
What software is available on the library PCs?
- Adobe X Pro
- DRC Accessibility Programs (Available on LIB006, LIB007, & LIB017 only)
- JAWS
- MAGic
- Kurzweil
- FS Reader
- Internet Browers
- Firefox
- Google Chrome
- Microsoft Edge
- Microsoft Office 365
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Access
- Students have access to the Google suite of programs with their my.gavilan.edu account
What software is available on the library laptops and chromebooks?
- Students have access to the Google suite of programs with their my.gavilan.edu account