HCC Libraries and Learning Resources
HCC Libraries are welcoming spaces to study and connect to resources and learning. Libraries are open six days a week, and virtual reference is provided on Sunday. The HCC library system consists of nine libraries and six electronic resource centers (ERCs). Students have access to more than 580,000 electronic, print, and multi-media resources. The catalog is updated frequently and provides easy access for navigating library resources. Eagle Library Search provides access to the HCC online catalog and more than 100 of the HCC licensed databases in a single search. HCC’s online library catalog, Eagle Library Search and databases are accessible on and off campus. HCC librarians guide students to the resources they need through reference, course-related library instruction, and webinars. For more information regarding all of HCC’s Library resources, services and locations, please visit library.hccs.edu.
More Than Books and Databases
HCC Libraries provides access to computers, printing, photocopying, scanning, DVDs, streaming video, Chromebooks, study rooms, 3D printing, and one-button studio access in certain locations. Assistive technology includes laptops with ADA software installed, TOPAZ video magnifiers, purple phones, and more. More information regarding these resources is available at library.hccs.edu/accessibility.
Logging into Databases and Library Account
HCC licensed databases can be accessed anywhere using a student’s HCC ID (“W” number) and the same password used to access a student’s HCC email, student account, and computers. Library accounts are used to request items from any HCC library and renew items. To login to a student’s library account, a student should use his/her/their first name and last name, leaving a space between. A student’s password will be his/her/their library barcode number from his/her/their student ID card. For more information, go to www.library.hccs.edu/howdoi.
Checking Out Materials
A student ID card is a library card. Library material may be checked out for three weeks and renewed twice. Students can renew twice by telephone or the library website.
Overdue Library Materials
Students can log into their library account to check on due dates and renew library materials that are eligible for renewal. Library books and DVDs may be checked out for three weeks and renewed twice. Students can renew twice by telephone or the library website. Laptop, Chromebook and hotspot lending devices are checked out for an entire semester and cannot be renewed. If a student fails to return any library materials, a “hold” status is can be reported and reflected on their student record(s). A hold may affect a student’s ability to register for additional courses or obtain a transcript. Students will be blocked from further borrowing until the materials due are returned to the library. Lost, damaged, and stolen items are the financial responsibility of the borrower. Students are expected to obtain police reports for stolen items and provide them to appropriate HCC officials when requested.
Materials from Other Libraries
In the event the HCC Libraries do not own a particular item student need for their research, students, faculty, and staff have full privileges to the TexShare Card Program and to the interlibrary loan program which expands access to the collections of all participating libraries. Students will be subject to the loan rules of each individual institution-both as to the number of items they may check out and how long they may keep them out. Students will be responsible for any overdue fines or lost book fees that a particular library may charge.
Textbooks, Course Materials and Bookstore
Students may purchase textbooks, study aids, and a wide range of novelty items and apparel at the college bookstore. Students are encouraged to purchase books prior to the first day of class and can locate their course materials online at www.hccs.bncollege.com. Students should bring a copy of their class schedule to ensure that they are purchasing the correct texts. The bookstore will issue full refunds for textbooks during the first week of each term, provided the textbook is in original condition as when purchased and the original receipt is presented with request. For more information, visit www.hccs.bncollege.com. Students may also purchase their required texts at other retailers. A student of this institution is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from a university-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.Students with concerns should contact their instructor or Dean of Student Success.
Certain HCC classes are included in the HCC Textbook Savings Program, which provides an “affordable learning” solution for students. The program includes three different types of classes: First-Day classes (SFD) provide traditional, online course materials at a reduced rate through an additional charge on the student’s tuition statement; Low Cost Books (LCB) classes provide materials at less than $40 retail for all required materials; and Zero Cost Books (ZCB) classes provide materials at no additional cost to students. ZCB courses are made possible using Open Access and Open Educational Resources, which make electronic instructional materials freely available to students. More information can be found at https://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/hcc-textbook-saving-program/.
For more information regarding HCC’s policies regarding textbooks, please see Board Policies EDA(LEGAL) and EDA(LOCAL) located at www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/policies/hcc-board-policy-manual-section-e.
Student Activities
The Student Life and Recreational Sports Offices offer activities and programs that extend students’ personal and intellectual growth. Some of the activities include student government, student associations, clubs, and organizations relating to student interests, honor societies, student publications (The Egalitarian and organization newsletters), recreational and intramural sports, as well as cultural, social, educational, and leadership development activities. Certain qualifications for participation may apply to certain activities. To get involved and find out more, including a more complete list of activities, visit hccs.presence.io.
Student Associations, Clubs, and Organizations
To search for the available associations, clubs, or organizations on campus, go to hccs.presence.io/organizations.
United Student Council
The United Student Council is a district-wide student government organization that represents the greater Houston Community College District. Unlike Student Government Associations that are campus specific, the USC has advisory jurisdiction on matters of concern regarding all HCC locations. The USC is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring student leaders to get involved in extra-curricular activities and expand their horizons. For more information, visit https://hcc.idloom.events/department-of-student-life.
Recreational Sports (Rec Sports)
HCC offers Recreational Sports and Wellness Activities to enhance the mind, body, and spirit of students and other eligible individuals by providing programs, services, and facilities that are responsive to the physical, social, recreational, and lifelong educational needs of the campus community as they relate to health, fitness, and learning. For more information on the available activities and to sign up, go to www.hccs.edu/recsports.
The Egalitarian
The Egalitarian is the student media outlet of HCC, written and produced by students. The Egalitarian promotes the free exchange of ideas and information throughout the college, subject to applicable policies and law. The newspaper staff maintains a high standard of excellence.
For more information, see www.hccegalitarian.com.
Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society
Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for community college students. HCC’s Omega Sigma chapter is one of nearly 1,300 chapters around the world. Membership is based on high academic performance. HCC has an active chapter and is consistently ranked as a top 25 chapter on the international stage. The chapter promotes scholarship, developing leadership skills, and is involved in service to the College and community.
In order to become a member, a student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, have completed twelve transferable credits with HCC, and be registered with HCC the semester the student joins. Students interested in joining should contact their college’s chapter advisor or attend a campus membership drive. For fall 2023- spring 2024, the Omega Sigma chapter advisors are as follows:
Dr. Gisela Ables - Northwest & Southeast College
gisela.ables@hccs.edu
Dr. Nicolas Rangel - Central & Coleman College
nicolas.rangel@hccs.edu
Dr. Nichole Boutte-Heiniluoma - Southwest & Northeast College
n.boutteheiniluoma@hccs.edu
HCC students also participate in other honor societies, such as the National Society for Leadership and Success. For more information, students should contact their campus Student Life Coordinator.
|
