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 three electronic resource centers (ERCs). In addition, ten Digital Access Centers (four managed by Library Services) provide resources and services for students taking courses in any modality. Students have access to nearly 1,000,000 electronic, print, and multi-media resources. This includes access to over 60,000 electronic journals. 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 Resources.
More Than Books and Databases
HCC Libraries provides access to computers, printing, photocopying, scanning, DVDs, streaming video, Chromebooks, laptops, 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 Accessibility Resources.
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 uses their “W” number and the same password as with database access.
Checking Out Materials
A student ID card is a library card. Library books and DVDs may be checked out for three weeks and automatically renewed up to four times.
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 four times. 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 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 Course Materials. 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 Returns and Refunds. 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 Textbook Saving Program.
For more information regarding HCC’s policies regarding textbooks, please see Board Policies EDA(LEGAL) and EDA(LOCAL) located at HCC Board Policy Manual in 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 related to student interests, honor societies, recreational and intramural sports, and 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 HCC Student Activities and Organizations.
Student Associations, Clubs, and Organizations
To search for available campus associations, clubs, or organizations, go to HCC Student Organizations.
United Student Council
The United Student Council is a district-wide student government organization that represents the greater HCC District. Unlike campus-specific Student Government Associations, the USC has advisory jurisdiction over matters of concern across 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 HCC Student Life. Through monthly general assemblies, the USC is authorized to provide a voice for the student body in the decision-making processes of the College on various subjects, including but not limited to the College’s food service provider. For more information, see Board Policy FLE(LOCAL) located at HCC Board Policy Manual in Section F.
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 Recreational Sports.
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 The Egalitarian.
