Library Policies

The circulation policies of the Lower Columbia College Library are designed to enhance the ease with which library users obtain and return materials, while at the same time protecting and conserving a major capital resource of the college. This policy recognizes the following categories of users:

Students: persons who are currently enrolled either full-time or part-time in a course or program of study offered by Community College District 13.

Faculty: persons who are employed either full-time or part-time by Community College District 13 as a faculty member.

Administration: persons who are employed either full-time or part-time as administrators by Community College District 13.

Staff: persons who are employed either full-time or part-time as classified, part-time hourly, or exempt staff by Community College District 13.

Community Users: residents of the Lower Columbia College District 13 community service area including Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, and Columbia counties.

Institutional Users: all libraries and institutions of higher education who request the use of Library Services materials via the standard, established interlibrary loan protocols of the American Library community.

Nothing in this set of policies should be considered to abrogate any agreements entered into by Library Services to provide services or resources to special user groups.

While use of the materials and resources of the Library is free to all categories of users, the borrowing of those materials and resources is a privilege reserved for those who respect the rights of other members of the academic community who use those same materials.

Students and faculty are not issued physical library cards. Instead, students and faculty must present their LCC ID cards to check out materials. LCC ID cards may be obtained in the Admissions Center Building (ADC), Room 151, next to Advising.

Community members wishing to sign up for a library card must present two pieces of currently dated identification with current address, one of which must be a photo ID.

Students and faculty currently associated with a Washington State Community and Technical College may obtain Community Cards through our Reciprocal Borrowing program.

When borrowing materials from the Library, patrons are expected to assume the following responsibilities:

• Return borrowed materials by their due date.
• Honor requests to return materials placed on hold by other patrons.
• Reimburse the Library after accruing a fine. Fines are charged for the following:
  1. service charges for late return of materials
  2. replacement costs for lost or damaged materials or equipment
  3. cataloging and “out-of-print” fees associated with lost or damages
  4. fees assessed by lending libraries for interlibrary loan services
  5. other fees or charges levied by an outside agency for services, materials, equipment, etc.

Borrowing privileges for student, faculty, administration, staff and institutional users may be suspended or revoked in the following circumstances:

• The patron owes the Library $5.00 or more in unpaid fines or other charges.
• Patrons have not met the financial obligations imposed by outside agencies (e.g., lending libraries for interlibrary loans transactions, online search services, etc.)

Community User Cards will be canceled and borrowing privileges suspended for at least six months under the following circumstances:

• Failure to return borrowed materials within one library week of written notification that the materials are needed by an on-campus user or are overdue.
• Failure to reimburse the Library for lost or damaged materials within one library week.

Exceptions to the aforementioned conditions are subject to special permission of library administration or faculty.

LCC Students and Staff:

Students and LCC employees may borrow/checkout materials for the following time periods:

• Books and paperbacks may be borrowed for 21 days.
• Materials from the “Reserve Collection” are for LCC student use only and are loaned for periods set by the course instructor. No more than two reserve items can be checked out at any one time. Many are Library Use Only.
• Reference materials, periodicals, indexes, and atlases are Library Use Only.
• Headphones are available for Library Use Only.
• DVDs may be borrowed for 3 days. If checked out within 2 hours of library closing time, they will be due the following morning one hour after opening (limit 2 items).
• DVDs are not renewable.
• Archival Materials: Library Use Only, except by special permission of library administration or faculty.
• Audio-Visual Equipment: Library Use Only, except by express written permission of a faculty member. Audio-Visual equipment loans to students and staff will also take into account that faculty and administration are considered to be first priority users.

LCC Faculty and Administration:

• Faculty and administration may borrow/check out materials for longer periods of time as required for instructional purposes.

Community Users:

• Community users may borrow up to 5 items and do not have renewal privileges.
• Books and paperbacks may be borrowed for 21 days.
• Other Library materials are not available for loan except by special permission from Library administration.

Institutional Users:

• Books and paperbacks may be borrowed for 21 days
• Other Library materials are not available for loan except by special permission of library administration.

• Students and LCC employees may renew materials once, either by phone (442-2660) or email (library@lowercolumbia.edu).
• Loans to off-campus institutional users are not renewable except by special permission of library administration or faculty.
• Reserve materials are not renewable.
• DVDs are not renewable.

• Library materials which generally circulate for 21 days may be recalled after two weeks at the request of another library user who has placed a hold on those materials.
• Any library materials being used by an off-campus user or charged to an institutional user are subject to recall at any time at the request of another library user who has placed a hold on those materials.

There is a grace period for library materials before any overdue fines are assessed.

Overdue fines accrue as follows:

Books & paperbacks:

• minimum fine of $0.50
• fine accrues at $0.10 per day
• maximum fine of $5.00 per item
• grace period: 4 days

DVDs:

• minimum fine of $1.00
• fine accrues at $1.00 per hour
• maximum fine of $10.00 per item
• grace period: 1 hour

Reserve materials which circulate for 24 hours or less:

• minimum fine of $0.50
• fine accrues at $0.25 per hour
• maximum fine of $5.00 per item
• grace period: 1 hour

Reserve materials which circulate for over 24 hours:

• minimum fine of $1.00
• fine accrues at $1.00 per day
• maximum fine of $5.00 per item
• grace period: 1 day for 3 and 7 day reserve items; 3 days for 14-90 day reserve items.

Users are charged replacement cost as well as a $7.50 processing fee (per item) for lost library materials.

For materials which are no longer in print:

• The user will be charged the original cost of the item plus a $5.00 out-of-print service fee, plus the above-mentioned cataloging charge.

The LCC Library does not currently offer Interlibrary Loan. If you are a student, staff, or faculty member, please reach out to the Library about how to access the resources you need: Email library@lowercolumbia.edu or call 360-442-2665.

The Library Leadership Council (LLC) encourages reciprocal borrowing among community and technical colleges as an alternative to interlibrary loan. The reciprocal borrowing agreement is designed to give students convenient access to a larger number of library resources at the lowest cost to taxpayers.

As part of this agreement, students and staff with valid Lower Columbia College ID cards may check out books and other materials in person from participating libraries. Likewise, borrowers from these institutions may check out resources from the LCC library by showing a valid school ID or a copy of their current class schedule to receive an LCC Community Card.

The Library contributes to the college’s mission and strategies through instruction, collections, facilities, high quality information resources and services. The Library provides leadership and support for the curricular and intellectual information needs of the college community.

Collection development is the means by which the Library provides high quality information resources of print and non-print materials and provides access to electronic resources that will meet instructional requirements. Through collection development, we also strive to meet the cultural and recreational needs of the college community. Collection development is an ongoing process, undertaken by librarians and library staff, with input from faculty, administrators, staff, and students.

This policy is intended to guide the building and enrichment of the collection in accordance with the mission of Lower Columbia College and the Library by stating the guidelines and principles with which the process of selecting, maintaining, weeding, and preserving of print, electronic, and media library materials will proceed. To accommodate change, the policy will be reviewed and revised periodically.

This policy will:

• Ensure the Library develops a collection that is intellectually balanced and is responsive to the needs and use patterns of students, faculty, staff, and the curriculum.
• Provide objective criteria for selection and development.
• Help clarify our collection’s scope and philosophy to its users.
• Help ensure that available resources are directed with an eye to those policies, practices and procedures that best enable the library to support the college mission.
• Ensure that the Library supports the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association and other principles and ideals of intellectual freedom.

Adherence to intellectual freedom is a fundamental tenet of the Library in carrying out its educational mission in a democratic society. The Library firmly endorses the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions’ (IFLA) Statement on Libraries and Intellectual Freedom. As IFLA states and the Library affirms,

“Commitment to intellectual freedom is a core responsibility for the library and the information professional.”

First priority in collection development is given to providing access, either in-house or remotely, to information sources meeting the instructional and work needs of the library's primary users. This group consists of Lower Columbia College students, faculty, administrators, and staff.

Secondary users, including the general public as well as students from other schools, are welcome to use the library and access its collection. However the Library does not purchase materials specifically for them.

The Library is committed to cooperative efforts with local public libraries in order to maximize access to materials for our mutual borrowers and to reduce unnecessary duplication of materials, thereby reducing costs for everyone.

Current cooperative efforts include:

Interlibrary Loan:

• Lower Columbia College has endorsed the Washington State Interlibrary Loan Code and provides full interlibrary loan service for all registered students, staff, and faculty.

Lower Columbia College is also partnered with Longview Public Library and Kelso Public Library.

The Library's collection consists primarily of materials carefully selected to support the diversity of the college curriculum and student body. The collection represents the depth, breadth, varying perspectives and historical and current treatments of subjects taught in, and of interest to, a two-year college community. Additional materials are collected to stimulate intellectual curiosity; to provide cultural, educational, vocational, and recreational enrichment; and to satisfy needs for information of local interest. The collection should provide students the resources they need for papers, speeches, and projects assigned in their courses.

The Library strives to meet or exceed accreditation standards in regard to library collections as set forth by the Association of College and Research Libraries in Standards for Libraries in Higher Education .

While interlibrary loan and other cooperative agreements may provide some materials needed by the college community, the Library must receive adequate support from the institution to ensure that it will be the primary resource for the majority of the college's information needs. Materials for which there are legitimate recurring needs should be purchased by the library.

In developing and maintaining the library's collections, faculty librarians will be mindful of the great diversity of the college's constituency. Librarians will attempt to meet the information needs of a wide variety of users, considering diversities such as ethnic/racial/national origins, religious traditions, economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, family configurations, ages, political persuasions, disabilities, and learning styles.

The Library collection is organized so as to permit the most efficient access. Special collections within the Library will be kept to a minimum and will be established only after a distinct need has been identified. Special collections shall not be created through labeling; the library supports the 2009 revision of the Statement on Labeling and Rating Systems by the ALA. Decisions regarding special collections shall be made by the Dean for Instructional Programs and faculty librarians. Special collections currently include Reference, Reserve, Paperback, Audiovisual, and Archive. Special collections housed in areas of the college outside of the library will be discouraged so as to maximize college resources and the availability of materials to all students. Such collections must be approved by the Vice President for Student Services in consultation with the department involved and the Dean for Instructional Programs.

Circulation policies, procedures and security systems provide for both reasonable use of materials by individuals and the availability of those materials to other members of the college community who might wish to use them. Extended circulation periods to individual borrowers that may effectively result in loss of ownership of these materials, as well as overly restrictive circulation periods that unnecessarily deprive borrowers of access to materials, are avoided.

Materials needed for specific courses can be placed – on a quarter-to-quarter basis – in the Reserve Collection that offers limited circulation. As a general rule, reference books will not be placed on reserve.

If material is purchased with library funds, it must remain library property and under library control. If material is loaned on a long-term basis, it must be available for immediate recall.

Responsibility for Selection

The collection development process is best achieved through a cooperative effort of faculty and librarians. As curriculum is the most important influence on the development of the collection, it is imperative that library staff actively obtain recommendations, suggestions and advice about material selection and weeding from faculty members and administrators who are recognized as experts in their respective disciplines. Instructors have the responsibility of recommending purchases consistent with their curricular offerings, and for considering and arranging for collection support when the college institutes new programs. Faculty also have the responsibility of recommending deselection/weeding of materials that may contain out-dated or inaccurate information and should be removed or replaced. Recommendations are always welcome from students, staff, and community members.

Faculty librarians remain current with curricular changes by regularly attending department meetings, consulting with other faculty members, and reviewing all course changes and proposals These duties are fulfilled in accordance with the objectives and criteria defined in this policy. Selection and collection development are the ultimate responsibilities of the Dean for Instructional Programs, who has final authority, and who authorizes the library staff to carry out these obligations.

Selection and Collection Development Priorities

In establishing priorities for collection development, first consideration is given to instructional materials which directly supporting course and program goals. Attention is paid to the connections between and interdependence of disciplines, and discrete areas of study within disciplines.

Initiating collections in response to new curriculum depletes resources available for existing instructional collections and programs. Such impacts should be carefully considered when developing new programs.

Collection development takes into account instructional techniques, course goals and publishing patterns in disciplines and occupational programs. Depth and breadth of collections are in part driven by student/faculty participation in resource-based teaching and learning.

Mindful of Lower Columbia College’s mission to provide a holistic education, as evidenced by its related areas of instruction (Communication, Computational, Human Relations, and Problem solving), the Library also purchases materials beyond the academic curriculum that relate to academic success, vocational guidance, basic skills, and college transfer. Materials not related to the curriculum, and focusing on personal, consumer, and/or recreational interests, are minimally collected. More comprehensive collections in these areas are available at local public libraries.

While relevancy to the College’s mission is the most important criterion in the development of the library collection, practical considerations such as budget and space constraints do impact decision making.

General Selection Criteria

Selection is made on the basis of reviews; recommendations of faculty, students, and staff; current and retrospective bibliographies and lists of notable books; and other sources such as publishers' catalogs. Final selection decisions are made by the Dean for Instructional Programs and faculty librarians. Funds are not strictly allocated among the various academic divisions, although equity among programs is sought while giving consideration to the fact that costs of materials across disciplines are not equal.

Collection deficiencies receive priority in selection and are determined by considerations of unmet needs, collection use, course offerings, and collection balance.

In order to provide for students' diverse reading levels, print materials with a range of readability levels are sought.

The following criteria will be used for materials selection, as applicable:

1. Relevance to and consistency with the general educational goals of the College and the objectives of specific courses.
2. Relevance to the instructional and work-related needs of the library’s primary users.
3. Anticipated demand for the material.
4. High standards of quality in content, accuracy, validity, and presentation of information.
5. The most appropriate physical format will be selected, considering both the intended use and the cost.
6. Strengths and weaknesses of the existing library collection in the subject area.
7. Accessibility and comprehensibility of the information for the user.
8. Evaluations of the material from standard or knowledgeable reviewing sources.
9. Whether the source is full-text, abstracted, or bibliographic.
10. Timeliness or permanence of the material, including the frequency of updates for serials.
11. Author, publisher, or producer reputation.
12. The selection of materials on controversial issues will be directed toward maintaining a balanced collection that represents various views. The entire range of human cultural practice and social expression is welcome in our collections. Materials representing alternative points of view not embodied in mainstream literature will be sought.

Multiple Copies

The library does not normally purchase multiple copies of a circulating title. Exceptions may be made when a work is assigned every quarter, has high demand, or is a "classic" likely to get heavy use. Whenever possible, added copies are purchased in softback editions.

Criteria for Specific Formats

Periodicals

Journals, magazines and newspapers are purchased or accepted as gifts for one or more of the following reasons in order of priority:

• To keep the library's collections up-to-date with current information regarding the various subjects studied through Lower Columbia College's instructional programs.
• To provide material not available in books and other media.
• To keep faculty and administration aware of recent developments in their fields.
• General reading.

Due to the expense of serials, and the commitment the college extends when adding a new subscription, special attention will be given to optimal placement when selecting and housing periodicals.

In addition to the general criteria for selection of all materials, individual periodical titles are chosen and retained according to the following criteria:

• availability
• space requirements
• ease of accessibility by students, e.g. indexing
• availability of equipment to read or view, and to print
• durability
• cost
• availability of full text in existing periodical databases
• indexed in services which the library subscribes

Newspapers are purchased to give local, regional, and national news coverage.

Periodical Back-files

Retention of periodical back-files is considered on a title-by-title basis and will depend on use, potential reference value, and availability of storage space. When space is not a major issue, retention in paper format is preferred for its ease of use by students.

DVDs / Videotapes

In addition to the standards set forth in "General Selection Criteria," the following will be applied:

• The material is such that it can be best presented only in the DVD or VHS format.
•  It is issued in a format (i.e. 1/2" VHS tape or DVD) for which playback equipment is readily available at Lower Columbia College.
• It is available with closed caption accessibility features.

Criteria for Purchase of non-closed captioned DVDs/VHS

In the event that the requested DVD/VHS is not available with a closed caption feature, the following criteria will be applied before addition to the collection:

1. Suitable alternative closed captioned materials will be researched and recommended if available.
2. If no alternative is available, the DVD/VHS tape may be added to the collection with a note for users to consult the Disabilities Services Office for alternative solutions when closed captioning is required.

CD Recordings

CD recordings are added to the collection when their formats offer distinct advantages over print format, e.g. poetry read aloud by the poet; an interview with an author; foreign language instruction; music instruction, and notable speeches. The Library does not, as a rule, purchase "talking book" versions of novels for listening rather than reading.

Electronic Resources

Electronic resources are increasingly available as a means of providing wide access to materials beyond the library’s physical location. Electronic formats include networked databases, electronic journals, eBooks, and Internet resources.

Examples include:

• Periodical Database: ProQuest
• Online Database: Cengage/Gale
• Website: Columbia Guide to Online Style
• EBooks: NetLibrary

General Selection Criteria for Electronic Resources

The Library collects electronic resources according to the General Selection Criteria (p. 5 & 6). In addition the following criteria specific to electronic formats are applied:

1. Accessibility by both on-campus and off-campus users.
2. Public service support requirements, such as the need for staff and user training.
3. Technical support by the producer of the database including user guides, manuals, and training.
4. Searching considerations, including search response time, standard search features, downloading/printing features, and overall user friendliness in accessing the data base.
5. Provides information not available in print or other formats.
6. Enhances and complements the existing collection of print and other materials.
7. Provides wide accessibility under copyright law or the licensing agreement.
8. Can be permanently retained.
9. Compatibility with existing library automation systems.
10. Current and projected database requirements (computer memory, disk storage, etc.).

Criteria for Specific Electronic Formats

In addition to the general criteria above, electronic resources are purchased or posted on the library’s web page in accordance with criteria specific to each format.

Computer Software

• most appropriate format for topic
• presents an effective method of instruction
• necessary to enable use of other electronic resources
• IBM compatible, but other formats will be considered

Databases

• coverage and scope of database
• availability of full-text documents
• user-friendliness of interface and search capabilities
• availability and ease of downloading and printing information
• accessibility from locations outside the library and off-campus

Electronic Journals

Library Services provides access to various electronic journals via the Internet. If the journal requires a paid subscription, it is chosen using the following additional criteria:

• wider access at a reasonable price compared to the print version
• availability of full-text current and back issues
• ease of downloading and printing
• length of retention period
• favorable reviews

Internet Resources

Library Services offers unrestricted access to the Internet. In addition, the Library provides links to selected Internet resources, and purchases rights to them if necessary, based on the following criteria:

• authority of the source
• provision of value-added aspect or service
• currency
• technical ease of use
• perceived stability of information

Licensing of Electronic Resources

The Library complies with licensing agreements, and negotiates with vendors when necessary for broader access and other benefits. The Dean of Instructional Programs has responsibility for examining contracts and negotiating with vendors. The library will advise its users to comply with licensing agreements.

Information in any format will always be considered for acquisition and will be judged by criteria such as relevance to curriculum or collection goals, cost, quality, and availability of equipment to access it.

Reference Collection

In addition to the standards set forth in "General Selection Criteria," books are selected for the reference collection with the intent of providing a comprehensive store of information on as wide a range of subjects as possible, including topics not represented in the general collection. Classification of material within the reference collection is the responsibility of the faculty librarian.

Books are classified in the Reference Collection for the following reasons:

1. Their organization and format are such that they are especially valuable as sources of ready information.
2. The demand for them is so great that they must be available in the library at all times.
3. . They are so rare, expensive, or vulnerable to damage that they should not be circulated.

Reserve Collection

Library or faculty-owned materials may be placed in the limited circulation Reserve Collection for a specific course or quarter at faculty request, provided that copyright regulations are adhered to. Other materials may be placed in the Reserve Collection due to very high monetary value, high use, or risk of theft or mutilation. Because they do not circulate, reference materials are not normally placed on reserve.

Paperback Collection

The library's Paperback Collection consists of mass-market paperbacks purchased by ASLCC. This collection is intended to meet the recreational reading needs of LCC students. These books are given minimal processing and cataloging and are included in the online catalog.

The paperback collection is less permanent than the main cataloged collection, and books may be added or withdrawn frequently as their popularity and durability are assessed.

Required Textbooks

Textbooks are not usually purchased for the library collection, but those selected are judged by the existing criteria for all materials. They are purchased when they are the most suitable format for supplementary reading or practice, or for reference or research. Gifts of recent texts are accepted and added to the collection if deemed potentially useful to students. The first preference will always be to purchase materials that complement required texts.

Materials Used in Classes

The Library does not normally purchase lab manuals and textbooks students are expected to purchase, or reference material necessary for classroom instruction. Nor does it collect books with formats unsuitable for multiple use – such as those with perforated tear-out pages or workbooks designed to be written in – except for test guides and certain materials intended for second-language learners.

Gifts

Gifts of books and other materials are accepted under the following conditions:

1. All gift materials received by the Lower Columbia College Library become the property of Lower Columbia College. No materials received as gifts are returned to donors. Donors of gifts are identified with bookplates.
2. No special collections will be established except in accordance with the established collection development policy.
3. Gift materials shall be selected for addition to the collection according to the standards set forth above under “General Selection Criteria.”
4. The Library has the right to dispose of any gift materials which are not selected for addition to the library collection. Such disposition shall be in accordance with Washington State Law, and may include transfer to other libraries, sale, or discard. The Dean for Instructional Programs or his/her designee shall make the final determination as to the acceptance of all gift materials.

Systematic and regular withdrawal of materials from the collection benefits the Library by ensuring that the collection accurately reflects the current needs of the college community. Selection and de-selection (weeding) are two aspects of the same continuous process of collection development and maintenance. Faculty librarians evaluate the collection periodically for library materials that have become obsolete, are physically unusable, or have low circulation. As part of their review, they consult faculty with expertise in the relevant disciplines for advice concerning withdrawal of the material.

 

Books and materials selected for removal must meet at least one of the following conditions before being discarded:

1. The material contains outdated or inaccurate information.
2. The material has been infrequently used for an extended period of time.
3. There is other material in the collection that fulfills the same need more adequately.
4. The physical condition of the material is such that it cannot be utilized, and repair would be impractical.
5. The age of the material is such that it is not useful for either current or historical purposes, or is no longer within the scope of the current collection development policy.
6. Duplicate copies of the title exist, and use does not mandate retaining more than one copy.
7. The material supported a course/curriculum no longer offered at the college and does not meet the needs of any other course/curriculum.

In examining the collection, faculty librarians periodically reconsider each item to determine whether or not it deserves a place on the shelf. The following categories apply:

1. Retain.
2. Withdraw: subject matter out-of-date; no longer consistent with curriculum.
3. Withdraw and Replace: poor physical condition but the material is still useful; old edition to be replaced with new edition.

Withdrawn library materials are discarded. The Dean for Instructional Programs or her/his designee shall be the sole judge of the final disposition of discarded materials, in full compliance with Washington State law.

Reclassification/Weeding or Deselection of Reference Materials

Books are removed from the Reference Collection for the following reasons:

1. They have been superseded by newer, more up-to-date editions. When the library acquires a new edition of a previously-held title, the older editions are evaluated on an individual basis and retained; reclassified from reference to circulating; or withdrawn, as appropriate
2. Their value as ready-reference sources has decreased to the point where they are no longer in constant demand, or they are no longer contributing to the overall comprehensive nature of the reference collection. Books which have been removed from reference but which still retain informational value may be reclassified for transfer to the general circulating collection.

Since free access to information is essential not only to education but to our democracy, the library upholds the principles of the American Library Association's Freedom to Read Statement and makes every effort to provide materials representing all points of view, including those which are unpopular or unorthodox. To quote directly from the Library Bill of Rights,

"Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment."

This responsibility also entails establishing formal procedures for persons or groups wishing to request reconsideration of any material in the library collection.

Should a library user encounter material he or she feels is objectionable, the user has the right to complete a “Statement of Concern Regarding Library Resources” form [Appendix C]. The form may be obtained at the reference desk or from the office of the Dean for Instructional Programs, and the completed form must be submitted to the Dean for Instructional Programs.

No material will be withdrawn, removed, or undergo a change in location or status until the entire review process is completed.

The patron's request will be received by the Dean for Instructional Programs, who will review the request with the faculty librarians and prepare a written response that includes an explanation for the decision to retain, withdraw, or relocate the material in question. The explanation may include how the material relates to the educational goals of the college and the Library, criteria used for selection of this and similar items, published reviews, and/or patron requests for and use of the material. Copies of the response will be submitted to the Vice President for Instructional Programs.

Within three weeks of the postmark of the response from the Library, the complainant may forward a written appeal to the Dean for Instructional Programs. The Dean will, within two weeks of receipt of the appeal, establish and call the first meeting of an ad hoc Review Committee, whose members will be:

• Two tenured faculty selected by the President of Lower Columbia College Federation of Teachers (with at least one from the subject area of the material in question);
• One department chair selected by the Vice President of Instruction;
• One library faculty member (selected by the Dean for Instructional Programs) who is responsible for materials selection in the subject area of the material in question;
• One student (selected by Student Government);
• One librarian from the community (selected by the Dean for Instructional Programs); and
• The Dean for Instructional Programs.

The chair will be selected by the Committee.

The Committee will review the written request and the response, and will read, listen to, and/or view the material in question in its entirety. The library faculty member will provide information to the Committee, which may include:

• Collection objectives that are met by the material;
• Reviews from professionally recognized sources;
• Statements by instructors whose students use or may use the material; and
• Any other information that could assist in defining the purpose or value of the material.

The Review Committee may rely on any resources of the college in arriving at a decision, taking into consideration the intellectual freedom documents of the American Library Association and Washington Library Association found in the appendices of this policy. The Committee may interview any other individuals, including the complainant, as well as seek counsel and advice from the Office of the Attorney General.

Within 45 days of receipt of written appeal, the Committee will reach its decision with four or more concurring votes of the seven Committee members, and will forward the written decision and all documentation to the Dean for Instructional Programs for action. The committee chair will notify the complainant in writing of the decision of the Committee and ensure the appropriate action has been complied with. Copies will be forwarded to the Vice President of Instruction of Lower Columbia College.

Within two weeks of notification of the Committee's decision, the complainant or a dissenting member of the Committee may forward a written appeal to the President of Lower Columbia College. Appeal decisions will be based on the material included in the file.

Material that has undergone a review may not be re-challenged for one calendar year from the date the Review Committee's recommendation is sent to the Dean for Instructional Programs.

Nothing contained in this policy shall conflict with the laws of the State of Washington or with any policy established by Lower Columbia College or the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

Since Lower Columbia College is a dynamic institution, the Library's Collection Development and Materials Selection Policy must be responsive to change. Therefore, this policy will be reviewed periodically by the faculty librarians and the Collection Development Committee and revised accordingly.

Lower Columbia College Mission, Vision and Values

OUR MISSION: The mission of Lower Columbia College is to ensure each learner’s personal and professional success, and influence lives in ways that are local, global, traditional, and innovative

OUR VISION: Our vision is to be a powerful force for improving the quality of life in our community.

OUR VALUES: Our campus community expects an environment of integrity, respect, collaboration, cooperation, inclusion, and innovation that fosters personal growth, academic excellence, and accountability.

OUR EXPECTED COLLEGE OUTCOMES:

• ACCESS: We invite the community to participate in the full array of programs, services, and activities at Lower Columbia College.
• TRANSFER: We offer courses and support for students to meet the requirements for transfer from Lower Columbia College and to pursue successfully upper division college and university programs.
• PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL: We provide opportunities for students to receive quality professional/technical training for employment, skills enhancement, and career development.
• BASIC SKILLS/COLLEGE AND CAREER PREPARATION: We ensure that all learners who are under prepared for college level studies have the opportunity to receive basic skills instruction for literacy development, diploma completion, English Language Learning, citizenship, and preparation for higher education.
• CUSTOMIZED EDUCATION: We are an enthusiastic partner with business and community groups to create customized programs and services.
• COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT: We enrich the community through diverse cultural, artistic, athletic, social activities and programs for personal enrichment.
• INSTITUTIONAL EXCELLENCE: We are committed to institutional integrity, responsible stewardship, and excellence in meeting the educational, cultural, and service needs of the community.

Approved by the Board of Trustees: February 20, 2013

Lower Columbia College Library Mission Statement

The mission of Lower Columbia College Library and Learning Commons is to provide the instructional support, resources, and environment that students need to become accomplished, independent learners.

Vision

• Our vision is to be an empowering information hub where users have access to cutting edge academic support services in a single location.
• The Library will fulfill this mission by meeting the following outcomes:
• Employing professionally-qualified faculty librarians and library paraprofessionals who are active educators.
• Providing maximum access to information resources and services that support and augment the classroom experience and that foster academic excellence through the freedom of inquiry.
• Encouraging and facilitating intellectual independence and lifelong learning through instructional programs and services that emphasize information literacy and complement classroom instruction.
• Providing distinctive programs and services designed to meet the intellectual and cultural needs of an information-based society.
• Providing an atmosphere and environment that supports the use of information in learning and study.
• Utilizing available and emerging technologies that support and enhance instruction and information retrieval.

To carry out its mission, the Library has set the following goals:

1. To support information needs of the College by selecting, acquiring, organizing, producing, preserving and circulating a collection of materials in a variety of formats, as well as equipment necessary for their use.
2. To interpret the collection to all users, to assist them in the utilization of the library as well as the electronically available databases, to provide referral to additional information sources and to supply individualized assistance in using instructional materials.
3. To provide comprehensive information literacy instruction that is integrated with the curriculum, enabling all users to locate, evaluate, organize, and utilize information.
4. To improve services through regular evaluation of the collection, programs, and facilities in light of applicable standards.
5. To provide comfortable, barrier-free facilities that afford maximum access to resources, and to encourage their use in an atmosphere conducive to academic study.
6. To support the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association and other principles and ideals of intellectual freedom.
7. To encourage excellence and innovation in library staff through personal and professional growth opportunities.
8. To develop and maintain a multi-media services program that enhances the instructional effectiveness of the faculty through the use of materials and technology.
9. To assist in the development of local and inter-institutional information networks.
10. To develop library services that are consistent with College program objectives by maintaining close and purposeful working relationships with all constituencies.
11. To stimulate intellectual activity and cultural awareness through programming, outreach, and displays.
12. To share resources, services, and ideas with all areas of the College, as well as with professional, public, and private organizations and institutions in the community.
13. To provide leadership in the use and services of multi-media services.
14. To enhance the quality and reputation of the College through library teaching, resources, services, and community relations.
15. To maintain effective administrative planning and operation, in accordance with established principles of library management and with College policy.

The library values your opinion. If you would like us to reconsider the presence in our collection of any library material, please complete this form, indicating as clearly as possible the nature of your concern. If your concerns relate to a library program or other library services, please indicate in the appropriate space. A librarian will contact you in the near future to discuss your request.

Your Name _________________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________

City ________________________________________ State________ Zip________________

Phone __________________________ (work) ________________________________ (home)

I. LIBRARY MATERIALS OR SERVICES OF CONCERN

Book___ Textbook___ Video___ Magazine___ Newspaper___ Pamphlet ___ Play___ Student Publication _____

Artwork ____ Audiovisual Material___ Library Program ___ Collection ___ Exhibit ___ Performance ___ Speech ___

Online Resources ___ Other __

A. TITLE ____________________________________________________________________________________

B. AUTHOR OR PRODUCER ____________________________________________________________________

C. WHAT BROUGHT THIS TITLE TO YOUR ATTENTION? ___________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

D. HAS THE COMPLAINANT READ, VIEWED, ETC., THE MATERIAL IN ITS ENTIRETY? TO WHAT DOES THE COMPLAINANT SPECIFICALLY OBJECT? WHAT SPECIFICALLY DOES THE COMPLAINANT THINK IS THE PROBLEM, OR WHERE DOES THE HARM IN THE MATERIAL COME FROM? (USE OTHER SIDE OF THIS FORM IF NECESSARY.) _____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

E. WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU SUGGEST WE SUBSTITUTE FOR THESE THAT WILL PROVIDE THE SAME LEVEL OF INFORMATION ON THIS SUBJECT? ____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

F. IF YOUR CONCERNS ARE FOR OTHER THAN LIBRARY MATERIALS PLEASE STATE THEM BELOW. (USE OTHER SIDE OF THIS FORM IF NECESSARY.) ____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

SIGNATURE___________________________________ DATE___________

The Library & Learning Commons is committed to maintaining a welcoming, safe, and harassment-free environment.

Patrons of the Library & Learning Commons are expected to comply with the LCC Code of Student Conduct and the LCC Code of Ethics. Behavior which violates college codes or policies may result in the patron being asked to leave.

Please silence cell phones and take calls outside.

Children are allowed in the Learning Commons as long as they are supervised and are not disruptive to others. Children may not use LCC computers.

The Learning Commons supports collaborative activities. For a quieter environment, please use the second floor of the Learning Commons or ask a staff member for help booking a study room.

At the Library the public use computer is provided for use through federal and state funds.

Due to this, illegal activities will not be permitted such as making multiple copies of materials covered by copyright and/or the viewing, distributing, or downloading of child pornography.

• Academic computer use takes priority over recreational use.
• Do not use Lower Columbia College computers to view or download pornography.
• Please be considerate of those around you. Computer use must support a welcoming, comfortable, safe and harassment-free environment.
• Do not install software, re-configure computers, or move equipment.
• Computer use provided through federal and state funds.

The Library Classroom (LIB 211) is dedicated for information literacy instruction presented by faculty librarians, as well as training sessions, workshops, or other seminars presented by Library & Learning Commons staff. The room may also be reserved by other faculty on an ad hoc basis, pending library need/priority. Contact the Library at library.circulation@lowercolumbia.edu or (360) 442-2660 to reserve this room. When the classroom is not in use for library instruction or other scheduled classes, the room will be open for student use. A notice showing the day, date, and time that the room has been scheduled will be posted by the classroom door.

The Active Learning Classroom (LIB 205) is for instructors seeking to integrate regular use of collaborative technology into their course curriculum. The room may be requested for one-time or quarter-long use through 25Live. The Active Learning Classroom may also be used by Library & Learning Commons faculty and staff for information literacy instruction, training sessions, workshops, or other seminars. When the classroom is not in use for scheduled classes or library instruction, the room will be open for student use. A notice showing the day, date, and time that the room has been scheduled will be posted by the classroom door.