• Library Policies


  • In support of the stated goals and objectives of Mt. Hood Community College Library we've developed a series of library policies surrounding the services we offer. These policies provide guidelines for our clientele when using the library.

    Activity or Library Card

    A valid MHCC College ID "Activity Card" is required to borrow MHCC College library materials including course reserves that are restricted to library use only.

    All current (registered) MHCC College students, faculty and staff may obtain a college ID card at the MHCC Library.

    Residents of community college service district who are over age 16 may apply for a MHCC Library card with valid picture identification, proof of current residence and age.

    Cardholders are responsible for the prompt return and the physical condition of any items checked out on their card.

    Lost or stolen cards must be reported.

    Usage

    • The MHCC Activity card is a library card, giving staff and students' access to the multitude of services available within the Library.
    • The MHCC Activity card is a means of identification and proof of program affiliation within the College's Allied Health Programs.
    • The MHCC Activity card provides on-campus security clearance for contractors.
    • The MHCC Activity card identifies members of the Board, ICS team and University Affiliations.
    • The MHCC Activity card allows access to the pool, theatres, dental facility, planetarium, computer labs, and Cosmetology.
    • The MHCC Activity card will provide staff and students access to associated functions.

    Card Issue Guidelines

    An individual receiving an MHCC Activity Card must be a currently enrolled student, an employee of MHCC or an affiliate of the College.

    Individuals who cannot have pictures taken for religious reasons may receive an MHCC Activity Card with a blank silhouette. These individuals must present two forms of identification when presenting the MHCC Activity Card.

    Validation stickers are issued throughout the term to currently enrolled students.

    The Library accepts the following documents to assure identity:

    One picture ID:

    • Government-issued driver's license or ID card
    • permanent resident card
    • federal/state/local governmental ID
    • US military card
    • consular card
    • passport from any nation
    • high school ID card.

    If none of the above, two of the following:

    • birth certificate
    • tribal document
    • voter registration
    • lease with name and address
    • credit or debit card
    • utility or other bill with name and address
    • club or organization ID
    • social security card

    For additional information please contact the MHCC Library 503-491-7161 or email megan.dugan@mhcc.edu.

    ADA Compliance

    MHCC library strives to accommodate users with disabilities in a variety of ways. The Library actively includes consideration of ADA concerns in policy and decision making.

    Adaptive computer equipment is available in the library, on the south wall, near the computer lab.

    The library purchases media with closed captions or subtitles when they are available. The library encourages faculty to be aware of the need for closed captioning when they request the purchase of new material.

    Please also read Disability Services.

    Borrowing Guidelines
    Children In The Library

    Juveniles under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, unless the juvenile is attending approved activities or enrolled in classes which have been properly scheduled or has been invited to attend by the College. (AR-4100-A-1.E)

    Library staff will call Public Safety if any child is left unattended. Patrons of any age who are disruptive will be asked to leave the library.

    Collection Development Policy

    Library collection

    The MHCC Library collection has over 60,000 items in its circulating, reference, media, READ, and periodical collections. The library subscribes to over 100 online database resources which provide access to articles, eBooks, and eVideos.

    The library's collection is developed primarily to support the academic, professional, and technical programs with relevant, up-to-date resources. Library collection development is responsive to the academic and extracurricular needs of the students, faculty, and administrative and staff members who form the core of the MHCC community. However, the library cannot provide copies of all assigned course texts; faculty members are encouraged to place copies of course texts on reserve in the library.

    All librarians, teaching faculty, college administrators, supervisors, staff, and students are encouraged to submit recommendations for both print and non-print materials which fall within their areas of expertise and which conform to the Library's collection policies. Each librarian is assigned to select materials in specific subject areas.

    Further questions about the criteria used for adding materials to the library's collection can be addressed to the Collection Development Librarian.

    Discarding materials (weeding)

    Weeding is the removal of outdated, superseded, damaged, or duplicated material from the collection. Materials that no longer meet the stated goals of the library will be withdrawn. The relevant subject librarian makes the final decision to remove an item from the library's collection.

    Consortia

    MHCC belongs to a library consortium which allows us to access the collections of other libraries. Orbis Cascade Alliance ( http://www.orbiscascade.org) is a consortium of most of the academic libraries in Oregon, Idaho and Washington. Membership gives us access to over 9 million volumes. Borrowing from these libraries is done by placing a request on the "MHCC + Other Libraries" section of our catalog.

    Electronic Resources Policy

    Acceptable Guidelines for MHCC Library's Electronic Resources

    Electronic resources available through the library at Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) are licensed by the Library for use by current MHCC students, employees, and walk-in visitors to the Library.

    Resource types include but are not limited to electronic databases, e-journals, e-books, image files, and practice test sites.

    In general, authorized users may access licensed electronic resources for educational, non-commercial purposes only. Failure to comply with the terms of these licenses can result in an immediate loss of access to a resource for the entire College community. Disciplinary action for individuals failing to comply with the terms of these licenses will follow the MHCC Student Code of Conduct process.

    The library's electronic resources license agreements generally prohibit the following uses:

    • Downloading entire issues of electronic journals, large portions of electronic books, or attempting to create large databases from electronic resources content.
    • Systematic downloading of content, either manually, or with specialized software such as robots, scripts, or other software programs.
    • Using licensed resources for commercial purposes.
    • Sharing an access password with unauthorized users including but not limited to family, friends, or co-workers.
    • Redistributing copyrighted licensed content to non-authorized users including but not limited to posting content on a publicly accessible web site.
    • Engaging in actions intended to circumvent access control measures of the Library or Electronic Resource provider to licensed content.

    When using any library electronic resources, all users must comply with MHCC's Student Code of Conduct, MHCC Board Regulation AR-2060-B, and U.S. Copyright Law (including the protections of fair use and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998). Many electronic resources have more detailed terms and conditions regarding acceptable usage. Please Ask a Librarian for specific information related to acceptable use.

    Equipment Use Agreement

    MHCC equipment is used for MHCC business only. Fax machines, copiers, scanners or computers cannot be used for the benefit of another's personal gain or for the benefit of another institution.

    The use of any technological resource of MHCCD implies acceptance of all current operational guidelines. Library users are expected to act in accord with the following guidelines based on common sense, decency, and civility applied to the networked computing environment. Unauthorized, inappropriate, or illegal use may result in sanctions upon the user depending on their user status and appropriate MHCCD Board policy and regulation.

    Library users are prohibited from violating copyright law, theft, file theft, violating other's privacy, deliberately crashing Library or other's workstations or computer systems, modifying files without authorization, altering data, introducing viruses/malware, damaging files, interfering with the work of other users, maliciously disrupting network services, harassing or intimidating others, concealing or misrepresenting their name or intimidating others, concealing or misrepresenting their name or affiliation to mask irresponsible or offensive behavior, sending abusive or patently offensive or unwanted material to others, penetration or harm to operating system, reselling bandwidth, or any other illegal acts promulgated from or targeting the Library's computers or MHCCD computer systems.

    These prohibited activities include devices and systems on the Library's network, internet site or other non-specified computer or network resources managed by the Library or the College.

    If abuse of computer systems occurs, those responsible for such abuse will be held legally accountable and subject to appropriate college, State or Federal regulations. By use of the Library's systems the user agrees that neither the Library nor the Mt. Hood Community College District can assume liability for any loss or damage to the user's data and hardware or for any other liability for damage or injury arising from the Library's provision of the service or consequence arising there from.

    Gifts

    The library accepts gifts and donations through the auspices and according to the established policies of the MHCC Foundation/Office for College Advancement. An In-Kind Donation Form may be filled out by the donor and library employee at the donor's request. The library then sends the form to the MHCC Foundation for further processing. Appraisals will not be provided.

    Donations must be of such a nature and kind that they can be integrated into the collection without special handling, special controls, added facilities or staff. Donated materials become library property whereupon the library is not obligated to retain or to return these materials to the donor. Donations may either be added to, or discarded from the collection at the sole discretion of the relevant subject librarian. Donations will be evaluated according to the same selection criteria as purchased materials: value added to the collection weighed against processing and any additional costs. All materials and/or equipment must adhere to the criteria that the item is course or campus related, and must be a part of the permanent collection. Newspapers and periodicals will not be accepted as donations and will not be added to the collection. The MHCC Library retains the right to determine lending/borrowing restrictions regarding all holdings.

    Interlibrary Loan Requests

    MHCC adheres to the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Code of Oregon Libraries.

    ILL is a means of requesting material not owned by MHCC library for our students, staff, and faculty from libraries around the country and the world. Loan requests primarily include books and articles. Reference materials, non-print materials, newspapers and complete issues of journals are generally not ILL materials.

    When requesting items, please verify that the item is not available locally before you place an ILL request. For articles, look for the journal title in the Library's print and electronic collections. For books and videos, look for your item in the library catalog.

    For further information you may email the Reference Desk at reference@mhcc.edu, call 503-491-6171, or refer to the Interlibrary Loan Page.

    Internet Policy

    In keeping with MHCC's mission of preparing students for employment and advanced academic work, the Library provides members of the MHCC community with electronic access to a variety of resources such as the Library's catalog, full text and indexed databases, and the Internet.

    The Library recognizes that the internet is a global, unregulated medium. Information on internet sites may not be current, accurate or complete. There are also sites where content may be controversial or objectionable to some users. Sites may appear and disappear without notice. Because MHCC Library has no control over the internet and does not select or monitor the information available or accessed, the Library cannot be responsible for Internet content or the manner in which that content is used.

    To protect your privacy and documents, please log off the computer when you are finished, and exercise caution when transmitting personal or sensitive information over the Internet.

    Please also read Equipment Use Agreement and the MHCC Internet Privacy Policy.

    Laptop Computer Policy

    Laptops may be borrowed from the MHCC Library check out desk. Laptops are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Checkout is limited to one laptop per person for a 2 hour period for use within the library only. Units must be returned to the check out desk staff.

    To check out you will need an MHCC Activity or Library Card.

    Laptop Usage

    Laptop computers may be used anywhere in the MHCC Library, however, laptops may not leave the library. If laptops are removed from the library, the borrower may lose the privilege to use a laptop in the future.

    Laptops can be checked out with a power cord. We strongly recommend using it rather than the laptop battery. The quick turnaround time for checkouts may leave the battery low and result in lost data.

    Loan Period

    The loan period is 2 hours. Laptops will stop circulating 30 minutes before the closing of the library. End-of-day loans must be returned 15 minutes before closing.

    Security

    You are responsible for the laptop checked out to you until it is checked back in. The Library is not responsible for loss while the laptop is checked out to you.

    Please do not leave the laptop unattended.

    Personal software may not be loaded onto the laptop. No user files will be retained on the hard disk.

    Disclaimer

    MHCC is not responsible for damage to any removable drive or loss of data that may occur due to malfunctioning hardware or software.

    Assistance

    For technical questions using the library laptops, ask for help at the student help desk. A library technician is available to support all equipment and computers in the library during most open hours, however it is assumed that if you checkout a laptop that you can operate it without help. Library staff is not responsible for instruction in using the laptop. Report any hardware or software problems to the Library check out staff.

    Please also read Borrowing Guidelines

    Library Code Of Conduct

    The Library Code of Conduct has been developed to assure a safe, healthy, and productive environment for all library users. It is based on MHCC Board of Education policies, including the Student Code of Conduct. In all cases, Board policy and federal, state, and local laws will be followed. This code applies to all persons on Library premises. Premises are defined as stack areas, study spaces, classrooms, group study rooms, meeting rooms and stairwells.

    Code of Conduct

    The MHCC Library offers services to students and to community members. All library users have a right to expect these freedoms in the library:

    • Freedom from disorderly, lewd, offensive, threatening, or disruptive behavior.
    • Freedom from acts of intimidation, harassment, and threatening or coercive behavior that communicate a direct or indirect threat of physical or emotional harm.
    • Freedom from disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, or other college activities.
    • Freedom from solicitations, petitions, political canvassing, and proselytizing.
    • Freedom from theft, abuse, vandalism or sabotage of College property.

    In return for these freedoms, library users have a right to expect these behaviors from each other:

    • All users will comply with the directions of College officials acting in performance of their duties.
    • All users will identify themselves when requested to do so by College officials.
    • All users will refrain from using, possessing, or distributing alcohol, tobacco, and/or any state or federally controlled substance.
    • All users will refrain from possessing explosives, firearms, dangerous weapons, or other hazardous objects or substances.
    • All users will report threats, acts of aggression or disruptive behavior to College Officials in accordance with this policy.

    Violations

    Students in violation of the Code will be referred to the Executive Dean of Student Development and Success.

    Community members in violation of the Code will be referred to MHCC Public Safety or to Gresham Police.

    Noise Policy

    The MHCC library strives to provide a place for its users that is conducive to study and research. To create an environment that provides both quiet study places and group collaboration, we have divided the library into two distinct types of study zones-each with a different noise level expectation:

    Quiet Zones

    In the rear of the library, we provide patrons with individual study carrels; this area is intended to serve as an area for readers and students who need to concentrate. In this zone, no talking is permitted.

    The Library Instruction Room and the Group Study Room have been designated as Quiet Zones where Low Level talking is permitted.

    Group Study Zones

    The library features a group study zone, near the checkout area. This zone is intended for collaborative learning experiences and talking is permitted. The Group Study Room is available when the library is open. The Bob Scott Room has also been designated as an Active Study Zone when not scheduled for a meeting.

    Patron Privacy

    It is the policy of the library to protect the privacy of the patron who uses the library; no inquiry will be made into the purposes for which a borrower requests information or books, and information regarding what a patron has checked out will not be divulged.

    The MHCC library operates under the confidentiality and ethical standards set by the American Library Association (ALA). The First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution support barrier-free access to information on all points of view and the freedom to read in order to become informed citizens. Librarians are ethically responsible to protect this freedom through maintaining confidentiality of all library user records. This privacy ensures that library users are protected from the misuse of such information to create fear, intimidation, or resistance to free expression.

    Federal law, state law and local policies govern the privacy of library records. The Library may release information to law enforcement agents in response to a search warrant, subpoena or other lawful directive. Legal interpretations of the Oregon Public Records Act and the Federal Privacy Act will be recognized as they relate to community college libraries. Nothing in this policy shall restrict the rights of Mt Hood Community College to use records in accordance with its own lawful policies and procedures.

    Patrons

    Currently registered students, faculty, staff, retirees, Summit visiting patrons, and MHCC public borrowers have borrowing privileges.

    Students and Staff

    Checkout privileges are provided only if student or staff registration information is in the library's database; or acceptable identification is provided and a patron record added to the system. Acceptable proof is a current validated MHCC ID card or photo identification with a picture and name. College-issued photo ID cards are available for free. To allow maximum access to materials by all library users, the library requests that faculty and staff return materials promptly.

    Retired MHCC Staff and Faculty

    Honorary card holders may only checkout general circulation materials and are subject to the same circulation policies as students. Honorary patrons may not check out laptops or have remote access to electronic databases.

    Summit Visiting Patrons

    Students who are currently registered at Orbis Cascade Alliance member institutions have checkout privileges. The Orbis Cascade Alliance consortia consists of public and private colleges, community colleges and universities in the Northwest.

    Orbis Cascade Alliance member libraries deliver materials to MHCC.

    Only current credit students, faculty and staff are eligible to borrow Orbis Cascade Alliance items.

    All fines and lost charges apply (even for MHCC faculty and staff). Charges are significantly higher than those assessed at MHCC Library and are not negotiable. Replacement costs include a processing fee. Processing fee is non-refundable.

    Public Patrons

    The library welcomes use of its material, facilities, and equipment by the general public. However, students and staff of the college are our primary users and assistance to them will take precedence over all other users. Public Patrons must live in the district of MHCC to receive a library card and must 16 years of age. Registrants that are 16 years and older must be accompanied by a parent until the age of 18.

    MHCC Library does not restrict access to any resources, nor do we employ the use of filters on any of our computers. MHCC has a professional commitment to ensure that all members of the community it serves have free and equal access to the entire range of library resources regardless of content, approach, format or amount of detail.

    Public borrowers may not checkout laptops or reserve items.

    Public borrowers do not have remote access to electronic databases.

    Print/Copy/Scan/Fax

    Self service copy machines are available in the public area of the library. The machine settings are standardized to provide service to the majority of users. Student Help Desk staff can provide instruction and will handle basic troubleshooting.

    Library personnel cannot be responsible for the quality of copies or for copies produced because of patron error.

    Please see Saints Printing for more information

    Privacy Screen Policy

    Please be advised that the library computers are in a public area, and information viewed on the screen may be visible to other users. Library staff can provide a privacy screen for a computer monitor if you are concerned about the confidentiality or sensitive nature of online information.

    Library staff can also request a patron use a privacy screen if other patrons complain about the nature of their web browsing.

    Reserve Materials Policy

    Traditional course reserves allow faculty members to put selected readings, books, and videos on reserve to be used for varying lengths of time in the Library, so that many students can be assured of continuous access to required readings.

    Contact our public service staff with questions about reserve services.

    Faculty may acquire the Reserve Submission Forms from the library web page or at the checkout desk.

    Loan Periods for Course Reserve Materials

    Library materials required for class use are placed on Course Reserve. The instructor selects the loan period. Reserve fines accrue whether the library is opened or closed. Interlibrary Loan items will not be placed on MHCC Course Reserve. The library will accept instructor's personal copies on Reserve.

    All 2 hour, 4 hour, 24 hour, 48 hour and 7 day reserve materials can be checked out again after a 1 hour wait. If there are 2 or more copies of the same book already on the shelf, the same book with a different loan period may be issued immediately.

    Please also read Borrowing Guidelines

    Service Animals
    ADA recognized service animals are permitted in the library with the proper documentation. The animal must be professional, and remain within the behavioral guidelines listed in the detailed service animal policy.