TCC Library: Borrowing materials

Course Reserves/Textbooks for classes

Course Reserves are Textbooks and other material designated by the instructor for particular classes are available at the library.

If the library has a copy of the textbook for your class, you are currently able to check it out for 2-hour at a time, unless your instructor has requested different checkout period. This is at a first come, first serve basis; requests or holds cannot be placed on these items. 

• You can call the library at (253) 566.5087 or email atran@tacomacc.edu to learn more. 
• You can also use the catalog, linked below, to search for a book by title or course. 

Note: Electronic reserves may be accessed through your Canvas classroom or your instructor's website.

TCC Campus bookstore

Looking to buy or rent a book? Use the link below to access the campus bookstore's website, hours, and location. 

Laptop & equipment rentals
 

Laptop rentals

Laptops can be checked out from the Library's Front Desk or booked online (using the link below)

• Photo ID is required for checkout. Acceptable forms of ID include the following:
  • TCC student ID
  • Driver's license, or passport

Currently (Winter 2023), students may check out a laptop for the entire term. Call the Library before visiting to check on laptop availability: 253-566-5087, or click the link below to book a laptop now.

*Note - additional equipment such as headphones, webcams, phone chargers, scientific calculators, or a USB mouse can be checked out, most often for one week at a time. See the following tab for loan periods.
 

Internet hot spots rentals & wi-fi options

• In response to Covid-19, TCC has connected with the Tacoma's internet service provider, Rainier Connect, to lend hot spots to qualifying TCC students. 
  • Students interested in seeing if they qualify for a hot spot, should contact the following email: freewifi@tacomacc.edu 
• TCC (and many libraries across the state), have also created extra, free, drive-up wi-fi options. Use the links below to learn more. 

Computers & tech equipment rentals in the Information Commons

There are over 80 computers in the Information Commons, as well as printers, a wide array of tech equipment, study rooms, tech support, and more. The Info Commons are located on the first floor (Room 120) of Building 16, the  Information Technology Building. Use the link below for more info about hours and services.

Computer use inside the library

More information about the library's computers and printers, including log in instructions, and more - can be found under the "Computers, wi-fi & printing services" page under the About tab or by using the link below.

Borrowing loan periods

Most items may be renewed in person, through the Library Catalog by signing in (in the upper right), or by visiting or calling the Front Desk at 253.566.5087

Looking for information about Interlibrary Loans?

Use the "Interlibrary Loan' ab on this page to find more info about requesting items from other libraries.

Returning Items

All library items such as books or DVDs checked out from the library can be returned in the drop box inside the library during normal hours, or returned (24/7) in one of the two drop boxes outside the library (building 7) - one brown metal box to the right of main entrance doors to the library, and one blue box in the back of the library, along the parking lot side, where would could walk to or drive up to the box and deposit items (both clearly marked).

• Note: all electronic equipment checkouts need to be turned in-person, not left in drop boxes.
   

Fees for overdue or lost books

We do not charge overdue fines. However, we do charge for lost materials. Any charges are placed on your ctcLink account.

• Borrowers are responsible for all checked out items, including lost materials.
• Borrowers will receive email reminders to their student email account for all overdue and lost items.
• If an item is 21 days overdue, it becomes a "Lost" item. 
• Lost material will be charged at the price of the item, plus a $5.00 processing fee for each charge.
• If the value of an item is $100 or more, we will put a registration hold until item is returned.
• Fees will be waived if overdue material is returned within the 1st week of the following quarter.
• If the item is found and returned within one year after a payment is made, the library will refund the price of the item (but not the $5 processing fee/s).

Interlibrary Loans (ILL)

Want a book, article, video or CD that our library doesn't have? Request an interlibrary loan (ILL)! We share with libraries all over the world, so even if our library doesn't have an item you want, we can usually arrange to borrow it from another library. Use the links below to fill out the IL form for an item, email your request, or ask the library staff member at the Front Desk for more information

Frequently Asked Questions

What items can I request through Interlibrary Loan?

You may request books, journal/magazine/newspaper articles, and audio-visual materials. There's no guarantee that we can get everything you request, but we'll certainly try. Please make sure that our library does not have the item before you request it. You can always ask a librarian for help with this if you need it -- our contact information is in the box below.  Please limit your interlibrary loan requests to three at a time.

Are there fees for using Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary Loans are usually free of charge for current TCC students, staff, and faculty. However, sometimes a fee is required to borrow the material (The TCC Library loans materials to other libraries at no cost, but many libraries do not). In the event that a fee is required to obtain your requested material, we will notify you to approve the charges before placing your request.

How long does it take to receive borrowed items?

That depends on which library lends it to us and the time it takes to ship. In most cases, books and audio-visual materials take about 5-10 business days. Journal/magazine articles can be sent electronically, so they are usually received within 2-5 days. We search the closest libraries first (i.e. libraries in Washington), but if your item is not available in the Northwest we will search nationwide or even (in rare cases) internationally.

How long may I borrow the item?

The loan period is determined by the lending library, not by TCC library. Loans can be anywhere from 2-8 weeks, depending on the lender's policy. Overdue fines will be assessed to items returned after the due date.

What happens if I lose or damage a borrowed item?

Patrons who lose or damage interlibrary loan materials will be charged according to the fees of the lending library. 

What items do we loan to other libraries?

We loan just about everything except items from special collections, such as course reserves.  

How do I place an Interlibrary Loan?

You can use the form linked on this page or email your ILL request to library@tacomacc.edu. You will be emailed when the items is available or if there are any issues getting an item.

TCC's Gig Harbor Campus

Are you a student, faculty, or staff at the Gig Harbor campus? The TCC Library will send books to the Gig Harbor campus on request.

How do you make this request?

1. Search our Library Catalog for a book.
2. Place a Hold on a book that you'd like to request.
3. You'll be prompted to login to My Account.
4. Once logged in, fill in the required information to place a hold. Under Pickup Library, make sure to choose Gig Harbor Campus.
5. The Library on the main campus will send your requested item(s) to you through the intercampus mail system. You will be notified by email when it is ready for pickup.