Printed, physical books
Ebooks
DVDs
Note: Members of the public can make use of the library's resources. See "Library policies & conduct" linked below for more info.
The library has a collection of physical books, newspapers, and DVDs that can be checked out and taken home. There is also a collection of reference books that can be used inside the library (though some have limited check-out options).
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
Learn more about how to search for books, read call numbers to locate books, and more, using the link below. Or get help from a librarian using the linked chat below.
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.
Note: Electronic reserves may be accessed through your Canvas classroom or your instructor's website.
Looking to buy or rent a book? Use the link below to access the campus bookstore's website, hours, and location.
Laptops can be checked out from the Library's Front Desk or booked online (using the link below)
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.
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.
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.
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
Items in the library |
Current loan period |
---|---|
Books from STACKS, AESL, Oversized |
3 weeks |
Scientific calculator (library) | 1 week |
DVD and Videos |
3 days |
Phone charger |
2-hour |
Headphones and headphones with microphone |
2-hour |
Laptop (a valid ID is required to check out equipment) |
Whole quarter |
Webcam | 1 week |
Wired Mouse | 1 week |
Periodicals (newspapers & magazines) |
1 week |
Reference books |
Some may be borrowed overnight, 3 days or 7 days--ask a research librarian |
Course Reserves (textbooks) |
vary, depending on special request from instructors |
Water Quality Test Kit |
2-day |
Use the "Interlibrary Loan' ab on this page to find more info about requesting items from other libraries.
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).
We do not charge overdue fines. However, we do charge for lost materials. Any charges are placed on your ctcLink account.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Patrons who lose or damage interlibrary loan materials will be charged according to the fees of the lending library.
We loan just about everything except items from special collections, such as course reserves.
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.
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.
Except where otherwise noted, the content in these guides by Tacoma Community College Library is licensed under CC BY SA 4.0.
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Tacoma Community College Library - Building 7, 6501 South 19th Street, Tacoma, WA 98466 - P. 253.566.5087