Student Information

• Finding Information
• Policies
• In-house Services
• Remote Access Services
• Operating Hours
• Contact Us

Finding Information

When searching for information, students have two primary search options – the online catalog and an extensive group of online databases. Both offer quick, electronic access to a wide variety of information.

As a general rule, the online catalog lists hardcopy books, many electronic books, and electronic media (such as video tapes). The databases group features newspapers, magazine articles, and other reference sources. Some of the databases are tailored to specific topics (Example: Government, Medical, etc.)

Two other sources, NetLibrary and the LRC’s printed indexes, provide supplemental help.

Each of the LRC’s research tools are described in more detail in sections below, along with other library services that are all designed to make course work easier and more productive.

Policies

Lending Polices
Click here to view Lending Policy

Special Services
Students with physical challenges or special needs are encouraged to seek assistance from LRC staff. Computers are available for wheelchair access and for students with special visual requirements.

In-house Services

Reference Services
LRC staff members at the Reference Desks on the first and second floors will be happy to assist students with finding library materials, doing research, or choosing the best sources on information. Contact information: Ask a Librarian

Online Catalog
Tthe LRC’s searchable online catalog, contains a listing of all of the books located on the library's shelves and is often the first stop in locating information. In addition, the catalog lists many of the LRC’s electronic books and all of its electronic media (such as video tapes). However, it does not contain every item the library owns. Not all of the electronic books are listed (see NetLibrary below). Newspapers, magazines, and online databases are listed in sources other than the catalog. The catalog is accessable via any computer in the Library through the LRC's web site. Click on Book Search then select Books(LRC Catalog).

NetLibrary
NetLibrary is a special Web site that houses Odessa College's entire online collection of nearly 50,000 electronic books known as eBooks.

To access eBooks go to the LRC's web site www.odessa.edu/dept/library. Click on Book Search then select eBooks.

Students may print selections from any eBook, however, copyright laws prohibit printing the whole book. Also, students are reminded that it is important to collect source information such as title, author, publisher, and copyright owner and date.

For questions or problems, contact
pquintero@odessa.edu (432/335-6350)
or dclark@odessa.edu (432/335-6645).

Find Articles
The LRC subscribes to a number of specialized online databases that provide a rich source of information for students — much of which is unavailable from an Internet search. The databases include indexes for periodicals, newspapers, reports, and books in a variety of academic disciplines. Other databases feature encyclopedia articles, reprints, or statistics. Full text is available for some items. Access to these databases is available on the computers on the first and second floors via the LRC web site. Click on Article Research.

Interlibrary Loans
Books not owned by the LRC may be checked out from other academic and public libraries. To check out books from UTPB, students need a picture ID plus aTexShare card obtained from the OC LRC Circulation Desk. (TexShare is a statewide library cooperative. Patrons of TexShare libraries can borrow materials from other TexShare libraries. See the Circulation staff for information.) To check out books from Midland College, a current Odessa College ID card is required (limit two books). Materials not found in local libraries may be obtained through other Interlibrary Loan procedures. See LRC staff for current policies.

Printed Indexes
Printed indexes are hardcopy listings covering various sources, some of which are unavailable online. Most literary indexes are located at the northeast corner of the first floor. Indexes to journals, magazines, and newspapers are located on the second floor.

Photocopying
The LRC provides two photocopiers with reduction and enlargement capabilities located on the first and second floors. Cost is 10 cents per page payable at the copiers. Change for bills no larger than $5.00 may be obtained at the Circulation Desk.

Remote Access Services

Odessa College students have access to the LRC’s online services via the Internet (odessa.edu/dept/library).Those services are described in the sections above. Off-campus use of some services requires students to log in and use a password, which is not required when using an on-campus computer. Log-in instructions are provided on the log-in page.

Operating Hours

Contact Us

Circulation/Reserve Desk 432/335-6640

Reference/Research
Assistance 432/335-6645

Periodicals Assistance
Database Search Specialist
Interlibrary Loans 432/335-6350