The Learning Resource Center (LRC) embraces the mission of the college and strives to support and strengthen the art of teaching and the process of learning as they affect students, faculty, staff, and the community. To this end, the Learning Resource Center (LRC) provides library, instructional media services, and a comprehensive learning assistance program for students, faculty, and staff. Many of the services and functions of the LRC are open to community patrons. The LRC provides a broad base of services and materials reflective of user needs. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the library and Learning Resource Center. LRC staff members assist patrons in finding needed information, services, or equipment. The LRC is designed to support student learning and enhance teaching.
Lester Library
The Lester Library provides a diverse collection of print and non-print resources, including books, periodicals, microforms, videos, DVDs, and e-books, as well as access to over 100 full-text and bibliographic databases. Trained library staff are available to provide bibliographic instruction and research assistance both to students and community users. Registered students are able to access online resources from off-campus via a proxy server.
Students needing research assistance off-campus can request help by email, phone, or through our LibChat service. It can be found on the library information page of our website and on each LibGuide.
Loan Policy. The current loan policy is four weeks for books and 48 hours for videotapes and DVDs. In most cases, items may be renewed once, prior to the due date, either by phone or in person. Renewals are not allowed on overdue material or material on hold. Periodicals, reserve materials, and reference books are for in-library use only.
Photocopy and Microfilm Printer Machines. A coin-operated copy machine and a microfilm/microfiche reader are located on the second floor of the LRC. Photocopier charges are 10 cents per page. The library cannot provide change.
Library Card. All patrons must present a library card in order to check out materials. The first card is issued free. However, a $1 fee is charged for replacement of a lost or damaged card. To replace a card, the student must pay at the business office and bring a receipt to the library circulation desk.
Overdue Policy. Although the library does not charge fines for overdue material, patrons are encouraged to return library material on or before the due date. Patrons who have library material checked out beyond a specified due date are notified in writing or through e-mail by staff. Students with overdue material are not allowed to check out additional material, receive transcripts, certificates, diplomas, or degrees; nor will they be allowed to re-register. Community patrons with overdue material are not allowed to check out additional library materials until overdue materials are returned. All patrons with overdue materials may be subject to action taken by the business office in accordance with VA Code§ 42.1-74. Habitual abuse of library policies may result in library privileges being suspended.
Lost or Damaged Materials. The cost for lost, stolen, or damaged library material will be assessed based on replacement value of the same or like materials.
Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA). VIVA is a consortium of the 39 state-assisted, colleges and universities, the 32 independent Virginia institutions, and the Library of Virginia. VIVA’s mission is to provide enhanced access to library and information resources and facilitate cooperation among institutes of higher learning. Through its VIVA membership, the Lester Library makes available a variety of full-text and bibliographic databases, free to students, faculty, staff and community researchers.
Details about VIVA and a list of its current database titles are available at http://www.vivalib.org.
Interlibrary Loans. As a member of the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) interlibrary loan network, the library can borrow materials from other OCLC member libraries within the state at no charge. Request for out-of-state materials are honored, where possible, although fees and restrictions may apply. For additional information regarding library policies and resources, please see the Lester Library Web page.
LRC Testing Center
The LRC Testing Center is the location for authorized make-up tests for students in face-to-face classes at P&HCC. Local students taking classes at other community colleges and senior institutions who need tests proctored may contact the Testing Center to determine if the Testing Center can provide the required services.
Appointments are not necessary for students taking tests in the Testing Center; however, it is the student’s responsibility to allow an adequate amount of time to complete a test before closing time. Current semester hours are posted on the college website. A picture ID (Student ID card or Driver’s License) is required before any test will be given. Students must provide their EMPL ID, course number, instructor’s name, and test information. Belongings are not allowed in the testing room and need to be left in the assigned area where lockers are provided. Cell phones and smart watches are prohibited in the testing room. Having a cell phone, smart watch, or any portable electronic device while in the testing room will be considered a violation of the Honor Code and will be reported to the student’s instructor.
P&HCC distance learning courses that require proctored assessments will utilize Respondus Monitor for those assessments. Instructors will provide directions on how to download and utilize Respondus Monitor.
Learning Laboratory
A Learning Lab is provided for the convenience of students to be able to work on coursework. Computers in the Learning Lab have Microsoft Office programs installed as well as other programs used in their classes.
Tutoring
Individual, group, and online tutoring is provided for many subjects and is free of charge to P&HCC students. Tutoring services are located on the first floor of the Learning Resource Center.
In addition, current P&HCC students have access to Brainfuse. Brainfuse is an online tutoring service P&HCC students may use free of charge 24/7. Students may access Brainfuse through Canvas or through their MyP&HCC portal. This tutoring service enables students to communicate with tutors synchronously (live or near real time) or asynchronously (delayed or not simultaneously).
Writing Center
The Writing Center offers individual as well as group tutoring sessions for students seeking guidance in their writing skills. The goal of the Writing Center is to aid in the development of the individual writer, teaching skills to help the writer become more self-sufficient. Trained tutors are generally available during lab hours. This service is offered at no cost to students.
Byrd Math Lab
The goal of the Byrd Math Lab is to provide math assistance to students in all levels of math offered by P&HCC. The lab provides free individual and group tutoring. Walk-ins during regularly scheduled hours are always welcomed; no appointment is necessary. Scheduled appointments may be available for certain math classes upon request. Math assistance is guaranteed during the open lab hours. The college attempts to offer math tutoring during both day and evening hours to accommodate student schedules. Students should check the college webpage for current semester hours of operation.
Distance Learning
P&HCC offers many distance learning courses and some programs in a distance learning format. The distance learning courses are offered through fully online, hybrid, and hyflex formats. Distance learning courses include the same content and employ the same rigor as traditional in-person courses but provide course instruction in a different format. All distance learning courses must comply with the P&HCC Distance Education Policy.
Student Support Services
Student Support Services is a federally funded grant program (TRiO Program) through the U.S. Department of Education. The Student Support Services office is located on the first floor of the Learning Resource Center, Room 109. Students must apply to participate in the program and meet eligibility criteria. Eligible participants include first generation, low income, and/or students with a disability. Free services for program participants include: tutoring; academic advising; financial aid assistance; study skills assistance; cultural and social activities; assistance with transferring to a four-year college or university, including campus visits; support services and accommodations for a disability.
Resources for Students with disAbilities
disAbility Resources, including academic adjustments and accommodations, are available to allow the full participation of students with disabilities in all programs and services of the college. disAbility Resources may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- facilitating physical accessibility on campus;
- academic degree or course requirements may be modified in certain instances to ensure full participation;
- alternate methods of testing and evaluation are available for students whose disability require such methods; and
- auxiliary aids and services are available for students with impaired sensory, manual, speaking, or processing skills.
Student Support Services is responsible for coordinating all disAbility Resources. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact a counselor in Student Support Services as early as possible to arrange for and receive accommodations. In addition, Student Support Services will facilitate a student’s communication with instructors regarding disclosure of his or her disability and accommodations needed.
Accessible parking is available in all visitor and student parking lots on campus. An appropriate vehicle tag or permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles is required for these spaces. Inquiries about the college’s and student’s rights and responsibilities regarding persons with disabilities may be directed to the 504/ADA Coordinator located on the first floor of the Learning Resource Center, (276) 656-0257. Additional information regarding the college’s disability policies and procedures may be found at the P&HCC college web site.
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