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 provides a welcoming environment for the overall delivery of proctored course assessments, including authorized make-up tests for students in face-to-face classes at P&HCC. Local students taking courses at other community colleges or senior institutions may also reach out to see if our Testing Center can support their proctoring needs.
Appointments are not required; however, students should plan to allow enough time to complete their tests before the center closes. Current semester hours are available on the college website. A picture ID (Student ID card or Driver’s License) is required before testing, and students should be prepared to provide their EMPL ID, course number, instructor’s name, and test details. Personal belongings may not be brought into the testing room and should be left in the designated area. Cell phones, smart watches, and other electronic devices are not permitted in the testing room, and possession of these items during testing will be considered a violation of the Honor Code and reported to the instructor.
Students enrolled in P&HCC distance learning courses that require proctored assessments will use Respondus Monitor. Instructors will share instructions for downloading and using 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.
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