Gavilan Library FAQ
Check Out Materials:
Gavilan College Library offers access to 20,000+ physical books, and other library materials, along with multiple research databases and streaming video resources.
How do I check out library materials?
Students, staff, and faculty can use their GavID number to check out physical materials at the Library’s main desk and access online resources for research and coursework.
How do I get a library card?
Students, staff, and faculty: No physical library card is required. Use your GavID number, including all characters, when checking out materials and accessing library resources. Students should use their G-number with “00” (zero zero) as required. GavID provides access to the Library’s physical collections, research databases, and streaming services.
Community residents: California residents may register for community borrowing privileges at the Library when campus is open. A photo ID and proof of California residency are required. No physical library card is issued. Instead, a unique number sequence—such as a driver’s license number, phone number, or another approved identifier—is assigned to the library account.
Community residents may check out physical library materials only. Research databases, streaming videos, and other licensed electronic resources are restricted to eligible Gavilan students, staff, and faculty.
How can I check out a laptop?
Currently registered Gavilan College students may check out a library laptop for the semester using their GavID number. Laptops are available while supplies last and are intended for students who need access to technology for their coursework.
To request a laptop: Place a request in the library catalog.
The Library does not provide mobile hotspots. However, free Wi-Fi is available on campus for students, staff, faculty, and visitors.
How long may I check materials out?
Books .......................3 weeks
DVDs.........................1 week
Laptops......................Semester Loan
Course Reserves: Physical materials are available for short-term checkout, and online textbook access is available for select course materials. Loan periods vary by item.
Reference Materials: Most are for in-library use. Designated reference materials may be checked out for 1 week.
May I renew an item?
Yes, as long as there is no hold on the item. Materials can be renewed through the Library catalog by signing in with your MyGav login. Course reserves may also be renewed as long as there are no holds or waitlisted students.
Laptops: Some exceptions may apply. Laptops will not be renewed or extended if you are not an active, registered student. Laptops must be returned even if you plan to take a one-semester break and return to Gavilan afterward.
How many items may I check out at one time?
Up to 10 items may be checked out at a time.
May I order books from other libraries?
Yes. Materials that we don't have in our collection may be requested via Interlibrary Loan (ILL.) (ILL process) Items should be requested at the reference desk.
How long does it take to receive a journal article or book via ILL?
Format & Availability: Electronic materials may take a few hours to several days, while print materials may take several days to a few weeks, depending on availability.
May I place a hold on an item in the Gavilan College Library?
Yes. Library users can place a hold on items in the library catalog by signing in with their MyGav login.
What are the fines for overdue materials?
Reserves that checkout by the hour: $.60/hour/item, maximum of cost of book.
Reserves that checkout by the day or week: $1/day, maximum of cost of book.
Does the library have textbooks?
Sometimes. Many class textbooks are available online in the library catalog by signing in with your MyGav login. Some physical textbooks or chapters from texts are also available on reserve at the circulation desk. You can search the Course Reserve collection in the library catalog. Course reserves are library materials shelved behind the circulation desk and generally available for 2 hours use in the library.
If the library does not have a text you need, the Gavilan College Bookstore provides a rental service and sells textbooks. Additional rental & purchase sites: Chegg, CampusBookRentals, CengageBrain, BookRenter, Half.com, Bigwords.com, OpenStax College.
How do I find a book in the stacks?
You will find books on the shelves by their Library of Congress call number. Search the library catalog and make note about the location and call number. You can then use the library shelf signs to find your book's specific address. You can always get help in locating a title from the reference librarian or circulation staff.
Print:
Can I print in the library?
Printing is available from all student computers. Currently there is no charge for printing. We ask that you limit printing to 25 pages.
Can I print from my own device?
No. To print a document that is on your device, save it to a flash drive, email it to yourself, or save it to a cloud drive. You can then access and print your document from a library computer.
Can I print in color in the library?
No. The library does not have a color printer.
Use library resources & services:
How can I check out a laptop?
Students can check out a laptop for 2 hours at a time with their GavID number.
The library also has a collection of laptops that can be checked out by currently registered students for the semester. Place a request in the library catalog.
Can I access Library resources from off campus?
Yes. To access the online Library resources, you will need your MyGav login.
Can I scan documents?
Yes. Scanners are located at LIB016, LIB017 and LIB018 computers.
Library computers?
The library has 34 computers for use during library open hours.
Can I access the Internet from the library?
Yes. All library computers and laptops can access the Internet. Gavilan provides a wireless signal all over campus.
Does the Library have study rooms?
Yes the library has a study room. The Learning Commons has small group study rooms. You can make
May I look at my email in the library?
Yes.
Is large format printing or laminating available on campus?
There are no laminating services available on campus, and no large format printing is available to anyone who is not in an art or graphic arts class.
What software is available on the library PCs?
- Adobe X Pro
- DRC Accessibility Programs (Available on LIB006, LIB007, & LIB017 only)
- JAWS
- MAGic
- Kurzweil
- FS Reader
- Internet Browers
- Firefox
- Google Chrome
- Microsoft Edge
- Microsoft Office 365
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Access
- Students have access to the Google suite of programs with their my.gavilan.edu account
What software is available on the library laptops and chromebooks?
- Students have access to the Google suite of programs with their my.gavilan.edu account