Guide to The Yocum Library
The Collection includes all the books, magazines, journals, newspapers, video recordings, sound recordings, maps, online databases, and other information resources that a library owns. The library follows the Collection Development Guidelines when purchasing items for the collection. If you have a suggestion for a new library purchase, submit an online Purchase Recommendation.
The collection is organized by the format of the resources:
- The General Collection includes items such as books and films that can be borrowed and taken home from the library. Most of the General Collection is shelved on the 3rd floor of the library building. The computer catalog indexes the General Collection. The items are arranged according to the Library of Congress Classification System. You can search the RACC computer catalog on the Internet.
The Yocum Library uses the Library of Congress Classification System (LC). An explanation of LC is available at the University of York web site.
An explanation of call numbers is also available at the University of York web site.
- The Reference Collection includes resources that are used constantly to find information. These resources include print books such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, directories, atlases, almanacs, and handbooks, which are shelved on the 2nd floor of The Yocum Library as well as online databases. Most print reference books cannot leave the library although the online reference resources can be accessed anywhere through the Internet. The Reference Collection is indexed in the computer catalog, but your best guide to the Reference Collection is the Reference Librarian. The Reference Librarian's desk and office are located near the Reference Collection. You can also email the Reference Librarian for research help
- The Periodical Collection includes the magazines, journals, and newspapers which the library receives. These items cannot be borrowed, but can be photocopied. The most recent issue of each periodical is displayed on the 2nd floor near the Circulation Desk. Older issues in their original paper format are shelved on the 3rd floor. Older issues which are on microfilm are shelved on the 2nd floor behind the sloped periodical display shelving. The collection also includes the online databases which can be accessed from The Yocum Library Online Databases web page
- The Online Databases Collection is accessed from The Yocum Library Online Databases web page
- The Reserves Collection includes materials which your instructors place in the library for your class assignments. Borrowing rules for these materials are determined by your instructor. Ask for Reserves at the Circulation Desk. You must have a library card to borrow Reserve items
- The Special Collections include
| Art Prints & Slides Children's Books Juvenile Books RACC Archives Maps & Posters |
Navajo Collection Paperbacks Wes Fisher Music Score Collection Schuylkill Navigation System |
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| The Special Collections are indexed in the computer catalog and most items can be borrowed. Ask at the Reference Desk for help in locating these items. | ||
Borrowing Procedures
Students can borrow most materials from The Yocum Library with a library card from a Berks County Advanced Library Information Network (ALIN) library. The ALIN libraries include most of the Berks County public libraries
If you don't have a library card, ask for an application at the Circulation Desk.
Holds
If a book or movie is checked out or from another ALIN library, you can place a HOLD on that item, and you will be notified when it is available. You can also place a HOLD on the computer catalog within the library or through your library account.
Renewals
Most items can be renewed once, unless a HOLD has been placed on them. You cannot renew Bestsellers or Reserve items. You can renew in person, by telephone (610-607-6237 or 800-626-1665 X 6237) or online using your library account.
Interlibrary Loans
If a particular item is vital to your research, but we do not own it, you may request that we try to obtain it for you from another library. Consult the Interlibrary Loan Guidelines.
Computer Usage
To use the computers in the library, a student must show his/her current RACC ID and check out a computer access card at the Circulation Desk. The computer access card must be posted on the computer. Students must also adhere to the RACC Computer Hardware & Software Usage Guidelines
The Testing Center is located in The Yocum Library. Consult the Testing Center web page for the Testing Center’s schedule, hours of operation, rules, and procedures. Report to the Circulation Desk on the 2nd floor to register for a test. A picture ID is always required.
Other Services
- Group Study Rooms are available on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors of the library. Consult the Room Use Guidelines for more information. Reserve a room at the Circulation Desk.
- Student Photocopiers are available on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the library. Copies are 10 cents. Change machines are available in the Cafeteria and the 2nd floor lounge of Penn Hall.
- A Public Phone is available on the 1st floor next to the north emergency exit.
- Rest Rooms are available on each floor of the library.