PVCC Library, Ensuring Academic Success

Madison Weikle, staff writer

“You can always start here,” says the Director of Library Services Crystal Newell. Whether someone needs help finding resources and access to a computer or just a place to study, the Betty Sue Jessup Library, located in the main building of PVCC right across from the coffee bar, is happy to oblige. The PVCC Library is open from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays.

The library offers many services for students and faculty including, but not limited to, group study rooms, interlibrary loans, and access to a vast amount of physical and virtual records. All the librarians are willing to help students find information and resources for essays and academic projects.

Through the interlibrary loan system, the PVCC Library is able to request books from different colleges and universities if they are not readily available. The librarians host classes and teach the proper ways to search and cite sources, helping students avoid legal issues like copyright and plagiarism. The library offers services to help students with completing assignments and computer and printer services are also available. Printing costs 5 cents per page side in black and white and 25 cents in color, scanning and emailing services are free.

Students can sign up for a study room for group projects. Newell recommends reserving a room a couple of weeks ahead as they tend to book up quickly.

Libraries are often seen as enforcing strict rules and policies. However, Newell believes students will be excited to learn that while telephone conversations are not allowed, food and drinks are. She just asks if anything is spilled make sure to notify a librarian right away. There are labeled parts of the library which do not allow talking, but most of the library is open to conversation and group discussions.

Newell explains, “We very much enjoy having students come and work with us, we live and breathe for it, and we will at least attempt to answer any questions.”