Mary and George Slankard Learning Resource Center

Need a place to study or a computer to finish assignments? Our computer lab is open. COVID regulations will apply, a face mask must be worn. If you have questions, call (618) 437-5321 ext. 1308 or 1276.

Return library items: If you need to return library items, you can use the drop box that is outside the east LRC doors to the left of the steps or return them to the front desk inside the LRC.

The newly remodeled Mary & George Slankard Learning Resource Center is located in front (south) of the theatre and has been expanded to include six new study rooms. The LRC has resources such as books, periodicals, newspapers, DVDs, audiobooks, a Children’s Library, as well as many electronic resources that can be accessed without coming to campus. It has facilities for study, research, leisure reading, class preparation, cameras for Zoom meetings, Internet access, loaner laptops and chargers, and printing. The LRC is open to students, faulty/staff, and members of RLC's community district and is a part of the Illinois Heartland Library System. The LRC building also houses our Wellness Center, CTE Success Center, and Blended Cafe. We encourage you to come in and use the many resources and services the LRC has available to make your Rend Lake College experience successful!

Learning Resource Center study room 5 clocktower study room 1b

QUICK LINKS

LRC Resources: Click the images below!

Research Assistance

The Reference Librarian is available to provide one-on-one assistance with research or instruction in the use of print and electronic resources to faculty, staff, students, and community users. Please call ext. 1276 or email: lrc_reference@rlc.edu for assistance.

LRC Policy

Materials Borrowing Policy

Students, faculty, staff, or residents who live in the RLC district may borrow materials from the LRC. As a part of your first borrowing transaction, a library card will be issued to you at the Circulation desk. Your first card is free and can be used as long as you are a student, faculty/staff of RLC, or a resident of the RLC district. All patrons are required to show a current state identification card or driver's license to be issued a library card. RLC students must also have a valid RLC student ID, which will be used as their library card. A fee of $10.00 will be charged for each replacement card.

Materials are loaned for two weeks and may be renewed once, unless another patron has placed a hold against it. If audiovisual material is needed for a classroom presentation, check with the Circulation Desk. Items placed on reserve by instructors are checked out from the Circulation Desk and will have varying checkout periods.

Interlibrary Loan Policy

The LRC follows the ILLINET Interlibrary Loan Code reciprocal borrowing. As members of Illinois Heartland Library System we must adhere to the policies within this code which does not allow for renewal of ILL materials.

Please return all material to the Circulation Desk. As a courtesy to others, please let the LRC know if there are any problems with any audio/visual material.

Reference materials and some reserve materials are for use in the LRC only. Photocopies can be made.

Fines

The LRC charges a fine for each borrowed item that is not returned by the due date.

Books	$0.25/day
DVDs	$0.25/day
Interlibrary Loan Materials	fines follow the owning libraries policies, so fines will vary
Reserve Materials	$0.25/hour, up to the cost of the items borrowed
Story Time Kits	$2.00 per day

If an item is lost or damaged the borrower must pay the current replacement cost of the item plus a library processing fee of $25.00.

If at the end of the semester students still have fines due or overdue books a hold will be put on their account and they will not be able to register for classes, get grades, or receive transcripts until their LRC obligations are met.

Intellectual and Academic Freedom

Rend Lake College LRC Policy on Intellectual and Academic Freedom
Rend Lake College’s Learning Resource Center supports the principle of academic freedom as laid out in applicable College documents. The LRC understands academic freedom to mean that a faculty member, tenured or non-tenured, or a student may inquire freely into academic matters and responsibly communicate considered findings in appropriate College classes related to the subject or, as an individual, in publications of his / her choice.

In accordance with the ALA (American Library Association) Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, Freedom to View Statement, and other related documents, the LRC strives to build a collection that will provide for the free exchange of ideas. The collection, including access to electronic information, is available to all patrons of the LRC. It offers the widest possible range of viewpoints, without prejudice or censorship, regardless of the popularity of these viewpoints; the frankness of language; the national origin of the author; or the controversial manner an author may use in dealing with religious, political, sexual, social, economic, scientific, or moral issues.

LRC Services

The Learning Resource Center provides collections of books, DVDs, and other resources that can be checked out by patrons. It also provides Interlibrary Loans, computer access with printers, copying services, assistance with research, and reserve materials. Student IDs can be made at the IT Help Desk in the LRC or in Student Services in the Admin buidling.

Circulation

Library staff is responsible for issuing library cards to all new patrons and entering their information into the Illinois Heartland Library System database. Library staff assists patrons with searching the online card catalog to locate library materials on the shelves. Library material is checked out at the Circulation Desk. If resources on a subject are not available in the RLC collection, Library staff will help patrons place holds on items available at other libraries so the resources can be borrowed from the holding library.

All circulating material may be checked out for two weeks and may be renewed for an additional two weeks. Reserve materials will have varying circulation checkouts. Reference material does not circulate.

Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service is provided so that users may have access to material that is unavailable at the Rend Lake College Learning Resource Center. Interlibrary loan provides students and staff of Rend Lake College the ability to borrow items from member libraries of the Illinois Heartland Library System. Interlibrary loan services are important to staff and students because not every desired item could possibly be found within the LRC’s collection. Materials are loaned for two weeks but may be renewed. Allow 1-5 days to receive the requested materials. Materials must be picked up at the Circulation Desk. Requests for ILL copies of magazine/journal articles can be made by contacting the library staff, ext. 1308.

Copying

RLC is now using a print management system called PaperCut. Additional information can be found on the MyRLC page. A copier/ printer machine and a color printer are available in the library for student use. B/W copies are $.10/page and color copies are $.25/page for copying and printing. Every student receives $15.00 credit each semester for printing/copying. Additional money can be added to an account by asking a Library Staff member to add it or through a debit or PayPal account.

Computer Lab/Internet Access & Printers

The Open Computer Lab is located in the Learning Resource Center, LRC 128. Within this lab, computers are available for use by RLC students, staff, and community patrons. Students printing from the Open Lab may print to a black and white printer or a color printer. Students may also print from their own device by accessing webprint features through their PaperCut account. Ask for help at the IT Help Desk with this process.

Reserves

The LRC offers a “Reserve” area for instructors to leave material for student use such as notes, books, CDs, DVDs, etc. As a general rule, reserve materials have special check out times.

Student IDs

The LRC is one of the locations (also Student Records and our Mt. Vernon campus) on campus where student IDs are made at the IT Help Desk in LRC 135. Students must present a picture ID and current schedule to obtain a RLC student ID. Schedules can be printed from the circulation desk.

Wi-FI Access

Warrior Wi-Fi is available in the LRC as well as all over campus and in parking lots. Contact the IT Help Desk at help-desk@rlc.edu or at 618-437-5321 ext. 1259 to get connected.