Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
About the Library
How do I get a library card?
Starting with the 2010 Fall Semester registration A-B Tech will begin issuing photo student ID cards that will also serve as your library card. You will receive your ID card during the registration process at the Bailey Student Services building. If you do not have a photo student ID yet, your first step is to go the Bailey Student Services building to get one. Next, bring your new A-B Tech ID card to the Holly library so we can activate your card in the library's database.
With your library-activated photo ID card you can check out materials, use the research computers, and students can access reserve items. Please note, you must present your card each time you wish to check out any library materials. During semester breaks, we will need to see proof of paid registration before granting the full library borrowing privileges listed above.
The barcode number printed on the back of the A-B Tech ID card will be your library card number. Your 7 digit college ID number is printed on the front of your ID card and is also the last 7 digits of your library card number. You will need to know your college ID number when accessing library databases from off campus.
Continuing education students, as well as Buncombe and Madison County residents can also get library cards by filling out an application at Holly Library circulation desk. Borrowing privileges for those two groups are different from curriculum student privileges. Contact the circulation desk at 828-254-1921, x301 for more details.
How many items can I check out and how long can I keep them?
Curriculum students, Faculty and Staff
- General Collection books: no limit, two-week check out, one renewal
- Feature Films: two DVDs for one week, no renewals
- Audio Books: two audio books for one week, one renewal
- Magazines: three magazines (except current issues) one week, no renewal
- Reserve Items: check out period set by instructor, no renewal
Continuing Education students and Community Patrons
- Limit of five general collection books for two weeks
Overdue fines are 10 cents per day for books; 25 cents per day for magazines, and 50 per day for media. Fines vary for reserve materials depending on the loan period.
Important: You must have your card with you to check out library materials. There are no exceptions.
How can I check out a laptop computer?
Laptops are available for checkout to curriculum students, faculty and staff. The checkout period is 3 hours and is for IN LIBRARY USE ONLY. A current library card and photo id must be left at the circulation desk while the laptop is checked out. The overdue rate for late return of a laptop is $5.00 per hour. (There is a 15 minute grace period for the first hour the laptop is late).
How can I renew my books?
Books can be renewed at the circulation desk or online through the library catalog. You do not have to bring your books with you to renew in person. For online renewal, please click on the renew link on the left side of the library home page and enter your library card bar code number to access your account. If an item is already overdue, you may not renew it online. You cannot renew feature film DVDs, magazines, reserve materials, or items that have been requested by another patron.
How do I access the wireless network in the library?
Wireless access is available throughout the library. If you bring your own laptop computer the access code is on display at the circulation desk and is posted on signs around the library.
My instructor has placed a book on reserve for my class. How can I check out and use this item?
Reserve items are held behind the circulation desk and may be checked out with your student library card. Check-out periods for reserve items may vary and some items must remain in the library at all times.
Some instructors do place a copy of a course textbook on reserve at the library for limited checkout, however, not all do, so check with your instructor.
You can also search the library catalog for reserve items using the Browse Search option and then searching by your instructor's last name or by the course name/number such as ENG 111 or PSY 150.
How do I access NCLIVE or other databases from off-campus?
Each current student and faculty or staff person has their own personal login which gives access to all available NCLIVE resources and other subscription databases. Your user name is your last name and password is your 7-digit college ID number. For more details click here. (Faculty and staff, your 7-digit college ID is the same as your employee number which can be found on your pay stub).
What services and resources can I use from other libraries?
A-B Tech offers Interlibrary Loan (ILL) which allows borrowers to request materials from participating libraries. Book loans are generally free. Sometimes a fee, determined by the lending library, is charged for periodical articles. You can read the full Interlibrary Loan Guidelines and access the necessary forms here.
Where can I use word processing, check my email, or access my Blackboard account in the library?
Curriculum students can do all those things in the open computer lab which is located on the lower level. The Holly Library Computer Lab is part of the Academic Learning Center and follows the rules and printing guidelines of the Academic Learning Center. Please use the computers on the lower level for word processing, email, and Blackboard or check out a laptop to use anywhere in the library. Outside the lab, you will need to save your work to a flash drive or email.
The Research Central computers on the upper level are used for individual and class research. Research help is available at the circulation desk from one of our librarians. Students may print 10 pages per day for free; prints are limited to school-related internet and databases pages/articles.
Where can I find a quiet place to study in the library?
We have four group study rooms with whiteboards that seat 6-8 people. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Whiteboard markers may be checked out at the circulation desk with your library card. We have designated several areas of the library on both levels as "quiet study zones". If you encounter a problem with noise in the library, please ask for assistance at the circulation desk.
You may bring library-friendly drinks and snacks to Holly Library. Covered drinks--travel mugs, bottled drinks with caps, lidded cups--are library friendly. Snack items such as packaged crackers, cookies, pretzels, granola bars, nuts, raisins, M & Ms, etc. are allowed when consumed responsibly. Fast food items or meals from any outside vendor, including the A- B Tech Cafe, must be eaten outside. Just like the Sierra Club and Smokey Bear--we respectfully request that you leave no trace. When you leave, throw away or pack out your snack and drink trash. You can also recycle your plastic drink bottles in containers located near the center elevators.
The Community's College, Dedicated To Student Success