Library Services

Library Services, located in the Academic Resource Center, teaches library patrons how to find and evaluate information for their particular purposes, provides print and electronic resources, and creates a learning environment which encourages active self-inquiry. The goal is to create a dynamic, functional relationship between information and people. The collection contains about 110,000 volumes, more than 800 magazines, and extensive back issues of the Chicago Tribune and New York Times on microfilm, as well as tapes, CDs, slides, films, videotapes, software and other media formats. The library oversees the circulation of all materials in the collection. Available for patron use are reference services, instruction, interlibrary loan and data base searching, College Archives, reserve materials, copy machines and an automated Catalog. Materials added to the collection are acquired and catalogued using the Library of Congress system of classification. Small group study rooms are also available.

The library has a computerized, online Catalog which can be accessed through strategically placed terminals on the first and second floors of the Academic Resource Center. The Catalog can also be accessed from home or office via a modem and personal computer. Access to the Internet and to numerous computerized indexes (CD-ROM) is also available for patron use.

Media Services
The Media Services area is located on the first floor of the Academic Resource Center. The media and equipment provided to students and faculty are aimed at making instruction more effective. Also available is a television studio for instructional and informational productions. A media distribution system provides many classrooms on campus with direct and flexible resources for instructional use. The system provides remote media projection and other electronic resources directly from Media Services. Other self-instructional spaces and the independent study area, each equipped with a variety of media, are used to support individualized instruction.

Distance Learning Classes
A variety of courses are now available to students via the World Wide Web. Not only will you have the flexibility of class scheduling, testing dates and times, you may also have the opportunity to communicate with your instructor and classmates via e-mail or through discussion forums. If you have access to a computer with specific hardware and software requirements, modem and online access through an Internet Service Provider (ISP), then Internet courses may be the perfect option for you.

Harper offers a complete range of courses, from economics to psychology, that may be viewed on cable TV within the Harper district area. Each telecourse has a mandatory, on-campus orientation session in order to give you an introduction to the instructor and course expectations. And any missed classes can be viewed at the main campus Library or select area libraries. A taped set of classes may also be rented from the Bookstore for a fee.

Other colleges and universities provide courses via two-way interactive video, transmitted live to a Harper classroom. Students who want to enroll in an interactive video class must apply to the institution offering the class. For specific information about interactive video courses offered at Harper College, check the course schedule or call 847.925.6586.