Library Resources
Melba Patton Library In the SIC Learning Commons
The Melba Patton Library located in the Learning Commons supports instructional programs and student educational needs by offering information literacy assistance and a wide variety of student resources. Over 20,000 print books, DVDs, music scores, journals, archival materials, and other physical items are available for students and other patrons, as well as access to over 100,000 eBooks, electronic journals, videos, and more.
As a member of the Consortium of Academic Libraries in Illinois (CARLI), library users have access to the collections of over 90 academic libraries in Illinois through I-Share. I-Share provides the College with an online catalog of its library holdings as well as a merged, unified catalog of more than 38 million total items. For items not located in Southeastern’s library, users with a student ID card may request items from other I-Share member libraries. Delivery is normally within 2-3 days, and the requestor will be notified by phone or email. Library barcodes for patron accounts are placed on the back of the Student ID Card. Current students without an ID card may obtain a new one or a replacement at the Learning Commons Circulation Desk. Students can present a printed class schedule along and/or a photo ID to receive an SIC ID/library card. The Library offers students and the public access to computers, iPads, free WiFi, printing, photocopying, and scanning services. A variety of single person and group study spaces are available, as well as casual seating, collaboration areas with white boards, casting to large screen TV monitors, and power connections in each area to charge and run electronic devices.
A resource room with archival and reference materials, music scores and CDs, and journals has access upon request, and a group work room with a conference table and white board may be reserved by asking at the Circulation Desk.
The library is closed during all holidays observed by the College.
Research Databases
LIbrary Resources
Search all library resources that are available to SIC students.
Library Services
Student ID
Students may come to the library to have a photo ID printed, which also serves as their library card. Nursing, CNA, Cosmetology, and GED students are REQUIRED to have an ID printed with their program of study listed.
Printing
Printing services are free for all students. For all other patrons, Black and white pages cost $0.05 per page in the Library Color page cost will vary by size and type in Online Learning & Educational Technology. Scanning and copying are also available. Copies are $0.10 per page.
Student Assistance
Staff is trained to help with student account setup, FalconMail, and mySIC.
Staff is also available for help with:
- Research
- Bibliography / Citing Sources
- Tutoring
- Online Class Assistance
- Materials Checkout and Servicing
- and much more!
Policies and Information
Library Cards
The library card is located on the back of the student/employee ID card. All students, faculty and staff are eligible to receive an ID card. The patron is responsible for all materials checked out on their card. If the card is lost or stolen, please report it to the library and the card will be made invalid.
Patron Responsibilities
Patrons are responsible for the safe and timely return of all materials. For your convenience, a drop box is located at the entrance of the A/B Lobby. It is recommended that damaged and overdue materials be returned to the circulation desk so that appropriate action can be taken.
Lost, Damaged, & Overdue Materials
Fines are assessed at the following rate for overdue materials --
$.05 per day for 3 week books, periodicals, DVDs, and CDs
Reserve materials fall into two classifications --
$.25 per day for 1 week reserve materials and reserve videos
$1.00 per day for overnight reserve materials and T.E.A.S. study guides
Three notices are sent informing patrons of overdue materials, with the last being a bill. After seven weeks, the materials are declared "lost." Patrons who lose or damage materials are charged for the cost of the materials plus a processing fee of $5.00 and a fine if appropriate. If materials are returned after the seven-week period, a $5.00 processing fee per item is assessed. Items that are lost and returned after one year are accepted at the discretion of the librarian.
Circulating, Non-Circulating & Reference Materials
Books (Circulation)
The library's circulating book collection totals about 20,000 volumes in print and eBook format. They are housed in open stacks arranged by the Dewey Decimal System of Classification. Patrons may browse the collections but are asked not to reshelve books. Circulating titles may be borrowed for three (3) weeks.
Reference Materials
Reference materials consist of encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, atlases, etc. These books do not circulate, but may be copied or used in-house. These items are noted in the online catalog by the word "reference."
Juvenile Books
The children's book collection is primarily for preschool through grade 3. These books circulate for three (3) weeks and may be borrowed by any patron. These items are noted in the online catalog by the word "juvenile."
Reserve Materials
Faculty routinely place materials on reserve for an entire class to use. Use policy is determined by the instructor. The reserve area is located behind the circulation desk. The online catalog will indicate when something is on reserve.