When searching for information, students have two primary search options – the online catalog and an extensive group of online databases. Both offer quick, electronic access to a wide variety of information.
As a general rule, the online catalog lists hardcopy books, electronic books, and electronic media (such as DVDs). The databases group features newspapers, magazine articles, and other reference sources. Some of the databases are tailored to specific topics (Example: Government, Medical, etc.)
Two other sources, eBook Collection and the LRC's printed indexes, provide supplemental help.
Each of the LRC's research tools are described in more detail in sections below, along with other library services that are all designed to make course work easier and more productive.
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Students with physical challenges or special needs are encouraged to seek assistance from LRC staff. Computers are available for wheelchair access and for students with special visual requirements.
LRC staff members at the Reference Desks (Ask a Librarian) on the first and second floors will be happy to assist students with finding library materials, doing research, or choosing the best sources on information. Contact information: Ask a Librarian
The LRC's searchable online catalog, contains a listing of all of the books located on the library's shelves and is often the first stop in locating information. In addition, the catalog lists many of the LRC's electronic books and all of its electronic media (such as DVDs). However, it does not contain every item the library owns. Not all of the electronic books are listed (see NetLibrary below). Newspapers, magazines, and online databases are listed in sources other than the catalog. The catalog is accessable via any computer in the library through the LRC's web site. Click on Book Search then select Books(LRC Catalog).
eBook Collection is a database that houses Odessa College's entire online collection of nearly 50,000 electronic books known as eBooks.
To access eBooks go to the LRC's web site www.odessa.edu/dept/library. Click on Book Search then select eBooks.
Students may print selections from any eBook, however, copyright laws prohibit printing the whole book. Also, students are reminded that it is important to collect source information such as title, author, publisher, and copyright owner and date.
For questions or problems, contact
or firstname.lastname@example.org (432/335-6645).
The LRC subscribes to a streaming video service Films on Demand which offers around 7,000 academic videos that is available to Odessa College students. Access to these videos is available through the LRC web site. Click on Videos Online. Remote access to Films on Demand is available for current students . A login page will appear with instructions when accessing Videos Online from off-campus.
The LRC subscribes to a number of specialized online databases that provide a rich source of information for students — much of which is unavailable from an Internet search. The databases include indexes for periodicals, newspapers, reports, and books in a variety of academic disciplines. Other databases feature encyclopedia articles, reprints, or statistics. Full text is available for some items. Access to these databases is available on the computers on the first and second floors via the LRC web site. Click on Article Research.
Library Research Guides
LibGuides is ia series of specialized online research guides. These guides cover how to find books and articles, online style manuals, the library’s tutorial on plagiarism, and helpful websites for specific subjects. To view the list of guides go to Handouts/index.htm.
The LRC offers a selection of online tutorials. Subjects include: the library catalog, plagiarism rules, ebooks, and other research-related topics.
To view the list of tutorials go to 
Materials not found in local libraries may be obtained through other Interlibrary Loan procedures. See LRC Interlibrary Loans.
Printed indexes are hardcopy listings covering various sources, some of which are unavailable online. Most literary indexes are located at the northeast corner of the first floor. Indexes to journals, magazines, and newspapers are located on the second floor.
The LRC provides two photocopiers with reduction and enlargement capabilities located on the first and second floors. Cost is 10 cents per page payable at the copiers. Change for bills no larger than $5.00 may be obtained at the Circulation Desk.
Remote Access Services
Odessa College students have access to the LRC's online services via the Internet (www.odessa.edu/dept/library).Those services are described in the sections above. Off-campus use of some services requires students to log in and use a password, which is not required when using an on-campus computer. Log-in instructions are provided on the log-in page.