Library Policies

Closing Procedures

Revised 11/25

• Closing activities begin 15 minutes before the posted closing time. For example, if the library closes at 8:00 p.m., procedures will begin at 7:45 p.m. During this time, lights may be briefly dimmed as a courtesy reminder that the library is preparing to close.
   
• All computer use—including printing—must be completed at least 5 minutes before closing.
   
• Campus Public Safety secures the library building at the designated closing time.
   
• Hours may vary during holidays, intersessions, and the summer term.

Collection Development

Revised 9/25

See Collection Development for policies and procedures.

COVID-19

Revised 9/23

The MCC Libraries is aligned with policies and practices found on the MCCCD COVID-19 Information webpage. If you have any questions, please contact the MCC Libraries or Risk Management at [email protected].

Displays

Revised 10/23

The MCC Libraries support displays and installations that reflect the educational, cultural, and civic values held within our mission as well as the diverse voices of our students, faculty, staff, and community users. These efforts increase awareness and engagement along with the use of the resources, services, and programs in the Libraries, College, and MCCCD District thereby contributing to a rich campus experience. The MCC Libraries welcome proposals from MCC students, staff, and faculty to create displays in library spaces at the Southern & Dobson and Red Mountain campuses. All displays are subject to approval by the library faculty who will determine the display location in coordination with the requesting organization. The number of displays arranged by any one group is typically limited to one per semester.

To schedule a display in the MCC Libraries, please fill out the Display Request Form. Individuals or organizations requesting a display must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Advance Notice: Submit display requests at least 4 weeks in advance before the desired display period. This allows the library staff to assess feasibility and allocate space accordingly. MCC Libraries-produced displays have priority.
• Relevance to Community: Displays should align with the library's and college’s missions and cater to the diverse interests of the community. Preference will be given to displays that contribute to the educational, cultural, and social enrichment of library users.
• Duration and Maintenance: Display periods are typically 1-4 weeks long. Participants are expected to set up and dismantle displays within the agreed-upon timeframe and maintain the exhibit's relevance and appearance throughout the scheduled period. The Libraries reserve the right to alter or remove any display and assume no responsibility for theft, loss, damage, or destruction of display items.
• Compliance with Policies: All displays must adhere to the library's policies, including those related to accessibility, inclusivity, and the protection of intellectual freedom.

The MCC Libraries support academic freedom and the free expression of opinion and will not exercise any censorship of display materials such as books, images, and promotional literature that do not violate local, state, or federal laws. The MCC Libraries support the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights as it applies to displays:

• “Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves.” (Article I)
• “Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.” (Article I)
• “Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.” (Article II)

If you have a concern about a library display, please email [email protected]. Clearly explain why you are concerned with the display and how it violates library policies, including specific details that will help the library understand your perspective.

Find My Textbook Course Reserves

Revised 9/25

See Find My Textbook Course Reserves page for policies, guidelines and materials submission form.

Food and Drink

Revised 3/13

Snacks and drinks are allowed in the Mesa Community College Libraries (excluding classrooms, Reflection Room, and Silent Study Room)

• Drinks are welcomed in covered containers.
• Please be mindful of others and avoid food with strong odors, messy foods and noisy snacks (i.e., fish, pizza, corn nuts, etc). These types of snacks may be consumed in the corridor/breezeway outside of the library.
• Please dispose of any leftovers or trash in trash cans and recycle whenever possible.
• Remember to report spills immediately at the nearest service desk for easy clean-up.
• Be mindful and considerate of other library users. This is your library; please help to keep it clean and comfortable.

Intra-district Loan (IDL) / Interlibrary Loans (ILL)

Revised 5/17

Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) students, faculty, and staff in good standing may request print resources from local, regional, and national library collections. Patrons have the responsibility of keeping themselves informed of the status of their requests. IDL and ILL requests may not be filled due to owning library restrictions.

Intra-district Loan (IDL)

Intra-district Loan is the process of obtaining library materials from other MCCCD Libraries. Please refer to Maricopa Libraries Borrowing Guidelines.

• Use the library catalog to request items from other MCCCD libraries.
• Plan on 2-4 working days to transfer materials between libraries.
• Items are returned to the lending library if not picked up within 10 days of arrival.
• Renewal requests should be made prior to the date due. The lending library may or may not grant the request.
• If material obtained through IDL is overdue, the patron's borrowing privileges may be suspended from the lending library.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Interlibrary Loan is the process by which one library system requests material from another library system. Please refer to Maricopa Libraries Borrowing Guidelines.

• Use ILLiad to request books and copies of articles that the MCCCD libraries don’t hold.
• ILL requests are verified by library staff. Partial or incorrect citations may result in ILL request cancellation.
• The time period from request to delivery is measured in weeks.
• The lending library may impose a service charge or a photocopying fee.
• Items are returned to the lending library if not picked up within 10 days of arrival. The requestor remains responsible for all charges.
• If you need any assistance setting up your ILLiad account, please contact the Library.

Lactation Room LB204

Revised 04/2026

In alignment with MCC's Lactation Rooms policy, the MCC Library is committed to meeting the needs of students and employees by ensuring the availability of a clean, private lactation room to express breast milk for a nursing child. This policy is in accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that amended Section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

• Location: Room LB204 on the 2nd floor of the Southern & Dobson Library in the Administration area. This room contains a lockable door, electrical outlets, chair, table, sink and cleaning materials. You must provide your own pump, adapter, and accessories. Refrigeration/storage is not provided, so you will need to identify an alternative location or bring your own cooler or insulated bag.
   
• Cleaning & Sanitizing: Parents are responsible for cleaning up after each use out of respect for the next user and to prevent contamination and illness transmission. You should clean breast milk spills and dispose of trash properly. Cleaning wipes and paper towels are provided in each room. Please note that these products should never be used to sanitize your personal equipment.
   
• Availability: The lactation room is available on a first come, first served basis during Library business hours. Please request access at the Library service desks Monday-Thursday after 4:00 pm and on the weekends. Please indicate “In Use" on the sign on the door and change it to "Available" when you are done.
   
• Questions? If you have questions or concerns you may:
  • Go to any MCC Library service desk
  • Email [email protected], Subject Line: Lactation Space
  • Contact the Department Chair or anyone in Library Administration

Library Conduct

Revised 9/17

The Library is a shared area for study, research, learning assistance, and computer use. Please treat staff and fellow users with respect and courtesy. Ensuring a pleasant and productive environment for all users requires that each user of the facility follow these guidelines:

• Work areas (behind the Circulation and Reference desks, offices, etc.) are designated as Library Employee only unless otherwise invited. Library supplies, equipment and other resources may be shared with the college community, upon request, at the discretion of Library Employees.
• Student academic work takes precedence over all other use of these facilities.
• As a courtesy to others, please turn cell phones off or to vibrate. If you receive or place a call, please complete it in a study room or stairwell.
• No animals are allowed except service animals.
• Disruptive behavior or behavior that can be interpreted as creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment will not be tolerated.
• When listening to audio, please use headphones and keep the volume at a moderate level at which others cannot hear it.
• Please do not sit on tables or put feet on furniture.
• Mutilating library materials by marking, removing pages, removing binding, removing electronic theft devices or in any way injuring or defacing materials is not allowed. (ARS 13-1602)
• Patrons must wear shoes, shirts, and attire appropriate for a public place.
• Library areas may not be used for prolonged sleeping (beyond the usual short nap) or as living quarters. (A.R.S 13-2905 Loitering)
• Library users are responsible for personal belongings and should not leave textbooks, electronic devices, backpacks, and other valuable items unattended. Lost and found items may be claimed at Public Safety.
• Uncooperative violators of these policies, MCC Student Responsibilities, or MCCCD Administrative Regulations will be asked to leave the Library. If deemed necessary, College Safety Officers will be called for assistance. Library staff members are authorized to interpret and apply these rules of patron behavior as the situation warrants.
• The conduct of students, employees, and visitors at MCC is governed by the District's Administrative Regulations. For a full listing of Maricopa County Community College District administrative regulations please see: Library Users

Revised 6/17

• The students, faculty, staff and alumni of the Maricopa Community Colleges (MCCCD) are eligible for library borrower privileges. Residents of Maricopa County who are 18 years or older may request community borrower privileges.
• In order to borrow materials from the library, a library user must present a valid MCCCD photo ID, government issued photo ID, school photo ID, or credit card photo ID.
• For students, MCC Student ID cards serve as your library card. MCC Student ID cards are available in the Library, Building 11, at the Southern and Dobson campus, or at the Mesquite building inside Enrollment Services at the Red Mountain campus. Student ID cards from other MCCCD colleges are also accepted by the MCC Libraries for borrowing library materials.
• Residents of Maricopa County who are 18 years or older may register as community borrowers by obtaining an MEID (Maricopa Enterprise ID) at the Enrollment Center, building 39, at the Southern and Dobson campus, or at the Mesquite building inside Enrollment Services at the Red Mountain campus. A community borrower account will be created upon presentation of an MEID at the Library.
• Students no longer enrolled at a Maricopa Community Colleges are eligible for alumni borrowing privileges. An alumni account can be set up at the Library.
• MCC faculty, staff, and students may check out books from other MCCCD Libraries by presenting their MCC ID card at those Libraries. In all cases, the library user must abide by the guidelines and procedures of the lending library.

Library User Responsibilities

• Users must keep their email address and telephone number up-to-date to receive library notices. Student contact information can be updated using the Student Center app at https://www.maricopa.edu/students. Faculty, staff, alumni and community borrowers can notify the Library of any changes.
• Users are responsible for all borrowed materials. It is the user’s responsibility to keep track of library materials borrowed. Library cards and borrowed materials should never be loaned to others.
• Notices are e-mailed only as a courtesy reminder. The Library is not responsible for notices that do not reach the addressee. Failure to receive notices does not absolve borrowers of their responsibilities.
• Materials must be returned to the Library in the same physical condition as when they were checked out.

Library Patio Guidelines

Posted 9/25

The south-facing 3rd floor patio is open during all library hours. It is a student space only—no reservations or special events. Furniture must remain in place and may not be moved to other patios or areas. For reserving the President’s north-facing patio, contact the President’s Office. Library behavior rules apply. Smoking is not permitted.

Media

Revised 9/25

Faculty can request media purchases via the Material Request Form. All requests are reviewed against MCC Libraries collection development criteria. Film screenings for cultural programs or entertainment (with or without a fee) are copyright-protected and require a public performance license. Faculty may use DVDs in class, but streaming DVDs requires a proper streaming or digital rights license—consult a librarian for guidance. Streaming collections like Kanopy and Films on Demand include public performance rights for MCC students, staff, and faculty only if no admission or fees are charged.

Reflection Room

Revised 3/22

The Mesa Community College Library is committed to meeting the needs of students and employees. This includes ensuring the availability of a reflection space for quiet contemplation, meditation, reflection, or prayer located in room LB247. The room is available first-come, first-served without reservations. Different individuals and groups may occupy the room at the same time. Please refrain from any activities that could potentially distract from the serenity of this environment, including:

• food and drink
• conversation
• studying and electronic devices

Questioned Materials

Revised 9/25

See Questioned Materials for policies and procedures.

Silent Study Room

Revised 9/25

The silent study room is a designated quiet zone for individual study.  See Spaces & Bookdrops for additional areas in the Library.

Study Rooms Reservations & Use

Revised 04/26

See the MCC Libraries ThunderDibs page for full details.

• Reservations are required for all study rooms and are limited to currently enrolled Mesa Community College students.
• Rooms can be reserved or canceled through ThunderDibs using your MEID and password, either online or via mobile: tinyurl.com/MCCstudyrooms 
• Reservations may be made up to three weeks in advance, with a maximum of 16 hours per week.

Check-In & Availability

• Students must check in within 15 minutes of the reservation start time.
• Reservations not claimed within 15 minutes will be automatically canceled and made available to others.
• Personal items (e.g., backpacks) do not hold or reserve a room.

Appropriate Use

• Study rooms are for non-commercial, scholarly use only.
• Rooms may not be used for classes, meetings, seminars, or other organized events.
• Rooms are not soundproof; noise should be kept at an acceptable level.

Library Oversight & Responsibility

• Library employees may inspect study rooms at any time and remove unauthorized or prohibited items.
• The Library is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property.
• Unattended items may be removed and taken to Public Safety for retrieval.

General Guidelines

• Windows must remain unobstructed, and doors must be accessible at all times.
• Library materials and equipment must be removed from the room after use.
• All other applicable Library and College policies apply.

Technology Resources in MCC Libraries

Revised 9/25

Mesa Community College Libraries provides students and employees with access to technology resources consisting of computer software, workstations and peripherals, and local and wide area networks which include access to the Internet and electronic communications systems such as audio and video capability. The statements in this policy are all-inclusive and extend to all forms of technology resources available within the Libraries.

The primary use of electronic technology in the MCC Libraries is to access resources available in the Libraries’ electronic databases and through the Internet to perform research for academic purposes.

The MCC Libraries are not responsible for the materials found in the provided electronic resources, especially on the Internet, nor for the occurrence of information that might be considered offensive. The user is responsible for determining that the accessed information is acceptable, reliable, and suitable for their needs and complies with the policies and the guidelines established in this document.

Guidelines for Computer Use

The MCC Libraries endorses the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read statement of the American Library Association and, in doing so, does not practice censorship. The MCC Libraries adhere to the MCCCD Technology Resource Standards, which have been established for computers at all MCCCD campuses. The following Arizona Statutes are applicable to the above Conditions of Use:

ARS 13-2316

Damaging, destroying, or altering any computer or electronic equipment, software or data belonging to the Libraries, other persons or organizations, without authorization.

ARS 13-3501, 13-3506, 13-3507

Using the Libraries' electronic information resources for the public display of explicit sexual materials, or to view, access, download or copy items that are obscene or "harmful to minors."

Guidelines for Internet Use

No Internet sites are intentionally blocked. Users should be aware that the Internet is an unregulated information source. The MCC Libraries do not monitor and have no control over the information accessed and cannot be held responsible for the content, quality or accuracy of the information retrieved.

It is not acceptable to use the Internet access at MCC Libraries for business, illegal or abusive purposes, including, but not limited to:

• Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected materials in any format.
• Transmission of threatening, obscene, or harassing materials.
• Transmission of computer viruses.
• Unauthorized access to local and remote computer systems.
• Online games and/or chat.
• Violation of software license agreements.
• Conducting personal business activities.

Conditions of Use

• Use of MCC's Libraries' technology resources signifies that the user understands this policy and will comply with it in all aspects. Violations of these "Conditions of Use" may result in loss of library use and/or computer access privileges. Serious violations will be handled in accordance with appropriate disciplinary codes, laws and regulations.
• Users are expected to use the computer resources in an appropriate, ethical and legal manner. Any activity that violates local, state or federal laws, including copyright laws, is prohibited.
• Each user is entirely responsible for anything done through his/her account.
• Users must not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Libraries' network, computer systems or to any other network.
• Users must use earphones when accessing audio files.  A limited number of headphones are available for checkout at the Circulation Desk.
• Users will not change or modify hardware, software configurations, or install software on the computers.
• Users must take all reasonable precautions, including responsible password maintenance and file access protection measures to prevent use by unauthorized persons.
• Users are prohibited from accessing any chat sessions, including instant messaging or playing online games.
• Users may not send, receive, or display inappropriate materials that may reasonably be defined as obscene.
• Users may download or send data via email, if it is not deemed obscene. All data must be downloaded to a storage media. (Anything saved to the computer hard drive, including bookmarks, will be deleted.)
• Users are not allowed to upload any programs to the Libraries' computers.