COVID-19 / Remote Library Services Guide

All library services (reference services, research help, interlibrary loan of journal articles, ordering materials for the Library collection, etc.) are still available remotely. Most library resources are already available online through Find It.

 

Because the library building isn't open to the public, we offer pickup service at several locations. Place a hold on books or DVDs 1-2 days in advance and you'll receive an email when they're available. If you would like assistance accessing these materials, please contact the Reference Desk at (541) 917-4645 or libref@linnbenton.edu.

 

See below for more information about laptop and hotspot requests and scanning.

Please use this form to request a library laptop, internet hotspot, or other library equipment. Requests will be first come/first served as inventory is limited. Please expect library staff to get back to you within one to two business days with information about pickup or referral to other college services that might help you procure the equipment that you need.

Request form

During Winter term, librarians will be available to help during the following hours:

Hours
Monday--Thursday 9:00 am -- 7:00 pm 
Fridays 11:00 am -- 3:00 pm
Saturdays and Sundays 11:00 am -- 3:00 pm

New! You can also make an appointment with a librarian.

• Can I check out a book?
• Can I print out materials for class?
• Can I stream a video for my students?
• Can I study on campus?
• How can I return my library materials?
• How do I access course reserves?
• Is Zoom secure?
• When are my books due?

During Winter term, the Student Help Desk (help with Moodle, Webrunner, Office365, etc.) is available the following hours:

Hours:
Monday -- Thursday 8:00 am -- 9:00 pm
Fridays 8:00 am -- 5:00 pm
Saturdays and Sundays 11:00 am -- 3:00 pm

Due to high volume, please expect up to one business day for callback or email response.
 

Library equipment is available to LBCC students on a first-come first-served basis. Our laptops and hotspots are primarily meant to fill a temporary need while you secure permanent access to equipment. We encourage you to visit the Roadrunner Resource Center to connect to community resources and LBCC emergency funds that may help you get ongoing access to technology. Please see the box below for more information on free or low-cost computers and internet service.

What you need to do to check out a library laptop or hotspot:

• Fill out the Equipment Request Form
• Wait for a library employee to contact you (usually within two days, Monday-Thursday) with information about pick-up. If you are not able to pickup the item, please let us know and we will discuss other options.
• Bring your photo ID to the designated pickup location after you have been informed that the item is available. 
• Return all equipment in working order by the end of this current term. Failure to return items or returning damaged items may result in being charged the full replacement cost, plus a $10 processing fee and accrued fines.

Please contact us by phone at (541) 917-4645 or email libref@linnbenton.edu if you have questions or are unable to fill out the request form.

Programs the provide free internet access:

• Comcast's Internet Essentials - Free for 60 days for qualified low-income families. Call 1-855-846-8376 for English or 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.
• Spectrum Broadband - Free for 60 days to households with a K-12 or college student who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription. Installation fees will be waived for these households as well. To enroll, call 1-844-488-8395

Programs that help pay for Internet access or provide it at a reduced price.

• Lifeline - a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet. Eligible customers will get up to $9.25 toward their bill. You can only use Lifeline for either phone or internet, but not both.
• everyoneon.org - offers broadband service to income-eligible families (for example, those that qualify for free or reduced school lunch, or who live in public housing) at a cost of around $10-12 per month (varies from state-to-state).
• A more comprehensive up-to-date list of programs is available from National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA).

• Computers with Causes - apply to receive a free computer
• PCs for People - offers refurbished low-cost computers that can be purchased online
• CTAC - Low-cost computers for people on public assistanc
• Free Geek - a Portland-based program that sells refurbished equipment online.
• everyoneon.org - Offers very low-cost laptops or desktops ($100-200).
• Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse (AFTRR) - has a map of non-profit refurbishers the US.
• OnIt Foundation - Another place to apply for a free computer, but must have a K-12 child

• You will most likely access Zoom through a link sent to you by your instructor, or made available from a support service like the Library. This short video shows you how to join Zoom from your computer or another internet-connected device.
• You can use Zoom on your computer or device or via a mobile app. Find out how to connect to Zoom with your device.
• If you don't have a smartphone, you can still participate in the audio portion of a Zoom conference through a regular phone. Learn how to join Zoom with a traditional phone.
• Here are some Student Tips for Participating in Online Learning.

• The World Health Organization
  A great source for worldwide information, including maps and travel information
• The Centers for Disease Control Coronavirus 2019
  Lots of practical advice for the workplace and home, including a list of products that fight the virus.
• Medline Plus Coronavirus Page
  Practical consumer information about symptoms, treatments, prevention, etc.
• Oregon Health Authority
  The most authoritative place to get information about the virus in Oregon. Sign up for email updates.
• Benton County Health Department
  County level information, including links to school districts.
• Oregonian's Coronavirus page
  If you are having trouble accessing any articles, try here or ask a librarian at 541-917-4645.
• New York Times Coronavirus page
  If you are having trouble accessing any articles, try here or ask a librarian at 541-917-4645.
• Coronavirus Research Database

We are offering pickup at the Albany (main) Campus and the Benton Center for books and DVDs from the circulating (stacks) collection. To access these materials, place a hold on the resource from your library account. You can also choose another library in the Linn Libraries Consortium as a pickup location.  You will be emailed when the items are available to pick up.  

Pick up / drop off at the Albany Campus.

• Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday.
• Location: Campus Store Central Point Pickup Location (CC-118, map below).

Pick up / drop off at the Benton Center.

• Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm Tuesday & Wednesday.
• Location: Go to the main door on the west side of the building and ring the doorbell.  If you need to make arrangements to pick-up on another day, call (541)757-8944 x5101.

• If you are using one of our partner libraries, you will need to follow the procedures that particular library has for pick-up of library resources.

This map shows the location at the Albany Campus.



 

For ongoing access to technology, please contact the Roadrunner Resource Center, who may be able to connect you with community resources or LBCC emergency funds.