Library & Learning Center Services: About

Library and Learning Center Guidelines

• The Library and Learning Center are open only to Lone Star College students, faculty, and staff at this time.
• Students visiting the Learning Center are asked to sign in with the front desk before proceeding to a socially distanced space. No appointment is necessary.
• In accordance with college policies and to ensure the health and safety of all LSC students and employees, you must follow the Campus Rules and Safety Measures set forth by the college.
• Follow all posted signage.
• Practice "Safe 3" - maintain a distance of 3 feet from faculty, staff, and other students
• Exit the Library or Learning Center immediately after your business is concluded. 
• No food or drink allowed in the Library or Learning Center.
• No prolonged phone conversations in the Library or Learning Center.
• Students are responsible for cleaning any stations used (computer, copier, scanner) before and after use with the supplied cleaning wipes.

Study Spaces & Computers

The Learning Center has 30 socially-distanced study spaces, with computers, including two accessible computer stations. Students may book stations to use a computer, to use their own computer with access to WiFi, or as a space to study.

The Library has an additional 15 socially-distanced computer spaces.

Computers (Library and Learning Center)

All computer stations have the latest version of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) installed. Printing is available from all stations using the college print system. 

On the booking form, some computers are marked for specific purposes. Specialized computer stations are prioritized for users who require the programs particular to that station. For standard computer use, please try to book a general use computer unless none are available.

For instructions on how to reserve the computers and study spaces, see our instructions for How To Reserve a Computer.

Computers with WebCams (Learning Center)

The Learning Center has 4 computers equipped with Webcams that can be reserved by students needing access to a computer for completing online tests that require the lock-down browser and use of webcam for monitoring. 

You must be a Lone Star College Student and have a prearranged appointment to use this service.

Testing computers may only be used by students for testing purposes.

Rules for Computer Use

Only current Lone Star students may access Library and Learning Center computers at this time.

In the Library, you must have an appointment to use a computer. Students may make one appointment per day for up to a maximum of 2 hours. 

Learning Center computers are available for use without an appointment, but please sign in at the front desk.

Computer use is limited to educational or research functions, in accordance with LSC Computer Use Policy.

Research Assistance

Librarians are available to assist you with getting started with your research, planning research strategies, using library resources to find information, and citing your sources. Librarians are available online via chat and email or arrange a time to meet with a librarian online or in-person one on one.

Chat with a Librarian

Have a quick question like "How do I cite an article?" or "What database should I use?" or need to report a technical issue like a database not working, try Chat Reference. This service works a lot like many popular messaging services: chat via text messages with a librarian in real time. This service is staffed by librarians throughout the Lone Star College System during the following times:

Monday - Thursday: 8am - 6pm

This service requires a modern web browser like Firefox, Chrome, or Edge.

Email a Librarian

Have a more complicate question? Perhaps you need help developing a search strategy or you've tried several databases and you are still having trouble finding articles on your subject? Send an email to NH-AskALibrarian@lonestar.edu.

Hold on your account? Question about a book due date or late book fine? You can email these questions to the Library Circulation Department at nhc.circ@lonestar.edu.

Make sure to explain your issue in detail and a librarian from LSC-North Harris Library will reply to you with detailed instructions to help you with your problem.

Emails sent during the following times will usually get a reply within 30 minutes:

Monday - Thursday: 8am - 6pm

Emails sent outside those times will be replied to the next business day.

Meet with a Librarian

Have you tried Chat Reference and Email Reference and are still having trouble? Maybe you need someone to guide you through using a database or you'd like a librarian to review your works cited page? Schedule an appointment to meet with a librarian.

In-person Appointments

In-person librarian consultations will take place in the Library on the 3rd floor at a socially distanced research station and are limited to Library opening hours. 

Please come to the Reference Desk on the 3rd floor of the Library at the time of your appointment.

Online Appointments

Once you have scheduled an online appointment, you will receive a follow up email with a link to the Online Meeting. Please use this link at the time of your appointment to join the meeting.

Online appointments will use an online meeting program. Using this program, librarians can walk you through accessing various library services, providing instruction via audio while showing you by sharing images from their computer. Please visit our support page for information on the meeting software.

Student ID Cards

New student ID cards will be made for North Harris on-campus students in the Learning Center (ACAD 200).

Student IDs can be made at the following times:

Monday  8am-2:45pm

Tuesday  8am-5:45pm

Wednesday 8am-5:45pm

Thursday 8am-2:45pm

What to Bring with You for Your ID:

• a government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license or passport
• proof of current enrollment/payment from the Business Office

Please visit the Business Office (SSB-104) for this library slip before your appointment.

PLEASE NOTE: The Business Office has different hours from the Learning Center. Please visit the Business Office website for more information.

For questions, please contact the Circulation Team at nhc.circ@lonestar.edu.

Reserve Textbooks

While the Library does not have all textbooks, some textbooks are available for limited use within the Library. Reserve books cannot be taken from the Library. There is access to a scanner or a photocopier to make copies within copyright guidelines.

For questions about the Reserve Textbook collection and which titles are available,  please contact NH-AskALibrarian@lonestar.edu

Book Pickup

Need a physical Library Book? Request the book for pickup at the Library circulation desk

Book requests may take anywhere from several hours or days to fulfill, depending upon availability.

Steps to Requesting a Library Book:

1. Get Your Library Barcode
   • You will need a library barcode to checkout library books. 
   • If you have a Student ID card, this will be the 14-digit number on the back of your card.
   • If you have never had a Student ID card, request a library barcode number online by completing the Barcode Request Form.
2. Search the Library Catalog
   • Search the Library Catalog and find the book that you would like to request.
   • Not sure what you need? Need help looking for a book? Contact the Librarians via NH-AskALibrarian@lonestar.edu 
   • For information on using the Library Catalog, see our Video Tutorial
3. Place a hold for the book. 
   • Please note: Due to limited staffing and couriers between campuses, it may take longer for holds to be fulfilled. Please allow yourself plenty of time when requesting books.
   • Watch our Video Tutorial for instructions for placing a hold.
4. Pick Up Your Book
   • When your book is ready for pickup, you will receive an email to your LoneStar email address.
   • Come to the Library second floor circulation desk.
   • Be sure to bring your Student ID Card/Library Card or a government issued Photo ID (e.g. Driver's license, Texas State ID, or passport)
   • Let the person at the Desk know that you are picking up a book.

Returning Library Books

Library books can be returned to the Book Drop outside of the Library Building.