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Faculty Guide: Library & Learning Center Services

How does the Library decide what to purchase?

The North Harris Library follows the Lone Star College Library System Collection Development Policy regarding the addition of materials to the library collection. The liaison librarian for each division is responsible for collecting materials in their subject areas. The primary purpose of the library collection is to support the curriculum, promote scholarship and supplement area library resources. Librarians consider relevancy to courses taught at North Harris, content level, and format when evaluating new material. Textbooks currently used for classes and consumable materials such as lab manuals and workbooks generally will not be considered for the library collection. Faculty recommendations are appreciated and encouraged.

North Harris Library Collections

General Library Collection

The majority of the North Harris Library collection consists of books that support the curriculum and courses taught at LSC-North Harris. There are two major categories for library materials: Circulating, or items that can be checked out, and Reference, or items that must be used within the library. Our book collection is arranged using Library of Congress classification and is located on the 2nd floor of the Library. In addition to books, the library also has a smaller collection of DVDs and audiobooks. These are interfiled by subject area in the general library stacks. 

Separate distinct collections also in the Library Collection:

  • ESOL Collection - materials in support of ESOL classes including books on grammar, writing, pronunciation and simplified fiction
  • Leisure Reading Collection- books intended for non-academic reading, including popular genre fiction and bestsellers; purpose is to promote reading and literacy among the college community
  • Legal Reference- primary source law materials in support of Paralegal Studies department
  • College & Career Collection - materials about study skills and succeeding in college as well as career information on resumes and interviews. (This collection is located in the Learning Center, ACAD 200).

You can search the Library Collection by using the Library Catalog.

E-books

The Library subscribes to several different e-book platforms. 

Government Documents

FDLP logo​LSC-North Harris Library is a congressionally designated depository for U.S. Government documents. Our library has participated in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) since 1974 as a selective depository, collecting a variety of physical and electronic government documents. As of August 2016, we transitioned to be a digital depository. 

The U.S. Government offers free access to a variety of resources online. Visit our Government Information Guide for more information.

Research Databases

LSCS Libraries provide access to a large collection of research databases to support students in research. For off-campus access to library resources, enter your 14-digit library card number (back of LSC ID) or login using your myLoneStar username and password.

Decisions regarding database subscriptions are determined by the LSCS Libraries Database Committee and approved by the Library Executive Council.

 

Streaming Video

The Library provides access to three major streaming video platforms to support research and instruction. All platforms support embedding in D2L. 

  • Academic Video Online: Premium: full-length videos on various topics, documentaries, instructional materials and limited historical news reports
  • Films on Demand: high-quality, educational streaming video from companies such as Films for the Humanities, BBC, and PBS
  • Kanopy: classic cinema, independent films, and top documentaries in streaming video

Faculty Recommendations

Faculty recommendations for library materials are highly appreciated and encouraged.

To suggest materials for addition to the collection, please reach out to your liaison librarian  or fill out the Library Materials Recommendation Form.