Libraries and Learning Technology

The mission of SCC's libraries is to partner in the educational process to:

• Provide the appropriate academic support for students, as well as faculty and staff members.
• Interact with and engage users in the research process.
• Encourage lifelong learning.

To ensure the most options in expediency and library services, SCC holds memberships with the:

• Online Computer Library Center
• Southeastern Library Network
• American Library Association
• Florida Library Association College Center for Library Automation and LINCC
• Central Florida Library Cooperative

Library Resources and Services

• Full-service library facilities are located on the Sanford/Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs and Oviedo Campuses. Library services are also available at the Heathrow Campus with abbreviated hours of service.
• The Library Information Network for Community Colleges (LINCC) online catalog includes research databases that provide full-text articles from more than 12,000 periodicals in more than 90 electronic databases. Dedicated Internet-ready computers are available for students in all SCC libraries to support their research needs.
• Through SCC's online virtual library, users can access online library research catalogs, full-text periodical databases, numerous indexes, encyclopedias, e-books and audio books. Users can e-mail a librarian request materials to be reserved or loaned online and receive assistance in writing papers and working on class assignments. SCC's professional librarians and support staff are available to assist students in finding and implementing print and electronic resources and instruct users on how to properly use the libraries' electronic resources.
• Library information literacy skills instruction is also available for class and individual use. These self-paced tutorials on conducting general or subject area research may be found at SCC's libraries or on the library's Web site. Streaming video on how to use the LINCC catalog and other research services may also be found online.
• There are 120,000 books, periodicals (journals, magazines and newspapers), audio/visual media and other resources to meet the needs of users for research, coursework and recreational reading in our campus libraries. There are over 400 periodical titles in paper, microform and electronic formats, and thousands of electronic periodicals are available through LINCC. The Sanford/Lake Mary Campus library subscribes to a number of international print newspapers, and all SCC libraries subscribe to selected Spanish-language periodicals.
• Personal computers for Web research are available for student use at no charge. Printing is available for a nominal fee. All SCC libraries are equipped with Wi-Fi, and laptop computers may be requested at the circulation desks for intra-library use.
• SCC's CTS Department maintains an open computer lab within the Sanford/Lake Mary library to support students as they complete their coursework. Students may use multimedia materials reserved for class support and enhancement in the libraries' listening/viewing areas. Media resources are listed in LINCC online catalog, and circulation section staff members are happy to assist students in using the catalog.
• Media equipment is not loaned to students or non-college groups. Students may request A/V equipment for classroom use or presentations through their course instructor.
• Partnering with other area libraries, SCC's libraries provide an interlibrary loan service. Books and periodical articles that are not part of the SCC library's collection may be borrowed from other libraries. Campuswide borrowing between all SCC libraries is also available. Students, as well as faculty and staff members, may check out books from the library, but periodicals are not loaned and must be used or photocopied in the library; microforms must be electronically transferred to a home PC from within the library.
• Students, as well as faculty and staff members, have reciprocal library borrowing privileges at all state community college and university libraries in Florida.
• Seminole County residents are welcome to use SCC's library resources in-house but may not borrow library materials.

Distance Learning

Distance learning (DL) students are provided with learning opportunities outside of the traditional classroom setting. Through the use of different technologies, SCC offers online courses its Associate in Arts and the Associate in Science degree programs. Depending on students' program requirements, they may be able to complete many of the required courses or even entire degree programs via DL.

Online courses rely on e-mail, bulletin board discussions, chat, whiteboard and other Web tools for interaction between students and instructors. Course delivery, assignments and testing are all conducted over the Internet, although some instructors may require a proctored midterm or final exam.

SCC also offers online/campus courses, which combine a reduced number of on-campus class meetings with online instruction.

To take an online or online/campus, students must have reliable access to a computer with an Internet connection and be familiar with Web browsing.

In addition to online courses, SCC offers some video/Web courses. Most of the video/Web courses require on-campus orientation and proctored testing; however, requirements may vary, depending on the course and instructor. Students can view the course videos at one of the campus libraries, or they may purchase their own set of programs. Purchase information is provided by instructors, or students may refer to the the Distance Learning home page for more information.

Good time-management skills, motivation and self-discipline are essential for success in a distance learning environment. SCC recommends that students speak with an academic counselor before registering for a DL course. Students are encouraged to review the Successful Distance Learning Skills Survey to help them determine if this mode of instruction is suited to their learning style.

For more information on hardware, software and DL course requirements, term schedules, course links, self-assessment and student support. review the SCC course schedule or visit the Distance Learning home page.

Did you know?

Seminole State's healthcare and paralegal programs are nationally accredited.