The primary purpose of the Tidewater Community College libraries is to support the educational programs of the students of the College.

A secondary purpose of the libraries is to support the professional development of the faculty.

A third purpose of the libraries is the enhancement of the total educational facilities of the community, and adults of the community may patronize the libraries as public libraries.

Local residents of the surrounding areas may borrow materials from the libraries.

The LRC's circulation system is part of the VCCS-wide automated library system.  Related policies and procedures are posted on the LRC web page.  A faculty ID card is required to check out books.  ID cards may be obtained at each campus.  The campus dean of students provides the location of this office on each campus.

The purposes of the learning resources centers are as follows:

1. provide leadership and assistance in the development of effective instructional systems;
2. provide needed learning materials to students, faculty, and the community;
3. provide a qualified staff to serve the needs of students, faculty, and the community;
4. improve learning and encourage community service by providing facilities, resources, and service to faculty and students.

The learning resources centers consist of three areas:

1.  audiovisual,

2.  media resources, and

3.  library.

Go To LRC Website

The guidelines established for the selection of books and materials for the learning resources centers are set forth in the following college-wide selection policy.

It is the policy of Tidewater Community College, through its learning resources centers, to select books, media, and related materials that support:

1. aims and objectives of the college;
2. content of courses offered in the curricula of a given campus;
3. teaching methods of faculty members and other professional development materials;
4. special needs of students of a given campus, including leisure reading;
5. needs of the community of which the college is a part; and
6. professional development of faculty.

Learning resources materials are selected through a cooperative process, with participation and recommendations by librarians, media specialists, full-time and adjunct faculty, staff, and students.  The LRC collection development policy is posted on the LRC web page.

The responsibility for coordination of the selection of materials for the learning resources centers rests with the professionally trained learning resources personnel. Ultimate responsibility for overall selection and quality of learning resources materials on each campus rests with the Coordinator of Library Services.

Professional integrity and responsibility to the academic community permit the freedom to select from a wide spectrum of significant materials. Different opinions on controversial or partisan issues should be represented insofar as the educational objectives of the college are supported. Professionally prepared selection tools and guides will be consulted to determine the appropriateness and value of materials recommended for purchase.

The selection policy applies equally to all learning resources materials whether acquired by purchase, gift, or exchange.