TCA College Library offers a diverse collection of print, multimedia, and electronic resources to support teaching, learning and research. The print collection includes books, journals, theses, and dissertations, while the multimedia collection features music recordings, documentaries, and instructional videos. Electronic resources include curated ebook collections with perpetual access to key titles, as well as membership in the Digital Theological Library (DTL). The DTL is a comprehensive online research library that provides access to millions of ebooks, e-journal articles, and other resources, with a strong focus on religious, biblical, and theological studies, as well as resources in psychology, counseling, and related fields.
The collection is managed through an integrated library system that enables users to search the online catalog and manage their library accounts remotely. The Library also provides computer workstations, Wi-Fi access, printing facilities, and various user services to meet the information and research needs of its patrons.
User Services
Reference Services cover all functions employed to meet the information needs of users (in person, by telephone, or electronically), including but not limited to providing answers to specific questions, instructing users in the selection and use of appropriate tools and techniques in finding information, conducting searches on behalf of the users, directing users to the location of library resources, and referring users to resource outside the library when appropriate (Reitz, 2007). It may also mean teaching the use of the library so that users can find information for themselves (Librarian’s Manual, 2008).
Instructional Services aim to equip library users with skills necessary to locate, evaluate and use information. The most common form of these services is Library Orientation which is regularly scheduled at the beginning of each term. It is intended to help new students become familiar with the library collection, services and facilities. Important information like opening hours, loan rules, access to and use of online catalog and electronic resources are given emphasis during Orientation. Another common form of Instructional Services is one-on-one tutorial. Individual users may approach the library staff for instruction on how to access or use a specific library collection, service, or facility. The Library also provides online research guides, user videos, and tutorials on different information tools and resources.
Circulation Services include all functions involved in borrowing and returning of library materials. It covers loan services, library notices and reserve items. Loan Services include loan entitlements and loan rules of the different groups of library users. Library Notices are reminders or notifications of due dates of borrowed materials and availability of items reserved. Notices are sent by email to library members. Reserve Items are either Course Reserve or Special Loan items that have been set aside by lecturers for specific classes. These items have shorter loan periods.
- Other Services
- Printing Service
- Photocopying Service
- Electronic Document Delivery for Fully Online Students