Research Resources
There are many resources available to you as an online student. In addition to the regular services offered on campus, you may also access many services online. It is our hope that in the near future many more student services will be available on line. Some of the more important resources available to you as an online student are listed below. The library in particular has many wonderful research tools available through the Internet.
Reference Help
If you have questions about how to begin your research, please call or email the reference librarian. Call 434.961.5309 when the library is open (8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday) or you may email to reference@pvcc.edu. Except on Sundays and holidays, you may expect a response in 24 hours.
Note: these hours may change from semester to semester or during holidays. Please check the library internet site to confirm hours.
Remote Access to Restricted Databases
Restricted databases, such as InfoTrac, SIRS and FirstSearch are available to currently enrolled students, faculty and staff members. For off-campus access you will need to perform a one-time set up; directions are available at Remote Access Instructions. If you have problems, you may call the number listed on that page for assistance.
Mail Services
Materials may be mailed to students currently enrolled in a PVCC distance education course who live outside our service area. The service area includes the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson, the northern part of Buckingham County and the City of Charlottesville. If you call 434.961.5308, a library card will be made for you. Books and journals owned by the library will be mailed to you. Books must be returned in the postage-paid return mailers, but photocopies are yours to keep. If you live within the service area, you will need to visit the library to receive a card and to check out books.
Interlibrary Loan
If you need books or articles in journals the library does not own, you may request them through interlibrary loan. The request may be made through the online Interlibrary Loan Request. When material you request is received at the library, it will be mailed to you if you live outside the service area (see the paragraph above to see if you are in the service area). Books must be returned in the postage-paid return mailers, but photocopies are yours to keep. If you live within the service area, you will receive a call or email to let you know the material is ready for you to pick up. Interlibrary loans may take a week or more to complete, so begin your research early.
Services Requiring a Visit
Services which require a visit to the library are the use of reference materials (including the literary criticism series), materials on reserve and videotapes.
Learning Center
PVCC's Learning Center is the tutoring and testing area of the college. It also provides support services to special-needs students and a variety of services to faculty. Peer tutors are available free of charge on a walk-in basis. Please call the Learning Center at 434.961.5320 for a tutoring schedule. Hours vary by semester but tutors for the most requested subjects, such as math and writing, are available for part of every day.
Testing
As a distance learning student, you may be required to take your exam in the Learning Center. Your instructor will advise you with the specifics of the process. If distance impedes you from visiting the PVCC campus for proctored testing, your instructor can assist you with establishing another alternative proctored testing site.
Hours
The Learning Center hours vary from semester to semester or during holidays. Please check the Learning Center website to confirm hours or call 434.961.5320.
You're on the home stretch now! As the last part of your orientation, let's find out how to get help when you run into a problem...
