Quick Start Library Guide: For Students

The college no longer loans laptops or hotspots on a semester basis. 

All campus libraries have computer labs and access to printing and scanning during open building hours. Libraries have some devices available for short term loans.  Devices available for check-out vary by location.  Larger libraries have laptops, iPads, calculators, headphones, etc. but no hotspots. If you are currently enrolled, check with your campus library to see if they have a device available for a few hours or for a week.

Students who need help with technology skills such as devices, MS Office, Canvas, or other applications can request an appointment for help via Distance Tutoring Tech Support  

Libraries no longer have hotspots available for checkout.  You may be able to check out a hotspot from your local public library.  Here are the public library systems in our area that offer technology resources for their residents:

• Osceola County Library System: offers hotspots and Chromebooks, 14 day loans
• Orange County Library System: No hotspots available, but free public Wi-Fi at all branches and other technology resources available at Melrose Center
• Winter Park Library: Full service library card required (must be a City of Winter Park resident or pay $120 annual fee).
• Lake County: Hotspots available for specific library patrons only (including Tavares, Leesburg, and Mount Dora). Search the library catalog for specific options.

For Dual Enrollment Students

• Orange County Public Schools – provides free hotspots and 2GB of monthly data (discounted home cable internet is also available for families on free or reduced lunch)
• School District of Osceola County – hotspots may be available if you do not have internet at home. Please reach out to your school's Media Center to inquire about available options. 

Need help with research or have questions about the library in general? From learning how to spot fake news to citing your sources correctly, the library has videos and tutorials to help you with your research.

Quick Start: Searching the Library

To begin accessing our resources, start with the videos below:

Quick Start: Citing Sources

Quick Start: Research Guides

A research guide is an organized collection of resources that librarians, in conjunction with your professors, have created to highlight resources that will help you research your assignment. You can use a research guide to get background or in depth information related to your assignment.

• Downtown: DPAC, 2nd floor; (407) 235-3720 reference desk, (407) 582-3504 librarian's office
• East: Building 4, 2nd floor ; (407) 582-2459
• Lake Nona: Building 1, room 330; (407) 582-7107
• Osceola: Building 4, room 202; (407) 582-4155
• Poinciana: Building 1, room 331; (407) 582-6027
• West: Building 6; (407) 582-1574
• Winter Park: Building 1, room 140; (407) 582-6814

Want to brush up your library research skills? 

Research Workshops is a self-enrolling Canvas course that offers live Zoom sessions and self-paced modules to help you with your research assignments. Here's how it works:

• Follow the link below to join.
• Complete modules or attend live sessions.
• After each workshop, take a brief quiz.
• Earn digital badges to demonstrate that you have completed the training.

Questions About Library Accounts

Students with questions in regard to their library account; database access; fees and fines; holds on their registration; books, equipment or other items checked out currently; etc., can email libraryservice@valenciacollege.edu or call 407-582-2459.

Questions About Borrowed Materials & Equipment

Please return any materials and equipment you may have borrowed during the closure.  All fees and fines for library materials due during the closure will be waived.

Questions About Textbooks

The library does not sell textbooks. Textbooks can be purchased through the Campus Store. 

Questions About Interlibrary Loan / UBorrow

InterLibrary Loan Services provides access to library materials not owned by your campus library. All Valencia students, faculty and staff who are eligible to borrow materials from the Valencia library are eligible to use Interlibrary Loan services.

Questions About Technology Support

Students who need help with technology skills, such as Microsoft Office, devices, Canvas, or applications like YouTube can request an online appointment with a staff member in Learning Support.

Questions About Laptops

If you are enrolled in classes for the current semester, check with the library to see if a device is available for loan for a few hours or for a week.  You can also use computers and printers in the library.  

Questions About Hotspots

Libraries no longer have hotspots available for checkout.  You may be able to check out a hotspot from your local public library.

Questions About Graphing Calculators 

A limited number of calculators are available. If you live closer to the East Campus, click here for more information. If you live closer to the Osceola Campus, submit this form. You can also find free software online that mimics a graphing calculator--try searching Google for free graphing calculators. 

Questions About Tutoring 

Distance tutoring is available for all students. For more information, visit the Distance Tutoring page.

Questions About Quiet Study on Campus

Quiet study spaces are available in the library on campus in Fall 2022.

Questions About Degree Programs or Financial Aid

To contact an advisor, click here.