Library Guidelines

The mission of the Hudson County Community College (HCCC) Libraries is primarily to support the scholarship and research needs of HCCC students, faculty, and staff.

This statement covers the Libraries privileges and a code of conduct for patrons to provide an environment conducive to learning and research for the college community.

The HCCC Libraries, located on the Journal Square and North Hudson campuses, are open seven days a week. As hours vary during the academic year check the Libraries’ web site for current hours.  Students, faculty, staff, and alumni must possess a valid HCCC identification card. Students and faculty with a current NJCU or Saint Peter’s University ID card are permitted to use the resources of the Libraries. Hudson County residents must possess and display a valid library card from a Hudson County public library along with a current photo ID reflecting county residency.  In accordance with the College’s mission to serve the community, the following privileges are extended to residents:

• Use of books and magazines in the Libraries
• Access to designated computers and scanners with specified time limits
• Use of electronic subscription databases in the Libraries
• Reference help and guidance by library staff

The HCCC Libraries are meant to provide a quiet and non-disruptive study environment. NOTE: This list serves only to provide highlights from the College’s Code of Conduct, which is available at: https://library.hccc.edu/code-of-conduct/ The College’s Code of Conduct is in force in the Libraries at all times. The following code of conduct is expected from all library patrons:

• Conversations should be limited and kept to a soft whisper. Absolutely no talking is permitted in the “Quiet Rooms.” Quiet conversations are permitted in the Liberty Café area.
• Cell phones must be turned off and placed on mute or vibrate mode upon entering the Libraries. Cell phone conversations are only allowed in the lobby area outside the Libraries.
• Beverages in covered containers with lids are allowed in the Gabert Library.
• Food purchased in the Liberty Café may be consumed in the designated area of the café or taken out of the Gabert Library. Outside food may be brought into the Café.
• Food is not allowed in the North Hudson Library.
• Shoes or other footwear must be worn at all times in the Libraries.
• Computer terminal use must abide by the HCCC acceptable use policy.
• Personal belongings should not be left unattended.
• Inappropriate language or disorderly conduct is strictly forbidden.

• The Libraries have security and surveillance systems for your protection. If alarms sound follow the directives of the Libraries and Security staffs.
• The College reserves the right to inspect all bags upon entering or leaving the building.
• Computers, scanners, and printers are shut down 15 minutes before the Libraries close.
• The second floor of the Gabert Library closes 30 minutes before closing time.
• Group Study Rooms are only available to current HCCC students who are either small groups of students (2 or more) or individuals taking an online class where they have to speak, who are being interviewed virtually, or who are taking an exam. Reservations can be made up to seven (7) days in advance. Rooms can be checked out for up to two (2) hours per group per day. Due to the popularity of the rooms and the limited number available, renewals are not available. At ten (10) minutes past your reservation time, the reservation will be canceled. You will need your HCCC ID with the current semester’s sticker to check out your room.
• The Prayer/Meditation room is for prayer or meditation only.
• The Makerspace is available for student use only when library staff is present.
• Access to printing is limited to HCCC students.
• Children under the age of 16 are permitted in the Libraries, but must be supervised by a caregiver at all times. Children are not permitted to use library computers.
• Loitering is prohibited. Anyone asked to leave the Libraries by Security must comply.

• The Libraries reserve the right to terminate a computer session at any time.

The Libraries policies are available online at https://library.hccc.edu/guidelines Policies are also posted in the Libraries.