Library Information


Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have textbooks for my classes?
How do I get a Library Card?
Do you have word processing on the Library computers?
How does printing/copying work in the Library?
What’s my OCC ID and password?
Do you have wireless internet?
How can I find a good topic for a research paper?
How do I find books?
How do I get a book from another campus? Other libraries?
How can I find articles on a topic?
How do I find scholarly articles?
How do I cite sources in MLA or APA format?
How can I save my information to a disk (thumb drive, cd)?
Do I have to sign-in to use to use a library computer?
Still have a question?


Do you have textbooks for my classes?
As a general rule, the OCC Libraries do not own copies of your current textbooks. Your instructor may have placed a copy on Course Reserve in your campus library. Check the “Reserve” tab in the Library Catalog. See the OCC Bookstore to learn which books are required for your courses.  See the full Library Textbook Policy.

How do I get a Library Card?
Go to the nearest campus library Circulation Desk. If you are applying early in a semester, take your registration receipt. A Library Card lets you check materials out of the library, renew books online, and request items from another campus.

Do you have word processing on the Library computers?
Yes, all campus libraries have MS Office Suite 2007, including MS Word 2007.

How does printing/copying work in the Library?
Printing from computers:  Each student receives $15.00 every semester for printing from the computers. The system is cardless. To use, do the usual print command and a popup will ask you for a password. Insert your OCC online services ID/PW (same one you use for registration or checking your grades). For each page printed, 10 cents will be deducted from your account.
Photocopying: To make photocopies in a campus library, the charge is 10 cents per page. A dark green card is purchased for $1 (50cents for the card, 50 cents for copies) from a card "pay station". You can add more value onto the card as needed. 

What’s my OCC ID and password?
The OCC ID/PW is required to view articles from home, to use your internet printing account, and for OCC functions like registering for classes or checking your grades.

See the College’s Online Services page to see how to set up a new ID/PW or request a password reset. If you need to have your password reset, check with Library staff as they may be able to assist you. Bring an official picture ID, such as a driver’s license.

There is also a Student Technical Helpdesk available for OCC students.

Do you have wireless internet?
Yes, all the OCC campus libraries have wireless access.  Click on the campus to see wireless access point locations:
    Auburn Hills Campus Map of Wireless Access Points
    Highland Lakes Campus Map of Wireless Access Points
    Orchard Ridge Campus Map of Wireless Access Points
    Royal Oak Campus Map of Wireless Access Points
    Southfield Campus Map of Wireless Access Points

How can I find a good topic for a research paper?
CQ Researcher or Points of View, two of our databases, provide a fast way to get ideas for contemporary topics. To locate them, go to the Library’s Finding Articles/Databases web pages and look under the heading “General”.

How do I find books?
Books are located by searching the Library Catalog, the first link on the Library website. For help locating a book on the shelf, ask a Librarian. To learn how to search the Library Catalog, see the online tutorial, SearchPath, module #3 “Using the Library Catalog”, or click on “help” while in the Catalog.

How do I get a book from another campus? Other libraries?
If you have found a book in the Library Catalog that is owned by another campus, you can easily request it. Just click the “Request Item” button. Then enter you library barcode number (on your library card), choose a campus for pickup, and enter your email address so that we can notify you when your book arrives. To request books from outside of OCC, see Interlibrary Loan.

How can I find articles on a topic?
Start by choosing one of our online databases, and then choose to do a subject search. Most of our databases contain thousands of full text (entire) articles. They’re free to OCC students and staff! See the “Finding Articles” page from the Library Home.

Uncertain about which database to use? Try MultiSearch, which is also on the Finding Articles pages, and pick a broad subject category. It will tell you how many results come up for each database.

To learn more about searching for articles, complete the online tutorial, SearchPath, module #4 “Finding Articles in a Research Database”.
If you are at home, use your OCC ID and password to login.

How do I find scholarly articles?
“Peer-reviewed” articles are considered scholarly. Often our databases have an option to limit searches to these scholarly articles. Check the limit box (“to peer-reviewed publications” or “Scholarly (Peer Reviewed) Journals” ) on the search page and continue your search. For help, ask a Librarian.

How do I cite sources in MLA or APA format?
Check out “How to cite sources”. For examples of MLA citations for electronic sources at OCC, see http://www.oaklandcc.edu/Library/documents/MLAOCCexamples.pdf .  For examples of APA citations for electronic sources at OCC, see http://www.oaklandcc.edu/library/apa_occ.asp.

How can I save my information to a disk (thumb drive, cd)?
It depends on the brand of disk you are using, but these links may help: For downloading onto a flashdrive
For downloading onto a CD/DVD disc, it will require a program on your PC, like Sonic.

Do I have to sign-in to use to use a library computer?
The Libraries do not require signing-in to use a computer. It is on a first-come, first-served basis. In case the computers are all in use, priority will be given to OCC students who are working on OCC assignments. For more information, see OCC Library Internet Policy.

Still have a question?
Please contact us.



Last updated: 10/09