Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I log in? What is my Borrower ID and PIN?
A. To log in to the library databases, use your Library ID and your PIN. For students, your GCSC student ID is the eight-digit number found on your registration materials, your student ID card, grade sheet from a class, etc. For faculty and staff, your borrower ID is your eight-digit GCSC Employee ID as provided by Human Resources. Your PIN is your birthday in MMDD format.

For example, someone born on November 26 would use 1126. If you have difficulty logging in, contact a librarian at (850) 872-3893 or toll free (800) 311-3685 x5800. We will help you over the phone. However, we cannot provide you your GCSC ID# over the phone since we cannot verify your identity.

Q. How many items may I check out from the library?
A. A list of Library Privileges including borrower status, check-out periods, number of items and database access can be viewed at the bottom of the Services Overview page.

Q. How many items can I borrow through the mail at one time?
A. We limit your mailed items to three books. You may request up to five articles per day from periodicals we own or through ILL. See Library Privileges for more information about check-out periods.

Q. How do I request a hold be placed on a book?
A. To have the library hold a book for you, locate the item you need using the library catalog. Then click on the "Available at Gulf Coast/Panama City Circulation" link below the book information. A new web page will open with a request link located on the right side of the page. Click on request and then enter your Library ID (Student ID for students or Employee ID for faculty and staff) with your PIN. Your PIN is the MMDD of your birthday. After logging in, adjust the form dates or add notes as necessary then click on Go. We will hold the book for you at the circulation desk if it is not checked out. We will notify you when a book becomes available.

Q. How do I renew a book online?
A. To renew a book online, go to Library Catalog Search. Click on “Log In” on the top right corner of the page and log in using your Borrower ID and PIN. Then click “My Account.” Under “List of Active Loans,” click “Renew” on the right side of the items. Items already overdue cannot be renewed. You will need to return the overdue material and pay any fines, then you may check out the item again as long as no one has requested it. Interlibrary Loan material cannot be renewed online.  You will need to contact the circulation desk for this at 850-872-3893.

Q. Does the library have wireless internet connections? How do I get connected?
A. GCSC Campus has a wireless connection available throughout campus including the library. To get connected fill out the wireless form, bring it to the library and show your photo ID (any official ID will do), hand it in to a librarian at the reference desk and the IT department will email you your connection information.

Q. If the library does not have a copy of an article or book how can I get a copy?
A. Use our Interlibrary Loan service to request an article or book. You can find instructions on the ILL page. Please supply the title and author as accurately as possible to ensure we locate the correct materials for you.

Q. What is the Studio G and how do I sign up to use it?
A. The Studio G is a creative Collaboration Laboratory for use by Gulf Coast State College students, faculty and staff. It is a digital multi-media space in the library with room for six students and contains several software and hardware products to facilitate many types of multimedia projects. The room may be reserved for two hours at a time. To make a reservation, please complete this form.

Q. What is the Ask-a-Librarian service online?
A. Ask-a-Librarian is a private chat where you are connected with the librarian on the second floor of the campus library. The service is available while the library is open. If you do not get a response right away, try back in a few minutes or use email.

Q. How do I reach a librarian after hours?
A. If the library is closed you can leave an email for us via Ask-a-Librarian and we will respond to it as soon as the library opens again.

Q. How do I view course videos? What if Windows Media Player doesn’t work?
A. Course videos are on a streaming media server and while you can watch the videos online, they cannot be downloaded to your computer. If the videos will not play and you are using Windows 7 with Windows Media Center, it might be necessary to reverse the Media Center update.

Q. I have a MAC. Can I use wireless and view course videos?
A. Yes. Once you have a wireless account you will need to download a Windows Media Player for the Mac. This is a free download at the Flip4Mac website.

Q. Where can I find help with citations?
A. Help with citations including MLA, APA, Chicago and Turabian Styles can be found on the Citation Guides page. You can also set up a one-on-one consultation with a librarian if you would prefer more personalized assistance. To set up a consultation, please fill out a Consultation Request form.

Q. Can I fax in the Library?
A. Gulf Coast State College Library does not offer faxing services. This library guide will help you find local area merchants that offer faxing services and a list of websites that provide online faxing.