Tutorials & QuickStart Guides

Library QuickStart Guides are designed to assist students with the most commonly requested Library services and information needs. Below you will find QuickStart Guides and tutorials that will assist you in doing your research. If you have any questions, please contact us at 434-832-7750 or library@cvcc.vccs.edu.

How do I find a book, video, or CD?

You can go to our Online Library Catalog by clicking here.

Tips on how to use the Online Library Catalog can be found in the QuickStart Guide -- Using the Online Library Catalog.

Click here to view this QuickStart Guide in PDF format.

Can I request a book be placed on hold?

Yes, this can be done electronically. Learn how by using the QuickStart Guide -- Placing Holds.

Click here to view this QuickStart Guide in PDF format.

How can I request a book during the library renovation, while all the books are in storage?

You can use our book retrieval service, Library Express. Learn how by using the QuickStart Guide -- Library Express Book Retrieval Service.

Click here to view this QuickStart Guide in PDF format.

Where’s all your stuff?

We have a webpage that you can use to access our databases, our catalog, and find other helpful sources. Its address is: www.cvcc.vccs.edu/Library/InformationReference.asp.

You can learn more about the library’s webpage by viewing the QuickStart Guide -- Library Information Reference Page.

Click here to view this QuickStart Guide in PDF format.

How do I use a database?

There are quite a number of databases that we have, but most of them have many things in common. We have tutorials of some of our most popular databases listed below.

Click here to view a tutorial of our Literature Databases.
Click here to view a tutorial of InfoTrac Onefile.
Click here to view a tutorial of Business & Company Resource Center.
Click here to view a tutorial of Health & Wellness Resource Center.
Click here to view a tutorial of Literature Resource Center.
Click here to view a tutorial of Opposing Viewpoints.

Can I access these databases from home?

Yes!!! To find out how, read the QuickStart Guide -- Off Campus Access to Electronic Library Resources.

Click here to view this QuickStart Guide in PDF format.

I didn’t find what I wanted or needed in your catalog. Can you get it for me?

Yes we can! It is a service called interlibrary loan or ILL. To find out how, read the QuickStart Guide -- Interlibrary Loan Service.

Click here to view this QuickStart Guide in PDF format.

I’m an online/distance student and need something in your catalog. Can you send it to me?

Of course!! To find out how you can request an item, see the QuickStart Guide -- Online/Distance Education Students: Requesting Library Materials.

Click here to view this QuickStart Guide in PDF format.

I’m a student at the Brookneal/Altavista/Bedford Center. Can you send me something from your collection?

Sure we can do that!! For the instructions to make such a request, see the QuickStart Guide -- Off Campus Center Students: Requesting Library Materials.