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Library Guidelines and Policies: Guidelines and Policies

This page provides the purpose, criteria, and procedures we follow for purchasing and deselecting library materials. Additional documentation on our gift policy.

Library Purpose

The purpose of Houff Library is to support the education goals of Blue Ridge Community College students, faculty, and staff by providing access to a variety of informational resources and promoting the understanding of effective ways to use these resources.

Check out our guide on Houff Library Resources and Services for more information on all the resources and services available to you.

Library Operations & Contact Information

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Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. 
Friday: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Always check the Library Homepage for current hours and information on any holiday closings. 

The online library is always open! Ebooks, online articles, digital media, and course research guides are available at brcc.edu/library. If you are off-campus, you will need to sign in using your myBRCC login credentials. You can find more information about off-campus access on our website. 

Contact us at ​(540) 453-2247 or library@brcc.edu or stop by G236/2nd Floor Houff Student Center.

Need help? Ask a librarian! Options include a live chat 24/7.

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Cell Phone Use

To provide an optimum environment for the library, we ask students to turn off ringers to their mobile devices. Phone conversations are allowed if kept to a whisper. Cell phone conversations are not permitted in the Quiet Zone area of the library.

Who can use the library?

Anyone may use the Houff Library! As a community service, the Houff Library is open to the public free of charge. Access to technology resources and the circulation of library materials requires a BRCC ID or BRCC library card. For more information on acquiring an ID as a student or community member, please see our guide on Houff Library Resources and Services.

Tobacco Use in Library

Per college policy, use of tobacco in any form, including chewing tobacco and vapor cigarettes, is prohibited on campus, except in outdoor designated areas.

Food and Drink in the Library

Houff Library is committed to providing a comfortable, clean, safe environment for all of our patrons. 

  • Eating at tables and general seating areas is permitted in the library.
  • We ask that no food be eaten while using the library computers or at the computer workstation areas.
  • Drinks in sturdy, closed containers are permitted.
  • If you have a spill of any nature, please inform the staff at the information desk.

Need Help?

There are several ways to contact librarians for assistance:

 Visit us in G236/2nd Floor Houff Student Center

 Email at: library@brcc.edu

 Call Us: (540) 453-2247

Link to Blue Ridge CC directory Use the Library Directory to connect with a specific librarian 

 Use EAB Navigate to schedule a 30 minute, one-on-one meeting with one of our librarians 

Need help with something after-hours? Visit the Ask a Librarian page! Options include a live chat with 24/7 access to a librarian who can help you. 

Link to Ask a Librarian service