Welcome to our Library 

Mission College Library

Search for books, e-books, videos, articles, digital media, and more (OneSearch & research databases)

To find information sources for your research projects use OneSearch or the individual research databases listed on the Research Databases page.

A research database is an online searchable collection of information such as articles, ebooks, streaming films and videos, and reference materials. The Library subscribers to over 50 different research databases, many are subject specific, while others include only one type of source, such as streaming films or newspaper articles.

OneSearch searches the library's physical resources (print books, calculators, etc.) plus most (but not all) of the library's research databases. For a list of databases not included in OneSearch, go to the About OneSearch guide.

OneSearch can make research quick and convenient, but there are times when an individual database is more appropriate for your research. If you are having trouble finding relevant results in OneSearch, you may want to search an individual database instead.

Textbooks at the Library

The Library has many of the textbooks used in courses at Mission College for check out, but not all of them. Quantities are limited. Textbooks cannot be put on hold/requested online. Items are checked out in person on a first come, first served basis.

There are two collections of textbooks at the Library:

Textbook & Instructor Reserves is a collection of textbooks and material on reserve for two hour check out. Ask for them at the Check Out Desk by providing the call number (available from OneSearch). 

SemesterText is a collection of textbooks and graphing calculators available for semester long check out. Checkout starts the first day of the semester, and all checked out items are due back the last day of the semester. Go to the SemesterText page for more information and to see a list of the textbooks available.

To see if your textbook is available at the Library, conduct a textbook search in OneSearch. 

 

How to find, reserve/hold, renew, and return library material

For questions regarding checked-out materials, fines, and reserves/holds, email mc.circ@wvm.edu, or call (408) 855-5150 during open hours.

Find more answers to your questions on the Library's Question & Answer page.

Whom to contact about checked out materials, fines, and reserves/holds

For questions regarding checked-out materials, fines, and reserves/holds, email mc.circ@wvm.edu, or call (408) 855-5150 during open hours.

How to contact a librarian for research help

For research assistance, help using the Library databases, or help locating items in the Library:

  • Stop by or call the Information Desk (408-855-5169) during open hours.
  • Use the Live Chat/Zoom button, available on the right sidebar, during online hours (Live Chat/Zoom is not available during winter session).
  • Use the Research Help Request Form any time to request assistance and a librarian will respond during open hours.
  • Schedule a one-on-one 30 minute research session with a librarian (appointments are not available during winter and summer sessions). In person and Zoom sessions available. 

Open and online hours are listed on the right sidebar of all Library web pages.

Research guides & handouts

The Research Guides Portal provides subject specific guides and handouts to help with research in a specific discipline or on a specific topic. It includes a comprehensive guide to "The Five Steps to Writing a Research Project."

The Library offers a series of short videos to help students get started with using the Library resources for research. They include information on where to start your research, finding articles through OneSearch, finding articles in the Library databases, and creating citations.

NoodleTools & citing sources

The Library's Citing Sources guide includes style guides for MLA, APA, etc., tips for avoiding plagiarism, and information on how to access and use the citation creation tool, NoodleTools.

Digital magazines

The Library subscribes to over 50 digital magazines you can read on your computer or mobile device. Go to the Flipster page to browse available magazines or click on a magazine below to go directly to it. For a list of available magazines, go to the Flipster Title List.

Flipster has a mobile app for Apple devices, Android devices, and side-loaded to Kindle Fire Tablets. Once you download the app, select Mission College as your library. If you are off campus you will be prompted to sign in with your Mission email and password.

Browse the full collection of magazine titles
Digital subscriptions to the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal

Mission College students have free access to the digital versions of the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Go to the guides below for information on how to register for a free subscription.

New York Times Digital Access

The Wall Street Journal Digital Access

Digital access to the SJ Mercury News and SF Chronicle

The Library subscribes to NewsBank: Access World News Research Collection which offers extensive coverage and differing viewpoints from global, national, regional and local news sources, including image versions of the San Jose Mercury News and San Francisco Chronicle. 

Online journals list

Find out if a specific magazine or journal is available in one of Mission College Library's databases by searching the Journals List in OneSearch. 

Credo Instruct - InfoLit modules

Credo videos, tutorials and quizzes are designed to give you a foundation in information literacy and critical thinking. Learn why information literacy skills matter, how to get started with research, understand the process, narrow a topic, write a thesis statement, avoid plagiarism and much more.

Study space and computers

The Library provides study space for student use. Collaborative study space is available in the main Library and room 105. Quiet study space is available in rooms 116 and 117.

The Library has two computer labs with PC computers for student use; room 101 is for collaborative computer work and room 118 is for quiet computer work. In addition, there are three computer stations in the main Library. All computers include Internet access, Microsoft Office programs (Work, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access), and allow printing. Refer to the  Library Services, Policies, and Guidelines Manual: Public Computers for additional information.

Equipment available for check out

The Library has a variety of equipment and anatomy models available for check out.

Anatomy Models
The Library has 23 different anatomy models available to use in the Library or the Library's Collaboration room (BT-105). The models are on display on the top of the bookshelves in BT106. If a model has detachable parts, they are available at the Check Out Desk.
 
Calculators
The Library has several different styles of scientific and graphing calculators available for three week check out. Ask for them at the Check Out Desk. There are also graphing calculators available through the SemesterText Program.
 
External DVD Drives
The Library has 5 external DVD Drives available for three week check out. Ask for them at the Check Out Desk.
 
Headphones
Headphones for computers are available to check out for all day use. Antibacterial cleaning wipes will be dispensed with Library headphones when available. Ask for them at the Check Out Desk. As a courtesy, headphones are available for Library visitors who are not students or employees in the District to use while in the Library.
 
Phone Chargers
Phone wall chargers for iPhones and Android phones are available to check out for all day use. Ask for them at the Check Out Desk. 
 

Prentice Hall Molecular Model Set for Organic Chemistry
Molecular models sets are available for 2-hour check out. They are part of the Textbook Reserves Collection. Ask for them at the Check Out Desk by providing the following call number: QD257.P74 1984. Each set includes 66 spheres, 96 bonding links, 1 short link remover tool.

Webcams
Webcams are available to check out for all day use. Ask for them at the Check Out Desk.

Whiteboard Markers and Erasers
Whiteboard markers and erasers are available to check out for all day use. Ask for them at the Check Out Desk.

Wireless Mouse
Wireless mice are available to check out for three weeks. Ask for them at the Check Out Desk.

Links to other area libraries

Find books and other material at local libraries in Santa Clara County. To obtain a print or online resource from these libraries listed, you must have a current library membership to that library system.

Santa Clara County Public Library

Santa Clara City Library

San Jose Public Library

Sunnyvale Public Library