The Seattle Community College District Libraries strive to meet the special information needs of students enrolled in distance learning programs through Central, North and South campuses. Via the Internet, distance learning students have access to selected library databases and the library catalog. Students and faculty involved in distance learning classes may contact their campus reference librarians for information about various services which support the instructional and research needs of distance learning classes.

Your Research Passport

Your Research Passport is an interactive tutorial that provides students, faculty, and staff with instruction in the use of library and information resources. This tutorial is accessible to all users, including those with limited computer skills or low bandwidth access to the Internet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I search the Library catalog from home?
The library catalog lists books, videos, audio cassettes, compact discs and other materials owned by the Seattle Community College libraries at North, South and Central campuses. The library catalog can be used from any computer on the campus network, as well as from your home, office or classroom. Materials from any of the three campus libraries can be requested through The library catalog and placed on hold at one of the three campus libraries.
Search the Library Catalog [http://library.sccd.ctc.edu/]

How do I check out books?
Any distance learning student enrolled through the Seattle Community College District may check out books in person at any of the three campus libraries. You will need a valid student ID or other proof of enrollment. At this time books can not be mailed to students; however, many community colleges throughout the State of Washington extend borrowing privileges to SCCD students. (For more information on which colleges extend borrowing privileges please see your reference librarian)
If you live outside the State of Washington, your public library may be able to assist you in obtaining material in your area. We are happy to help you make this connection.

How do I search for magazine articles?
The Seattle Community College Libraries provide on-line access to a variety of databases. Many of these databases allow a user to search for and retrieve full text articles from magazines, journals , newspapers and on-line resources. Many of these databases can be accessed from a home or office as well as the campus Library. Access to these databases is available to all currently registered Seattle Community College students, and faculty and staff of the Seattle Community College District.

Library Databases
Databases available off-campus are listed below. To access from off-campus, you will need to enter your student ID# and last name. Select your campus to find out which databases are available to you.

North Seattle Database List | Seattle Central Database List | South Seattle Database List

Is there a library near me?
If you live in the United States, it is likely that there is a library somewhere near you. If you live in the City of Seattle you have access to the Seattle Public Library and its 26 branch libraries located throughout the city. King county residents including Seattle, have access to the King County Library System comprised of 40 branches throughout King county. Students outside of these areas can find their nearest public library through the Washington State Library Association. http://wlo.statelib.wa.gov/libsearch.cfm

Students outside of the State of Washington are welcome to contact one of the libraries of the Seattle Community Colleges if they need help.

Although your local public library may not have access to all the same materials available at a college library, many can help you to obtain materials through Interlibrary Loan, the borrowing of materials from other libraries.

What do I do if I have a reference question?
The librarians at the Seattle Community Colleges are happy to assist you with any of your reference needs. Questions may be asked via the web page Ask-a-Question feature. Short factual answers are easily provided via email or the telephone, however for more complex questions you may be referred to a campus library or your local public library.

I am teaching a Distance Learning class and I want my students to use the library any suggestions?
We are happy to assist faculty in promoting the Library to their distance learning students. Please contact your campus reference librarian for more information on services we can provide you.