Services & Policies
Library instruction
Navigating through all of the DCTC Library's information resources can be overwhelming. Our reference librarian, Barbara Tuttle, offers Library instruction sessions to show students how to efficiently and effectively find the information they need. The duration, location, and content of a Library instruction session depend on the instructor's specific needs.
To discuss or schedule a session, please contact Barbara Tuttle in person, at 651-423-8345, or at .
Interlibrary loan (ILL)
Items that are not available in the DCTC Library can be requested through interlibrary loan (ILL). You need a valid, activated DCTC ID card in order to submit ILL requests.
If you have questions about ILL, please contact Barbara Schuldt in person, at 651-423-8598, or at .
Course reserves
DCTC instructors may place items from the Library or from their own personal collections on reserve. Reserve items are kept behind the circulation desk and may be checked out for up to two hours. Students may not leave the Library with reserve items. By limiting check-out time for reserve items, every student gets a chance to use the material assigned by an instructor.
To place items on reserve, please contact Michael Kirby in person, at 651-423-8406, or at .
Suggestions for the collection
DCTC instructors may suggest books, audiovisual materials, or periodical subscriptions for purchase by the Library. Suggested titles must meet the Library's collection development criteria (currency, objectivity, cost, etc.).
If you would like to suggest a title for addition to our collection, please contact Mary Teske in person, at 651-423-8366, or at
Loan policies
Who can check out?
- Current DCTC students, faculty, and staff with a valid, activated ID
- Current MnSCU students, faculty, and staff with a valid, activated ID
- District #917 high school students with program instructor approval
- Dakota County residents (see a librarian for details)
How long can items be checked out?
- Books - three weeks
- Periodicals - one week
- Audiovisuals - three days (many may only be checked out by instructors)
- Newspapers, reference, and reserve items may not leave the Library
Please return items by the due date, either in the Library or through the after-hours book drop located outside the Library. The DCTC Library does not charge fines for late returns, but your patron record will remain blocked as long as you have overdue items. Overdue notices are sent ten days after an item becomes overdue and a second notice is sent ten days later if the item has still not been returned. The third notice will be a bill for the replacement of the non-returned item, plus processing fees. Your patron record will remain blocked and, if you are a student, you may not graduate or receive academic transcripts until you either return the item or pay the bill.
Mission statement
Our Library will provide informational resources to the students, faculty, and staff at DCTC and assist the users in locating and using these resources. Our goal is not only to support classroom instruction but also provide information and resources for students to complete assignments, and foster the development of the life-long skill of using Library tools to satisfy future information needs.