The Computer Lab and the WRAC Center: The Transition Begins

If you are wondering what is going on at the mezzanine--the computer lab is still open--it is now available in the center of the mezzanine near the Audio Visual Center. If you see signs that say closed off, the Computer Lab is not closed--It is open today from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. , tomorrow 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and it will be there open during regular Library hours, as always (June 11 to August 2-- 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.).

The WRAC Center will move to the Mezzanine of the Library in the coming weeks as the College begins its major renovations as provided by the Facilities Bond that was passed back in 2004. It will be situated on the left side--the computer Lab will be in the center--and the Audio Visual Center will continue to provide services to the right.

Whenever we are open, there will still be computers available on the mezzanine for writing, spreadsheets, Blackboard course work, web browsing, Email, online communities--this will not change. The ten computers around the reference desk will also continue to be available for library research purposes, with a librarian near by who can assist you in finding relevant, quality information from our databases and the Web (and do not forget our own Google Search Engine--it's there on the right menu of this blog. If you do not see it, hit reload. It will show up!)

Please let us know if you have any questions. During this period of transition, keep in mind that for you as a student, you will be able to get assistance on how to improve writing your papers from the staff of the WRAC Center, and just downstairs you can get assistance on how to improve your research for those same papers and projects, from a librarian. Not too bad, huh?

Open Reference Thread

Do you have a research question related to your assignment? Have a question about the Library and its services? Ask them here and we'll be more than happy to help you. Click on the "Comments" link below this post, type in your question, and click on the Publish button below. Responses take at least 24 hours. If you want to ask us more privately, contact information is available at Contact Us.

Welcome to the Chabot Library Read!

Good weekend! This is the first posting of the blog of the Chabot College Library.

We have big news coming up with changes to our web site!

The databases page will soon have a new look! We are splitting up our long list of databases to different pages so that you can select and choose your database quicker. To get a preview go to the New Databases Web Page

Also new, the Library now has a quality Google search engine to public world wide web sites selected by Chabot Librarians. When you have finished searching for books and articles, search the new search engine to find quality information on the public World Wide Web. Clicking on journals will lead you to free, peer-reviewed articles. To get to the search engine, start at the home page and click on Online Search Engines . The search engine is there on the top right. Enter your search terms and click on "Search."


Two databases will soon have new looks that may begin appearing over the summer. Tutorials on the new Lexis-Nexis are already available. Click on the menu on the top right to engage in three tutorials on how to use the future product. Get a feel for the new search enhancements! Later in the summer, there will also be a new look for Literature Resource Center. When available, we will announce when both have the new looks!

Stay tuned for more changes and improvements including more online tutorials on how to use the Library and search particular databases.

If you have any questions--as always you can contact a librarian on the left side of the main desk of the reference room, by phone at (510)723-7006, and by Email. We wish everyone a good final two weeks of the semester!