Distance Learning Library Services

The Library Homepage is the gateway to numerous library services for PBCC’s Distance Learners. Included at this website are the LINCC catalog and other library catalogs, databases for searching for periodical articles, websites selected by librarians on various subjects, listing of search engines and web directories, tips and guides developed by librarians, and forms for library services.

Reference
Reference assistance is via online chat, e-mail, fax,and telephone, as well as on-site.

  • Online Reference
    Ask a Librarian is a free online information service provided by Florida libraries. Real people in real time answer questions, help find information, or give direction to get what is needed.  The chat service is available Sunday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.
  • E-mail Reference
    For information about a library account or other local assistance, questions can be directed via e-mail to a librarian at Palm Beach Community College.    
  • Phone Reference
    Reference assistance can be requested by calling the reference desk (Lake Worth: 561-868-3713). Phone reference requests should be brief.  Librarians offer  general advice on effective research strategies, search terms, library use, and useful resources and titles.
  • FAX Reference
    Reference questions can be faxed to the Lake Worth Reference Department (561-868-3715). Copies of periodical articles and brief portions from PBCC books may be faxed.  PBCC adheres to the copyright law of the United States.

Interlibrary Loan
If a student does not have access to Interlibrary Loan (ILL) at a local library, research materials can be requested via Interlibrary Loan, using the ILL function in FirstSearch or PBCC’s Interlibrary Loan forms. Books and photocopies can be picked up at their nearest PBCC library, or if they are never on a PBCC campus the materials can be mailed to their address.

Library Card
The PantherCard is the library card. If the PantherCard does not have a 24901 number above the black strip, then a library barcode is required. The barcode can be picked up at the LLRC in Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens, or Belle Glade and at the MTIS in Boca Raton. If the student is never on campus, then a Library Card can be requested online.

Renewing Books
Most books can be renewed twice unless there is a hold or recall on them. Interlibrary Loan must be renewed by the ILL Department (561/ 868-3714). Renewals can be done onsite, online via MyAccount, or by phone.

  • Onsite renewals are done at the Circulation Desk.
  • Online renewals are done using MyAccount  in the LINCC catalog.
  • Phone renewals only apply to books from the Lake Worth campus.

Tips and Tools
Tips and Tools on the library website include APA and MLA style guides (compiled by PBCC Library), forms for citing sources, guidelines for evaluating web sites, help in identifying a research topic, and “how to” instructions (i.e., finding a book, accessing databases).

 E-Books
The LLRC owns 16,362 e-book titles that can be accessed via the LINCC Catalog. A valid PantherCard number (number beginning with 24901) is required to read the book.  Links to other digital collections can be found on the PBCC website.

Virtual Tour of Lake Worth LLRC
Floor plans, photos, and descriptions of the various departments of the Lake Worth Library are available at (virtual tour) 

Access to Databases
Databases to search for magazine, newspaper & journal articles, e-books and more can be accessed off-campus using the PantherCard number (begins with 24901) and the last four digits of the social security number.
Off-Campus Login