About the Libraries / FAQ

About the Libraries / FAQ

Del Mar College Libraries offer a wide range of resources to support teaching and learning, including books, journals, audiovisual media, e-books, and access to online databases. These materials are available in both print and electronic formats to assist with research, study, and faculty instruction.

  • Libraries Overview

    The DMC Library Catalog is your key tool for finding books and audiovisual media within the libraries. It’s organized using the Library of Congress Classification System, which arranges materials by subject. If you're looking for more than just books and media, Beacon is a powerful search tool that lets you search across most of the library’s online resources in one go, streamlining the process.

    The libraries also provide computer workstations for student use, including both Windows and Apple systems. You can check out notebook computers for use within the libraries if you need flexibility in your studies. Additionally, the libraries have a variety of scanners and printers for student use, as well as software to support assignments. Scanners can save to flash drives or email, offering convenience for your work.

    For research help, Reference Services are available to guide you. Whether in person, by phone, email, or through a 24-hour live chat service, Reference librarians can assist you in navigating library resources and give formal instruction on how to use them effectively.

    If you need a quiet space for studying with a group, the libraries offer a variety of study spaces including study rooms by reservation. Priority is generally given to groups of two or more, so if you're planning a solo study session, it's good to keep that in mind.

    Finally, the libraries are involved in broader information-sharing and resource access through OCLC, Amigos Library Services, and TexShare consortia, which help expand access to materials beyond just the local collection.

  • Libraries Mission & Guiding Principles

    Libraries Mission

    The Del Mar College Libraries are dedicated to providing access to learning resources, promoting information literacy, fostering creative thinking and intellectual curiosity, and supporting lifelong learning opportunities for our community. Student learning is our highest priority.

    Guiding Principles

    • Provide diverse, quality physical and virtual learning resources reflecting various and disparate viewpoints to support the needs of DMC faculty, staff, and students
    • Create and maintain quality physical and virtual learning environments which meet the varied needs of college and community learners
    • Develop and conduct information literacy sessions for students that will familiarize them with the diversity of our collections and with the information resources they need for study, research and lifelong learning
    • Seek, investigate and implement new and innovative ways to provide service and access to resources
    • Recruit and maintain sufficient staff qualified, concerned and motivated to serve the needs of students and college personnel

     

    The DMC Libraries support the right of all library users to read, view, and listen to library resources within library policies and guidelines and in accordance with the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statements.

  • William F. White, Jr. Library

    William F. White, Jr. Library

    The White Library, located on the Heritage Campus at Baldwin & Ayers, serves as the central library for Del Mar College (DMC). All library materials are purchased and processed here. Originally built in 1967 as a two-story building, White Library was designed with the capacity to support five floors. Floors 3 to 5 were completed in 1979, though the fifth floor wasn’t made available for public use until 1998. As part of the 2014 Capital Improvement Plan, the library underwent a major renovation, which was completed in Fall 2024.

    The library is named after William F. White, Jr. (1916-2017), who served as a DMC regent for 33 years, from 1951 to 1984. The naming of the library was a tribute to his long and dedicated service to the College, following his retirement from the Board of Regents. Born in San Francisco, White was a naval aviator during WWII aboard the USS Bataan. After the war, he moved to Corpus Christi and worked in the insurance field. White was also deeply involved in many community organizations, including Rotary International, the Chamber of Commerce, the Corpus Christi Symphony, the Art Foundation, the Navy League, and Oso Naval Lodge. In addition to his service to DMC, White chose not to seek reelection to the Board of Regents in order to serve on the San Antonio Branch of the Federal Reserve Board. Artwork donated by White and his wife is displayed in the library, further commemorating their contributions to the institution.

  • Barth Learning Resources Center

    Barth Learning Resources Center front entry and walkway after dark

    The Barth Learning Resources Center (LRC) at the Windward Campus, built in 1988, serves as the campus library and a key resource center, supporting the academic programs offered at the Windward Campus. It houses a variety of materials, including the L. E. Harville Architecture collection, and offers amenities such as a lecture/computer classroom that doubles as a quiet study space.

    In 1992, the LRC was named in honor of Dr. Howard E. Barth, a distinguished DMC graduate, orthodontist, and long-serving member of the DMC Board of Regents. Dr. Barth contributed significantly to the college, both as an educator and as a leader, serving as board president from 1988 to 1990. He continued to support DMC after his tenure on the board, serving on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees until his death in 2003. He was posthumously inducted into DMC’s Wall of Honor, and a scholarship was established in his name. Dr. Barth was remembered by Lloyd Neal, the former Mayor of Corpus Christi, as "a champion for those who needed help the most to find educational opportunities."

    On October 24, 2002, a devastating tornado outbreak hit Corpus Christi, causing significant damage to the Del Mar College West Campus. Barth LRC suffered severe destruction, including the collapse of an exterior wall, resulting in over $500,000 in damage to the library alone. During the storm, James F. "Buster" Gillis, an Industrial Math instructor, tragically lost his life when the wall fell on him. Fourteen others were injured in the storm. In honor of his sacrifice, a portrait of Mr. Gillis is displayed in the Barth LRC.

    Today, the Barth Learning Resources Center stands not only as an academic hub but also as a symbol of resilience and remembrance for those who contributed to the college’s legacy.

  • Oso Creek Campus Library

    Oso Creek Campus image

    In November 2016, Del Mar College District voters approved a $139 million bond referendum for a Capital Improvement Project to support the construction of the Oso Creek Campus. Located on a 96-acre site at Yorktown Boulevard and Rodd Field Road on the southside of Corpus Christi, this new campus marks the first new campus built by Del Mar College in over 60 years.

    The Oso Creek Campus Library, which opened in January 2023, is attached to the Main Central Building. The library's resources are specifically chosen to support the academic programs offered at the Oso Creek Campus. It offers a range of features, including student-use computers, collaborative study areas, group study rooms, a quiet study area, and a large library instruction classroom. Additionally, the library is equipped with two A/V Recording Studios and a Mother's Room for convenience and comfort.

    On the second floor of the library, you'll find the Stone Writing Center, which provides specialized support for writing and academic success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Del Mar College's library is open to all visitors, who can use library materials and electronic resources on-site, as well as access limited computer resources. However, only DMC students, faculty, and staff can check out materials, access off-campus electronic resources, and use library computers with full privileges. Visitors with a TexShare card are eligible to check out books.

  • DMC Student ID Cards

    DMC Identification Card graphic

    DMC ID cards are mandatory for all students, faculty, and staff, granting access to campus services such as library resources (book and laptop checkouts) and other campus facilities.

    Where to Obtain a DMC ID Card:

    Heritage Campus, Harvin Center
    Windward Campus, Barth Learning Resources Center
    • Call: (361) 698-1754

    Oso Creek Campus, Oso Creek Campus Library

    ID Card Details:

    • First DMC ID Card: Free of charge
    • Replacement Cards: $5.00

    How to Get Your ID Card:

    • Students:

      • Present a picture ID (e.g., driver’s license) that matches your DMC registration information.
      • The name on the ID will match your DMC registration.
      • Obtain a free validation sticker each semester at any DMC campus library.
    • Faculty & Staff:

      • Obtain your card (or replacement) from the Campus Security & Safety office.
      • Call (361) 698-1946 for office hours and policies.
  • Check Out Library Materials / Computers

    Check Out Books

    Books are available for checkout at the following locations:

    • Heritage Campus: Library Service Desk, 1st floor
    • Windward Campus: Barth LRC, Library Service Desk
    • Oso Creek Campus: Oso Creek Campus Library, Ask Desk on the 1st or 3rd Floors

    To check out books, you will need to present your DMC ID with current semester validation.

    getting and returning books from different locations

    A student checks out books at the White Library Access Services Desk

    Books and media can be returned to any DMC library—William F. White, Jr. Library, Barth LRC, or Oso Creek Campus Library—regardless of where they were checked out. Books may be returned in book drops, while media (CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays) must be returned at the Library Service Desk, Barth LRC Service Desk, or Oso Creek Library Ask Desk.

    DMC students can check out resources from any library on campus. If an item is needed from another campus library and visiting in person isn't possible, students can request it at any Library Service Desk, and it will be couriered to the requested location within two business days.

    Check Out CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray, Reserve Items

    Request the item desired at the Library Service Desk and present a DMC ID with a current semester validation sticker.  Most Reserve items may only be used in the library.

    some Items do not check out

    Certain items, such as magazines and reference books, may only be used within the library. High-quality scanners are available for copying any necessary information.

     

    Items Not available at DMC libraries

    Books and articles not available at DMC Libraries may still be available for use.

    TEXSHARE CARD

    DMC Students, Faculty and Staff are eligible to use a TexShare Card to visit and borrow materials from other TexShare participating libraries.  There are over 1000 TexShare participating libraries and branches in the state that offer borrowing privileges including TAMU-CC and TAMU-Kingsville.  Contact Library Access Services for information on how to get a TexShare borrower's card.

    Interlibrary loan (ILL)

    DMC Libraries participate in reciprocal borrowing programs known as InterLibrary Loan or ILL to share books and articles.  Once a request is received, library staff begin the process to request the item from other libraries nearby and around the world.  Magazine and journal articles are delivered electronically and may only take a couple of days to fill the request.  Books are delivered via courier or mail and may take two weeks or more to arrive.  For more information, visit the Interlibrary Loan Information page.

    Requests for the library to buy books and materials

    Students, faculty and staff may request that the library buy books, media and other items for the library. Requests for textbooks are normally not accepted.  Send your request via email, fill out the Library Book and Audio/Visual Purchase Recommendation form or drop off a request at the Library Reference Desk or Access Services Desk. 

    FOR MORE INFORMATION

    Please see Circulation Policies, Collection Development Guidelines, and Student Technology Center Policies on the Library Policies page.

  • Get Help

    24/7 Chat

    Get live online help from a librarian 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Ask questions via chat and get answers from professional librarians! To get started, click HERE.

    In Person

    • Librarians and library staff will be happy to help you during library hours.
    • Reference assists with the research process, locating materials, selecting resources and using the electronic resources, and finding the information needed.
    • Access Services assists with checking out materials, maintaining the Reserve collection, and reserving rooms for faculty.
    • Library Tech Help assists with the use of the computers, printers, equipment and software available.

    By Phone

    By Email

    Email to refdesk@delmar.edu

  • Student Computers / Internet / Technology / Wifi

    Student use Computers / Internet

    Computers and printers are available for use by all DMC students and are located at:

    • Heritage Campus: 1st, 3rd & 4th floors
    • Windward Campus
    • Oso Creek Campus: 2nd floor

    Laptop computers for use in the library are available for checkout at the Library Service Desk at Oso Creek Campus Library.

    PRINTING

    Del Mar College Libraries currently offers free printing to all currently enrolled DMC students.

    As a print management solution, DMC Libraries has implemented Viking Print to cut down on waste and encourage students to only print what is necessary for academic purposes.

    Wi-fi / Personal Devices

    Sstudents may use their own devices on the DMC wireless network.  Login using WebDMC username and password.

    Scanners

    The William F. White, Jr. Library, Barth LRC and Oso Creek Campus Library has networked scanners available.  Materials may be scanned to flash drive or email at no charge. Individuals making the scans and printouts / copies assume responsibility for compliance with copyright laws.

  • Online Resources

    Login with WebDMC username and password. Off-campus access to library databases and online resources is for use by DMC students, faculty and staff only. Use of the databases is subject to the DMC Computer & Network Resources Statement of Acceptable Use. If you need more assistance, call Library Reference at  (361) 698-1311 or (361) 698-1877. 

    In order to purchase research databases for student use, the library agrees to restrict use to Del Mar College faculty, staff and students. All off-campus access must go through the library web page and the off-campus login page to comply with vendor requirements.  To create bookmarks, copy the link from the Databases A-Z pages, not the destination address displayed in the address bar.

  • Study Rooms

    Study Rooms

    Photo of a student study room at White LibraryStudy rooms can be found at Heritage Campus, White Library, Windward Campus, Barth LRC or at Oso Creek Campus Library. Please note that these rooms muffle normal voice levels, but are not soundproof. Students may request markers for study boards at the Library Service desks.

    Study rooms are available by reservation. By requesting a reservation, students agree to the study room rules and policies.

    Reserve a study room

     

  • Student & Visitor Conduct Basics

    • Use of Tobacco products and smoking any product are prohibited in the libraries.
    • Small snacks and drinks in spill-proof containers are allowed.
    • Cell phones should be set to off or vibrate when entering the libraries.  Please be respectful of other library users when using phones.
    • Children must not be left unattended
    • Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.  Anyone whose behavior is disruptive to others using the library will be asked to leave.
    • For more information, see the Code of Conduct for Patrons on the Libraries Policies page

Page last updated January 13, 2025.

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LIBRARY REFERENCE HELP

(361) 698-1311 or (361) 698-1877
refdesk@delmar.edu

CONTACT US

Heritage Campus
William F. White, Jr. Library

(361) 698-1310
View Hours

Windward Campus
Barth LRC

(361) 698-1754
View Hours

Oso Creek Campus Library
(361) 698-1048
View Hours

Del Mar College Libraries
101 Baldwin Blvd. 
Corpus Christi, TX 78404

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