Rock Valley College
Male student reading a book in the Rock Valley College Library

Estelle M. Black Library

Resources of over 90,000 book volumes, 650 periodical titles, access to the materials of an additional 90 Illinois academic libraries, and services of dedicated information specialists —all strengthen the mission of Estelle M. Black Library at Rock Valley College which is to support lifelong learning by serving the information needs of students, faculty, staff and community members of our college district. The library has spaces for individual and group study, and if you get thirsty, there's a coffee shop in the lobby! Electronic resources include databases, eBooks, and streaming video. The Library Bill of Rights guides our service.  

The RVC Library is open ONLY to RVC students, faculty, and staff.
Community members who currently have materials checked out may return their items
in the book drop or call the library for a due date extension.
 

The RVC Library is now using a new authentication system for logging in from off-campus to use library resources. This is a single sign-on system that works with RVC’s existing authentication system.

If you get a login window that looks like this:

Microsoft Login Screenshot

Your username (“Email, phone, or Skype”) needs to be entered in this format: sXXXXXXX@rockvalleycollege.edu for students, and eXXXXXXX@rockvalleycollege.edu for employees, where XXXXXXX is your RVC ID number. The password will be your RVC network password that you use for other RVC resources, such as Online Services and Eagle.

 

 Is the library open? 

The library is open by appointment only M-F, 8am – 5pm. All virtual services remain available.  

 

How do I make an appointment? 

Please call (815) 921-4615, email RVC-Library@rockvalleycollege.edu, or complete an Appointment Request Form to schedule an appointment.  

 

What kind of an appointment can I make? 

In-person appointments can be made for research help, computer use, copier/scanner use, study table use, browsing/using materials, and curbside pickup.  

 

Where do I go when I arrive for my appointment? 

Check-in at the entrance to the library with library staff. You will also be asked to check out with staff as you leave.   

 

Am I able to borrow items? 

Yes! You can request items from the RVC Library, or request materials from other I-Share libraries if available.  

Once the items are ready, you will be notified via email. You can then schedule an appointment to pick up inside the library or by curbside.  

 

I see items on my account that I returned. Why haven’t they been checked in? 

All materials are quarantined upon return for 3-4 days, so items may show as checked out or overdue once they’ve been returned. If you still see the items on your account after this time-frame, please let us know.  

 

Are all areas of the library open? 

No. Group Study Rooms and study carrels have been closed to adhere to proper social distancing. Periodicals and newspapers are also unavailable during this time. Please let us know if you need assistance finding a journal article electronically.  

 

Are masks required? 

Yes. Wearing a mask is required for all guests entering RVC buildings, offices and campus locations. The library will provide a disposable mask to any student (or their guest) as requested. 

 

Cleaning & Sanitizing: 

Students who use a study table or computer will be provided with sanitizing wipes to disinfect their work station once they are done.  

Hand sanitizers will be available at the entrance to the library and ERC.  

Additional cleaners will be utilized to clean common surfaces during the day. 

 

What virtual services are available? 

Virtual research help (via phone, chat, or Zoom) and databases including journals, eBooks, and streaming video are all available off campus.  

Students who wish to acquire physical items without coming into the library are welcome to place an appointment request for curbside pickup.  

 

May I leave a message when the library is not open? 

Yes! Phone messages may be left at the front library desk (815) 921-4615 or the Research Desk (815) 921-4619. Emails may be sent to RVC-Library@rockvalleycollege.edu for appointment or general library questions, or RVC-LibRef@rockvalleycollege.edu for research help.

 
 
Browse the full collection of magazine titles
 
While the physical library is closed, remote services for students, faculty, and staff remain open. Services include research help via chat and email, research databases, ebooks, and LibGuides.

Library Remote Services

Services include research help via chat and email, research databases, ebooks, and LibGuides. Login from off-campus using "sXXXXXXX@rockvalleycollege.edu" (XXXXXXX = your ID number) (employess use "eXXXXXXX") and your RVC network password (used for Eagle, RVC email, etc.)

RVC students, faculty, and staff can now request items from 90 other academic libraries in Illinois, directly from the library catalog.

NEW!! Primo Library Catalog

The Rock Valley College Library has a new library catalog, called Primo! You can use it to search for all types of materials: books, videos, articles, and more, in both digital and print formats. RVC students, faculty, and staff can request items from 88 other academic libraries in Illinois through I-Share. New catalog video tutorials.

Chronicle of Higher Education News Articles

Streaming Videos

Find thousands of streaming videos in Academic Video Online, Kanopy, Docuseek, and more.

Like to know what's new in the RVC Library? Click the link to see a list of our new books and other formats of materials. The list is updated daily, so check back often!

New Books

Like to know what's new in the RVC Library? Check out a selection of our new books and ebooks. Library catalog search for new books.