Library Services
Research Central computers (upper level) are for individual and class research. Research help is available by our Reference Librarians - ask at the Circulation Desk can help.
Computers and Printer/Copier/Scanner Services are available downstairs in the Center for Academic Achievement.
In-building-Use Laptops are available for 3 hours.
Student Home-Use Laptops are available to check out for the whole semester. College IDs must be present to check out laptops. Home-Use laptops are only available for students currently enrolled in a curriculum class.
Covered beverages—such as bottles with caps, travel mugs, and lidded cups—and small packaged snacks are permitted in the Don C. Locke Library when consumed responsibly. Full meals or fast food items, including those from the Bridge & Tunnel Café or A-B Tech Bookstore, must be enjoyed outside the library. Please dispose of all trash and recyclables properly using the bins provided. Help us keep the library clean and welcoming for everyone.
The library offers 4 group study rooms (seating 6–8) and 4 individual rooms—all first come, first served. Whiteboard markers are available at the Circulation Desk with your A-B Tech ID.
Need quiet? Head to the upper level’s designated quiet zones. For noise issues, just ask at the Circulation Desk.
Checking Out Books And Media
Currently enrolled curriculum students & currently employed faculty/staff. Your A-B Tech ID is also your library card. Students can get an ID at the Bailey Student Services building after registering for classes. Faculty and staff should contact HR.
- General Collection books: no limit, two weeks, one renewal
- Feature Films: limit two DVDs, one week, one renewal
- Audio Books: limit two audio books, one week, one renewal
- Magazines: three magazines (except current issues), one week, one renewal
- Reserve Items: checkout loan is set by the instructor, no renewals
- Electronic devices (calculators, hotspots, and laptops), loan (varies), no renewals
Overdue fines are (per day and per item): 25¢ per day for books; 50¢ per day for magazines, and $1.00 per day for media. Fines vary for reserve materials depending on the loan period. See the "Lending Policy" for more information. The library accepts credit/debit cards, checks, and cash payments.
Continuing education students and Buncombe or Madison County residents can apply for a library card at the Don C. Locke Library Circulation Desk.
These patrons may check out up to 5 books for 2 weeks, with one renewal. Overdue fines are 25¢ per item, per day.
For details, contact the Circulation Desk at (828) 398-7301 or see the Don C. Locke Library Lending Policy.
Reserve items are available behind the Circulation Desk and can be checked out with your A-B Tech student ID. Loan periods vary, and some items must stay in the library. While some instructors place textbooks on reserve, not all do—check with your instructor.
Use the Browse Courses option in the library catalog to search by course name or number (e.g., ENG 111 or PSY 150).
Laptops, hotspots, and calculators are available for currently enrolled curriculum students after classes begin.
- Loan periods:
- Laptops: full semester
- Hotspots & calculators: 4 weeks
- Requirements: A-B Tech photo ID & good standing
- Fines:
- Laptops & hotspots: $5/day
- Calculators: $2.50/day
For tech help, contact the IT Help Desk at (828) 398-7550 or helpdesk@abtech.edu.
Renew books at the Circulation Desk, by phone, or online through the library catalog. No need to bring the books with you.
To renew online:
- Go to the Library Catalog homepage:
- In the upper right corner, click "My Account."
- Click the "Login with SSO" button.
- Sign in using your SSO credentials (if you are not already logged in on your device).
Need something we don’t have? Use ILL to request books and articles from other libraries. Most book loans are free; article fees may apply.
First search the library catalog for NCCCE consortium items. If the item is not available, visit Interlibrary Loan Guidelines and Forms for out-of-consortium requests.