Libraries, Labs & Activities

College Libraries

The mission of the College of the Desert Libraries is to contribute to institutional outcomes by developing library collections that support faculty and curriculum, and instructional programming that will give students a transferable information literacy skill set that will prepare them for a changing workplace.

The COD Libraries recognize and appreciate the diverse community that we serve, and we strive to assist our users in achieving all of their academic, career-oriented, and personal goals.

The Palm Desert, Palm Springs, & Indio Libraries provide access to:

  • Computer workstations in labs and/or open areas
  • Professional, experienced librarians providing f2f instruction on how to find and use information
  • Online Chat/Reference
  • Course textbooks on reserve for most COD courses
  • Full-text magazines, journals, and newspapers online
  • Full-text electronic books online
  • A large print collection at the Palm Desert location

Library and Research Instruction

The Libraries are very active in providing students with the tools they need to succeed in their college courses. The staff offers library and research instruction to students in several ways:

Individually – Students are encouraged to ask for instructional assistance at the Library Information Desk. Professional librarians are on duty at all times to provide a full range of assistance in using the Library for assignments and interests.

In Groups – Every semester, the professional librarians provide many course-related instruction sessions to students in all areas. Each of these sessions last from one to two hours and are geared toward the specific areas of study as requested by the course instructors.

The College Libraries invite all students, faculty, community members and visitors to visit the library and discover all the services, equipment, and other resources available online and in person.

For more information, please call 760.773.2563

Library Fines

Fines will be charged for overdue materials, and fees will be charged for lost or severely damaged materials. The fee for lost or severely damaged material is the current market value for the item as determined by the Technical Services Department, plus a $25.00 processing fee.

To avoid overdue fines, most materials may be renewed by phone or online, please call for assistance.

Unpaid Library fines/fees will result in a hold on student records and transcripts.

Contact the Library Information Desk at 760.773.2563

Intensive English Academy

International students seeking English-language skills development are invited to enroll in the Intensive English Academy (IEA). The IEA consists of 30 hours per week of instruction and lab work. This fee-based program includes classes in reading, writing, grammar, oral communication, and conversation. Classes are offered from beginning to advanced levels. The IEA course offers both 8-week and 16-week sessions. 

For more information and to obtain an application, please visit the International Education Program webpage, or contact the IEA Office at:  

    International Education Program
    43500 Monterey Avenue
    Palm Desert, CA 92260    
    by email: iep@collegeofthedesert.edu 
    by telephone:  1.760.776.7270

Math/Science Study Center

The Math and Science Study Center (MSSC) is a welcoming environment that is located in the Math Building (Room 4) on the Palm Desert campus and Room B333 on the Indio campus. Online hours are also available. Math and science students are invited to drop in anytime to use the provided services which include individual study, group study, and expert help from science and math instructors. Detailed information about specific times, location, and available faculty can be found at Student Resource Guide: Math/Science Study Center.

Online Classes

College of the Desert offers over 1,800 sections of online classes each academic year covering a wide variety of academic disciplines. Some of these include Accounting, Criminal Justice, Automotive Technology, Business, Computer Information Systems, Digital Design & Production, Childhood Development Education, English, Fire Science, Health Sciences, History, Kinesiology, Music, Natural Resources, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Theatre Arts. See the class schedule for a complete listing.

Online courses have the same transfer status and prerequisites as traditional on-campus classes and are subject to the same standards of academic quality. The difference is that the student completes his or her coursework via COD's learning management system CANVAS. This can be a tremendous advantage for those students who have trouble getting to one of COD's campuses or who have schedules that do not allow them to take classes scheduled at specific times. Online students must have their own computers and high-speed internet access, and must be proficient in using the internet, a word processing program, and email. Some courses may require students to have a webcam. For further information, please go to the college's Online Classes Student Orientation in Canvas. 

Tutoring & Academic Skills Centers (TASC)

The Tutoring and Academic Skills Center (TASC) supports student success by promoting effective study habits and independent learning. Through tutoring, academic support, and other resources, the TASC helps students build academic skills, strengthen their understanding of course material, and achieve their academic goals. Services are available to all enrolled College of the Desert students at major campus locations.

These resources include: 

  • Peer tutors for general subjects
  • Tutor and staff support with writing and math
  • Computer lab space for coursework and research
  • 24/7 Online tutoring access (with synchronous subjects) through NetTutor
  • Helpful, friendly staff  

When students use our drop-in tutoring program, they will now be enrolled in “ASC 300: Supervised Tutoring.” Supervised tutoring “courses” are common at many community colleges. Here’s some general information:

  • Students do not need to do anything extra beyond working with a tutor.
  • The course will be listed on students’ transcripts as “ASC 300, Supervised Tutoring.”
  • This is a free, pass/no pass, zero-unit course. In order to receive a passing grade, students need to work with a tutor (as they’re already doing by working with you on Zoom).
  • This course enables the TASC to better track student tutoring usage, which in turn is helpful for our funding.
  • If student have questions, please refer them to a tutoring coordinator.

We want to collaborate with you for your success. Stop by any of the five TASC locations listed below, and let's get started!

Information about TASC tutoring subjects and schedules, TASC lab hours and locations, and other available resources can be found on the TASC Canvas course or Tutoring and Academic Skills Center website.