Library Policies
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LIBRARY POLICIES
Circulation Policies and Procedures
Library Code
Checkout Procedures
Books are checked out for two weeks. Toward the end of the semester, the checkout period will be shorter to allow books to be returned by the end of the semester. Reserve materials are checked out for two hours. The lending library sets loan periods for Inter-library Loan materials, and they are generally three weeks. DVDs are checked out for three days; compact discs and Magazines are checked out for one week. Reference materials do not check out; they are in-library use only.
Closing Policy
Fifteen minutes before closing, staff will inform patrons that the Library is about
to close. Patrons must save their work, print documents, complete needed photocopying,
and check out all books or items at this time.
Return Policy
Place materials in the Book Return at the Library's circulation desk—all materials
are due on or before the due date.
Renewals
Renewals are available upon request if the items are not overdue, have no late fees
or delinquent charges on the patron account, and there is no request for the title.
Books may be renewed in person or by telephone by calling (806)874-4815 or (800)687-9737
ext. 118.
Overdue Notices
Overdue notices are sent by text or email,l depending on what is designated on the
user's registration. This service is offered as a courtesy. It is the student's responsibility
to return materials to the Library.
Late Charges
Fines will be imposed for late, lost, and damaged materials. Transcripts may be withheld
if a student does not return materials and/or pay fines by the end of the semester.
Books and Magazines: $0.10 per day - Videos: $1.00 per day – Compact Disc: $1.00 per
day - Reserve Items: $1.00 per hour, Inter-library Loans: $1.00 per day. Borrowers are responsible for all fines, fees, and all items checked out on their account.
Failure to Check Out Materials
A non-refundable fee of $10 per item will be charged if materials are removed from
the Library without authorization. Materials include magazines, reference material
designated for in-house use only, circulating books that have not been checked out
at the time of the breach, audiovisual material and/or equipment, and any other library
material not listed.
Lost/Damaged Materials: Students must pay the replacement cost of lost or damaged items, plus a non-refundable $3.00 processing fee per item, and any fines incurred during this. All lost and damaged items should be reported to the Library immediately, as fines will be charged until the loss is reported and paid for.
Equipment
Equipment may be checked out by Clarendon College faculty or staff. Students may use
equipment in the Library only, or have faculty approve the checkout. Equipment that
is not returned on the day it is due is subject to a fine of $10 per day for the LCD
projector and laptop, and $5.00 per day for all other equipment.
Refund Policy
To receive a refund for the cost of the item reported lost, the student must present
a paid receipt and return the item to the Library in good condition.
Financial Obligation to the Library
Students incurring financial obligations to the Library as a result of unpaid fines,
fees, items not returned or lost, or insufficient checks will face administrative
action by the college, such as withholding of transcripts.
Privacy of Patron Information
The primary purpose of patron information is to maintain control of library materials.
• All information on the "Library Application Form" is for library use only and
is confidential.
• Due date information for circulated library material will be made available
upon request.
• If overdue material is requested, library personnel will contact the current
user and request the return of the library material. The requesting user may place
a "hold" on the item and will be contacted when the material is available.
• If requested, faculty are informed of the number of times and who in their
class reserved the item. A sign-in sheet must accompany the reserved item; otherwise,
only the number of times the item is checked out can be recorded
• Personal and circulation information will be released only for retrieval of
overdue library materials or fines.
Library Use and Conduct Policy
The Library is to provide users with a clean and safe environment appropriate for study and research The College Library Use and Conduct Policy are established for the benefit of all library users and is applies all Violations should be reported to library staff, who will take appropriate action This policy is enforceable by all members of the library staff Violators will be reported and pursued to the full extent of federal and state laws Disruptive behavior may result in expulsion from the liLibrary ensure that the environment is conducive to study and research, all users are asked to abide by this Library Use and Conduct Policy Warning will be documented and kept in the liLibraryo be reviewed by coach or dean.
Noise and Cell Phones
Users must help maintain an environment that does not interfere with the normal use
and operation of the Library or others. Cell phone conversations must be kept short
and quiet in all areas of the Library.
Food and Drink
Meals are not allowed in the Library except in staff areas and at special Library-scheduled
events. Bottled drinks are preferred when in the Library. Policy subject to change
if problems start to affect the library environment.
Smoking/Vaping and Tobacco
Smoking/ Vaping and tobacco use is not permitted in the Library or in the entrance
of the Library
General Rules of Conduct
1 Individuals — either library users or employees — must not engage in verbal
or physical abuse, intimidation, sexual harassment, or harassment on account of race,
religion, ethnic or national background, gender, or sexual orientation.
2 Users engaging in vandalizing, altering, ng or damaging library buildings,
furniture, re or equipment, including computer systems, networks, programs, ms or
data, are in violation and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
3 Users are responsible for their personal property.
4 Users are required to leave the Library at closing and during emergencies,
drills, or following a violation of this Library Use and Conduct Policy.
5 Only animals trained to assist people with disabilities are allowed into the
Library
6 Firearms or other deadly weapons, explosives and/or explosive devices, or
other dangerous devices are not permitted in the Library
7 Users must not interfere with anemployee'ss performance of their duties.
8 Users must not enter areas of the Library restricted to authorized staff.
Computer and Audiovisual Equipment Use
Clarendon College (CC) students, faculty, and staff have priority for accessing electronic
resources and using library computer and audiovisual equipment Affiliated users may
be asked to limit their use of computers and/or equipment if others are waiting Nonaffiliated
users may be asked to relinquish their use of the computer and/or equipment to CC
students, faculty, or staff at any time Any user may be asked to show a valid CC
or Harrington library card or identification Users must avoid any activities that
may be disruptive to other library users The liLibrarys not responsible for damage
topatron'ss flash drives, loss of data, nor damage that may occur from use of theliLibrary'somputerr
Users should notify library staff immediately if they encounter any problems with
the computers or programs.
Internet Use
The Internet is an information resource that enables the liLibraryo provide information
beyond what is in our own collection It also has access to some material that may
be offensive or illegal The liLibraryoes not monitor the information accessed through
the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content The library user must
be mindful and respectful of the rights of others (particularly children) not to be
inadvertently exposed to explicit material and images they may find personally unsuitable
Staff members may request that a patron remove such images or text from a workstation
screen and refrain from viewing it in the future Users may not use the Internet for
any illegal or criminal activity including slander, or the transmission or display
of pornography.
Electronic Databases
The Library subscribes to some electronic databases for student, faculty, and staff
use. Clarendon College students have automatic access to the databases when on thelibrary'ss
computers. Students who wish to access these databases from home can find the username
and password in the Student Portal.
Library Satisfaction Survey
The Library is interested in users' comments, observations, and suggestions about
the services, programs, and resources provided to our students. The Library administers
a survey at least once a year; however, we encourage students to take this opportunity
throughout the semester to let us know whether we are meeting your academic needs.
Surveys can be found on thelibrary'ss webpage; students may also be asked to fill
one out in class.
Policy Violation
Any person who violates the library policies may be asked to leave the Library and
may be refused future access to the building. Such people may be subject to sanctions
including suspension, prosecution, forfeiture, warning, and restitution, as well as
criminal penalties and civil fines. They may be accountable to college and civil authorities
(city, state, or federal). Authorities will be called if a serious offense occurs
or if there is a failure to leave the premises when instructed. The Clarendon College
Library Use and Conduct Policy supplements the College's Student Conduct Code and
other College policies.
Academic Integrity
Plagiarism- What is it Most students know that Plagiarism is illegal, andit'sss a punishable offense, butmanydon'ttt know quite what it is or how to avoid it In short, Plagiarism is taking credit forsomeoneelse'sss words or ideas - either
intentionally or not Examples might be taking an idea from an article and putting
it in a research paper or presentation without crediting the source, usingsomeone'sss
exact words without citing them, or even going so far as to buy a paper off the Internet
and turning it in as your own work Plagiarism is a violation of copyright law to
use all or any part of a document, either verbatim or with trivial changes, except
when applying the Fair Use guidelines Plagiarism i """ a form of academic misconduct in which an individual submits or presents the work of another person as their o"
Plagiarism is the most serious academic offense you can commit Plagiarism destroys
the integrity of your research and is a misuse of academic freedom.
1 If you use someone else's ideas, you should cite the source.
2 If the way in which you are using the source is unclear, make it clear.
3 If you received specific help from someone in writing the paper, acknowledge
it.
What is copyright?
Copyright is a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted by
law for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Copyright
covers both published and unpublished works. The Library supports copyright law and
recognizes "fair use" by educational institutions.
Collection Development Maintenance Policy
Purpose
The purpose of the Collection Development Policy is to guide the growth and maintenance
of the Library Collection in accordance with the College andLibrary'ss mission statement,
and to ensure that the Library builds and maintains a balanced, well-used, relevant,
and high-quality collection.
Responsibility for Collection Development
All library users, regardless of status, are encouraged to request library purchases
by contacting the library director. If the requested item is consistent with the collection
policy guidelines and funds are available, the material will be acquired. The library
director acts as the liaison to the academic departments for collection development.
The director consults with faculty to obtain purchasing recommendations, and utilizes
selection tools such as review publications, bibliographies, and publisher catalogs
to select materials. Ultimate responsibility for collection development lies with
the library director.
Budget
The Library receives funding from the college to purchase new print and non-print
materials. Grants and donations may supplement these resources. There is no specific
allocation for individual disciplines. This allows for greater flexibility in meeting
departmental and program demands, as well as patron requests.
Selection Philosophy
The Library collects a wide variety of materials in various formats. Selections are
based on quality rather than quantity. Budget considerations preclude purchasing materials
that do not support the curriculum and fulfill the mission of the college and the
Library
Selection Guidelines
1) Support ofthecollege'sss educational curriculum
2) Correlations with the existing collection
3) Appropriate level
4) Accuracy and objectivity
5) Reputation of author and/or publisher
6) How current and permanent is the material?
7) Price appropriateness
8) Demand
9) Condition
Standing Order Resources
The Library has a few standing-order reference titles that are automatically received
upon their publication.
Approval Plans
The approval plan allows the Library to acquire current, high-interest, bestselling
print titles from a vendor soon after publication. The plan also allows the Library
to return titles that are no longer in high demand and to purchase titles at a minimal
rate.
Government Publications
The Library is not a depository for federal or state government documents. Government
publications are selected in accordance with our regular collection development guidelines
and shelved in the library collection alongside other books and periodicals.
Gift and Donation Policy
The Library accepts donations of books and other materials, as well as monetary donations
for the purchase of materials in accordance with the overall collection development
policy. Gift and donation materials that do not meet the collection guidelines will
be disposed of as the Library sees fit, either through discard or donation. Library
staff will provide the donor with a letter acknowledging receipt but will not appraise
the value of the materials donated.
Reconsideration of Materials
The Library recognizes that some materials are controversial and may offend certain
library users. Selection of material is made based on the principles stated in the
selection guidelines. Anyone may request reconsideration of material by completing
the Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials form at the library circulation
desk and submitting it to the Library Director for discussion with the Library Committee.
Final authority and decision rests with the Library Director.
Collection Maintenance
Library Director periodically evaluates the collection to identify materials for withdrawal
that no longer meet collection standards, such as being out of date, non-circulating,
or containing misinformation. These will be removed. Faculty members are consulted
when materials in their discipline are being considered for withdrawal. Damaged or
missing materials are not automatically replaced; they are subject to a reorder review
process. If the item still meets the collection development policy criteria, it will
be replaced if available.
DE-SELECTION (WEEDING)
The CREW method is used when considering the removal of items from the collection. The CREW
method uses the acronym MUSTIE to indicate when an item should be removed:
M – Misleading and/or factually inaccurate.
U – Ugly, worn out beyond mending or rebinding.
S – Superseded by a new edition or a better source.
T – Trivial or of no discernible literary or scientific merit.
I – Irrelevant to the needs and interests of your community of users.
E – Elsewhere - the material may be easily borrowed from another source.
Additional weeding criteria
When weeding, the following is considered: age, frequency of use, multiple copies,
appropriate coverage in a changing world, and whether the material includes stereotypical
or biased information and illustrations.
The Library staff works to weed any medical books with a copyright date older than
5 years during collection inventory. Medical books of historical value remain in the
collection and are labeled Historical.
Inventory
To keep the collection balanced and to ensure a quality, relevant, and used collection,
an inventory of the library collection is conducted every other year. Inventory is
a vital element of collection maintenance. The Library remains open for normal circulation,
and a designated section(s) of the collection is targeted for inventory. The entire
collection is usually completed at the end of the spring semester.
• Staff search for unreturned, overdue, and/or missing items.
• If an item is missing during the first inventory, a note is made on the printed
report. If it is still missing during the second inventory, it is considered missing.
Items reported missing during the second inventory are deleted from the system, and
the print report is placed in a file for reordering consideration.
• If an item is lost and paid for, it is marked L&P (Lost & Paid) in the system.
• If an item is withdrawn, it is marked (W). All items are up for reordering
and/or updating.
• When the inventory is complete, all missing, lost, and withdrawn items are
recorded and removed from the online catalog database.
Policy Review
The Collection Development Policy is reviewed annually by the library director, library
staff, college faculty, and the Learning Resource Committee, with revisions made when
appropriate.
Intellectual Freedom
Clarendon College Library upholds the principles of th" ""Library Bill of Righ""" an" ""Freedom to Vi""" statements The libLibraryrives to select material that represents all sides of various issues Because of this, certain groups and/or individuals may consider some materials in the collection controversial It is our intent not to offend anyone or endorse a certain issue Our goal is to provide materials that support the diverse viewpoints ofthecollege'sss academic offerings. The diverse backgrounds and cultures of our students, faculty, staff, and service are. If a library user has a complaint about material in the collection, they may complete the "Request for Reconsideration" form at the circulation desk. The Library Director and the Learning Resource Committee will review the form. A decision will be made regarding the challenged material. The complainant will receive a written copy of the decision.
First Amendment
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting
the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or
the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for
a redress of grievances.
The Freedom to Read Statement
The freedom to read is essential to our democracy It is continuously under attack
Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working
to remove or limit access to reading materials, to censor content in schools, to labe"
""controversi""" views, to distribute lists o" ""objectionab""" books or authors,
and to purge libraries These actions apparently rise from the view that our national
tradition of free expression is no longer valid; that censorship and suppression are
needed to avoid the subversion of politics and the corruption of morals We, as citizens
devoted to reading and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating
ideas, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read
(Full statement on ALA website.)
Position Statement on the Confidentiality of Library Records
The members of the American Library Association, recognizing the right to privacy
of library users, believe that records held in libraries which connect specific individuals
with specific resources, programs or services, are confidential and not to be used
for purposes other than routine record keeping: i.e., to maintain access to resources,
to assure that resources are available to users who need them, to arrange facilities,
to provide resources for the comfort and safety of patrons, or to accomplish the purposes
of the program or service.
Code of Ethics of the American Library Association
As members of the American Library Association, we recognize the importance of codifying and making known to the profession and the general public the ethical principles that guide the work of librarians, other professionals providing information services, library trustees, and library staff Ethical dilemmas occur when values conflict The American Library Association Code of Ethics states the values to which we are committed and embodies the ethical responsibilities of the profession in this changing information environment We significantly influence or control the selection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information In a political system grounded in an informed citizenry, we are members of a profession explicitly committed to intellectual freedom and the freedom of access to information. We have a special obligation to ensure the free flow of information and ideas to present and future generations. The principles of this Code are expressed in broad statements to guide ethical decision-making. These statements provide a framework; they cannot and do not dictate conduct in particular situations.
- We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate, well-organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.
- We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.
- We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired, or transmitted.
- We recognize and respect intellectual property rights.
- We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness, and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.
- We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.
- We distinguish between our personal convictions and our professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with the fair representation of our institution's aims or the provision of access to their information resources.
- We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.
Adopted at the 1939 Midwinter Meeting by the ALA Council: amended June 30, 1981; June 28, 1995; January 22, 2008; and June 29, 2021.
Library Bill of Rights
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
- Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people in the community. Library materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
- Libraries should provide materials and information that present all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
- Libraries should challenge censorship in fulfilling their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
- Libraries should cooperate with all people and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to information.
- A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
- Libraries that make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; January 29, 2019.
Inclusion of " " was reaffirmed on January 23, 1996.