1. Introduction and Context
1.1 The Forde Library facilities, services and resources are provided to support the research, teaching, learning and administrative activities of the University of the Southern Caribbean. The Library has made these Regulations for the benefit of its users, and your co-operation in observing them is essential for the common good. They are intended to promote:
- equitable access to Library materials, spaces and services
- the maintenance of Library materials, equipment and buildings in acceptable and serviceable conditions
- the maintenance of an environment conducive to study
- proper conduct when using the Library
1.2 These regulations apply to both USC Stakeholders and visitors. All Library users are requested to familiarize themselves with the Library Regulations. Ignorance of any clause is not an excuse for a breach of Library Regulations. All library staff are authorised to administer these regulations within the remit of their post and are subject to any guidance issued by the Director of Library Services.
1.3 Definitions: For the purpose of these Regulations:
“the University” means The University of the Southern Caribbean.
“User” means a person authorised to use the Library as defined by his or her status at the University or as defined by Section 2.1.
1.4 Feedback and constructive comments are welcomed on all aspects of the Library via the Library website, email, phone or in person.
2. Admission to the Library
2.1 Authorised users are:
a) Members of the University Board, all members of the University faculty and staff, and all registered students of the University.
b) Others including alumni, retired staff, spouses of staff, visiting scholars and other applicants approved by the Director of Library Services.
2.2 Faculty, Staff and students of the University have priority access.
2.3 The Director of Library Services or Designee reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone deemed unfit by demeanour or conduct.
2.4 A user must produce their USC ID card to enter the Library. Visitors may be asked to sign in.
2.5 A user must notify the University or Library immediately if:
- There are changes to their mobile number, postal or email addresses. Changes in a person’s mobile number, postal address or email addresses for current USC students, Faculty and Staff must be reported to the University to update the student or staff record systems.
- Their USC ID Card has been lost, stolen or used by another person.
2.6 Children are not admitted to the Library unless in exceptional circumstances with permission from the Director of Library Services. If admitted, children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult who will accept sole responsibility for the children’s good conduct, safety and observation of these regulations.
2.7 For security purposes, if patrons enter the Library with any bags or receptacles, upon leaving, they must make these items available for inspection by Library Security.
2.8 Wet umbrellas can be brought into the Library only in plastic bags.
2.9 All users must leave the Library by closing time and immediately during emergency evacuations or when requested by Library staff.
3. Behaviour in the Library
3.1 All users are required to behave considerately and to respect the study needs of others.
3.2 Study areas in the Library may be designated quiet or available for group work. Users must maintain good order and observe the rules applying to each area.
3.3 Mobile devices may be used only in silent mode. Headphones are allowed, but the volume should be low enough to prevent noise leakage.
3.4 Personal belongings should not be left unattended or used to reserve study places. Library staff may remove books and other personal items left for more than 1 hour. Non-valuables left unclaimed for a length of time will be disposed of. Food and drink will be instantly discarded.
3.5 Users should not bring excessive personal items to the Library. Excessive items are those that are more than a user could handle and move comfortably at any one time.
3.6 The Library is not responsible for the security of personal belongings. Users should take care of their possessions at all times.
3.7 Users must not mark, deface, damage or destroy any Library resources or property.
3.8 Smoking is not allowed in the Library.
3.9 Eating and drinking are prohibited in the Library, except for drinking water in secured bottles. No alcohol or hot or odorous food may be brought into the Library.
3.10 Users are expected to dispose of their litter in the provided bins.
3.11 Animals other than assistance dogs are not allowed in the Library.
3.12 Photography and filming in the Library are allowed only with prior permission from the Director of Library Services.
3.13 A user must comply with all University policies and regulations relating to:
- Copyright and intellectual property;
- Defamation;
- Pornography;
- Data protection;
- Health and safety.
4. Access to facilities and services
4.1 Users can access designated public areas within the Library buildings and the facilities in these public spaces. Access may be restricted at particular times and dates, and booking of particular spaces may be limited to certain user groups.
4.2 Borrowing
4.2.1 Borrowing privileges are extended to all registered students, faculty, and staff of the University. The Director of Library Services or designee may determine other categories of users permitted to borrow. The Librarian may determine borrowing limits for different categories of users, as advertised on the Library’s website.
4.2.2 No book shall be removed from the Library without being first issued.
4.2.3 Borrowed items are for the sole use of the cardholder and may not be passed on to any other person. Users are responsible for all items issued to their Library Account. This responsibility ends only when the item has been recorded as returned to the Library system. Users will be liable for any loss of, or damage to, books or other items while in their charge. Any loss or damage must be reported immediately to the circulation desk.
4.2.7 Books on loan must be returned no later than the due date or earlier if the Library recalls them. The borrower is responsible for returning books on time. Fines will be charged on books returned late by advertised charges.
4.2.8 Renewals must be made on or before the last date of the initial loan period. Otherwise, overdue fines will be charged. No book may be renewed if
- it is required by another person;
- the maximum number of renewals is reached;
- the borrower’s maximum fine limit is reached;
- the borrower has received four overdue notices on any single borrowed item.
4.2.9 Failure to return books or books returned damaged beyond repair will result in a charge, including the cost of replacement, a processing cost, and any accumulated fines as advertised.
4.2.10 The Library may recall a borrowed item at any time by notifying the user. If a borrowed item is recalled, the due date specified in the recall notice becomes the due date.
4.2.11 Another borrower may reserve books that are already on loan. When returned, reserved books will only be available for collection for a limited period.
4.2.12 4.2.12 Users with outstanding fines or overdue items may not be allowed to borrow further loanable items or use library facilities until the fines are paid and books are returned.
4.2.13 All users leaving the Library must show all books in their possession if requested by Library Security, whether these belong to the University or not.
4.3 Use of electronic services
4.3.1 The use of library computers and the campus network, both wired and wireless, must comply with university-wide policies and guidelines. PCs should not be left unattended when logged on or locked down to reserve use.
4.3.2 Users may be required to authenticate themselves before using library devices, networks, electronic services and resources. Usernames and passwords must not be shared or used to enable others to access electronic resources.
4.3.3 Use of electronic resources, including e-journals, e-books and databases, is governed by the University’s license agreements with vendors.
5. Library Notices
5.1 Electronic mail is the default means of communication between the Library and users. For University Faculty, Staff, and students, electronic mail will be sent to the user’s email address and registered with the Library.
5.2 The Library will not be held responsible if a user does not receive a particular notice.
6. Fees and Charges
6.1 The Librarian reserves the right to charge for access to or use of library services and resources not normally available to a particular user category or impose any reasonable penalty fines, as specified on the Library’s website.
6.2 Charges will be imposed for any of, but not limited to, the following:
- membership;
- overdue borrowed items;
- printing and photocopying;
- misuse, loss, damage or destruction or unauthorised removal of library resources;
6.3 If a person refuses to pay any outstanding charges, the Library may withhold access and borrowing privileges until the account is cleared. Please note that Graduating Certificates for students with outstanding Library debts will be withheld until the account is settled.