Library Rules

2.1 The Library building is open to all, subject to any restrictions and limitations outlined in these Rules.

2.2 Digital resources are licenced through agreements between the publisher and the University. Access to such resources is restricted to:

• All staff and registered students of Lancaster University (including Emeritus staff)
• Others to whom the University has conferred membership (excluding those whose sole relationship is that of an alumnus)
• Alumni of the university (on a limited basis according to licences)

Access to digital resources by others is limited by licence terms to use for walk-in purposes only at specific PCs within the Library building.

2.3 The following groups, including Community Members are eligible to borrow from the library:

• Registered students of the University (including intercalating students)
• Members of staff of the University
• Retired members of staff of the University
• Others with formal relationships with the University
• Individual members of institutions participating in reciprocal borrowing agreements

Community Card membership is based on ‘best efforts’ and may be suspended for periods of time owing to circumstances beyond our control (e.g. a global pandemic). Always check with the Library via our website before your visit. To ensure no loss of membership, we shall extend memberships to cover the period the library was unavailable to community members.

3.1 All staff and registered students of Lancaster University are automatically registered as members of the Library. Others groups eligible to borrow are required to register directly with the Library.

3.2 Change of postal or e-mail address must be reported immediately. Students should notify any change of Term time or Vacation address via Registry and staff through CoreHR, the Human Resources Self-Service Portal. Other registered users should inform the Library directly.

3.3 Communications from the Library to Lancaster University students and staff will be by email, using the approved Lancaster University email address. Communications to other Library users will by email wherever possible, or, exceptionally, by post.

3.4 Communications sent to the last reported address of a user are deemed to have been duly sent.

3.5 Anyone entitled to borrow and wishing to do so must obtain a Lancaster University Card or Community Card from the Library Building. The card is not transferable and must be produced each time items are borrowed. Any books borrowed on a Card must be surrendered when the period of registration or entitlement ends.

3.6 Lost or stolen Cards must be reported. Registered students should report lost University Cards to Student and Education Services Replacement Student University card (Student and Education Services) and members of staff to People and Organisational Effectiveness (POE) department. The loss of a Community Card should be reported to the Library. Cards may be replaced on payment of a fee.

4.1 All users of Lancaster University’s IT Services are issued with a username and password on registration. Usernames and passwords must not be deliberately or inadvertently revealed or made accessible to others. Users of the University’s electronic information systems are bound by the University's Computer User Agreement.

4.2 Electronic resources are licensed solely for learning, teaching, research, personal educational development, and for the administration and management of Lancaster University. They may not be used for consultancy, for purposes leading to commercial exploitation of the data, nor for the benefit of employers of students on industrial placement or part-time courses. Licences should be checked before electronic resources are used for anything other than reading on screen or the production of single copies for personal use.

4.3 The Library purchases and subscribes to electronic resources on behalf of the University. Under the terms of relevant agreements, licences may place limits on who may use electronic resources, the number of concurrent users and the locations from which networked access is permitted. Library users are responsible for ensuring that their use of electronic resources, whether inside or outside the Library, complies with licence conditions.

4.4 Physical and digital publications are protected by copyright legislation which permits the copying of extracts only. Systematic copying of material in any format is prohibited. Copyright guidance is available on the Library’s webpage. Individuals are personally responsible for observance of copyright legislation.

5.1 Loan limits for each category of Library user are outlined on the Library website.

5.2 Users remain responsible for each book borrowed until the loan record is discharged from their record at the self-issue machine.

5.3. Fines are levied on loanable laptops when returned after the due time at a rate outlined on the library website. Borrowing rights will be suspended if fines accumulate or remain unpaid until payment is made. It is at the library’s discretion to determine when suspension of borrowing rights apply.

5.4 Users are responsible for the care of books loaned to them and will be held accountable for loss of, or damage to, books issued in their name.

5.5 Staff and students must return all books borrowed by them and pay any outstanding charges before leaving the University or, in the case of final year undergraduate students, before the end of their course. Any charges imposed by the Library are regarded as debts to the University. Community members must return all items and pay any outstanding charges by the expiry date of their membership.

5.6 Books borrowed from the Library may be used internationally by borrowers, however if required by another user, the item must be returned promptly by the new due date and at the user's expense.

5.7 Loans obtained from other libraries may be subject to additional conditions imposed by the lending Library in addition to the University Library's Rules.

6.1 People over the age of 16 may use the Library for reference and studying purposes. Everyone entering the Library must show acceptable proof of identity on request.

6.2 We aim to treat all our users with respect, likewise we expect all users to treat library staff and other library users with respect. Any user displaying rude, aggressive or any other inappropriate behaviour may be asked to leave and may also be subject to the penalties outlined below under section 7 of these rules.

6.3 The Library welcomes comments and feedback on our services from all users and we will respond in a timely manner to any comments made. Full details of how you can give us your Feedback are available on the Library website.

6.4 Restrictions on conversation or noise in areas of the Library designated as 'Silent' must be observed by all Library users. Whilst talking is permitted in group study areas, loud or exuberant behaviour is not permitted and you may be asked to leave if you disturb or cause offence to other Library users.

6.5 Children aged 16 or under are welcome in the library, but they must be accompanied at all times. Those who bring children into the Library are responsible for their safety and behaviour.

6.6 Personal belongings may be brought into the Library at the user's own risk. The Library is not responsible for loss of, or damage to, personal property. The Library reserves the right to inspect what is brought into the Library and what is taken out.

6.7 Laptop computers or portable devices are used in the Library at the owner's risk. Devices requiring a power supply may only be used at study spaces furnished with (or immediately adjacent to) power sockets, to avoid the safety hazard caused by trailing electrical cables. Computing equipment should be used with consideration for others.

6.8 Conduct adversely affecting the proper use and enjoyment of the Library by others may be a disciplinary offence. In particular, it shall be an offence:

• to attempt to remove a book from the Library without carrying out the proper borrowing procedure;
• to damage a book in any way, including marking or annotating it or interfering with evidence of the University's ownership;
• to cause or participate in a disturbance in the Library or to obstruct Library staff in the course of their duties;
• to smoke in the Library (including e-cigarettes);
• to bring alcohol into the Library;
• to bring hot foods into the Library, or other items likely to damage books or equipment;
• to make or receive calls on mobile telephones, except in designated areas;
• to bring animals into the Library, except for guide or assistance dogs;
• to infringe, by the use of Library facilities or materials, copyright legislation or the terms of any copyright licensing agreement entered into by the University.

6.9 To ensure a safe and clean environment, all library users must leave study spaces clean and tidy at all times. Any litter must be placed in the appropriate bins provided within the Library building.

6.10 All library users are expected to make themselves aware of the nearest fire exit and evacuate the building immediately the fire alarm is activated.

6.11 All members of the Library staff are empowered to enforce the Library's rules. The following rules were in place during the period of time when government restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic were in effect. They are now suspended from Monday 19^th July 2021, but may be reimposed if government guidance changes at any point.

• Following the COVID-19 pandemic, only Lancaster University staff and students are allowed into the library building. It is no longer possible to enter the Library without a valid University card, all users must swipe in individually at the entrance to the library building using their card.

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, the consumption of food is no longer permitted in public areas. Users found with such items may be asked to leave temporarily to consume or dispose of them before entering. Bottled water or non-alcoholic hot or cold drinks in lidded cups may be consumed anywhere in the Library.

• When in the library building, all users must comply with all relevant government and university guidelines and notices in place to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.

7.1 Alleged breach of any of the above Rules may be investigated by the Director of Library Services & Learning Development or an authorised deputy.

7.2 The Director of Library Services & Learning Development has authority to take disciplinary action, including the imposition of fines or exclusion from the use of some or all Library services, against anyone who infringes these Rules.

7.3 Serious or persistent breaches of Library Rules by students may be referred to the Student Conduct Officer for action under the Rules of the University. Serious or persistent breaches of the Library Rules by members of staff may be referred to the Director of Human Resources. Formal proceedings may result in withdrawal of privileges, a reprimand, a fine, the imposition of charges for damages, or more serious penalties.

7.4 Where a Library user considers that a fine or replacement charge has been applied unfairly he or she may invoke the Fines and Appeals procedure outlined on the Library's web pages. Appeals against penalties for more serious breaches of Library Rules may be considered under the provisions of the Rules of the University.

7.5 . Libraries operate reciprocal access schemes whereby students and staff may be given privileges to use other libraries, including the British Library. Any offence caused by a member of one institution when using another's facilities may result in disciplinary action by either body, or both.

Rev. 2011-10-19; 2012-03-06; 2016-04-16; 2020-12-04; 2022-01-04

Next Review Date: January 2023