The Library Regulations form part of the rules governing Library use.
Along with other University regulations and policies (e.g. General Regulations and Procedures Affecting Students, Policy on Dignity and Respect, IT Regulations and others) they are part of the rules and regulations that apply to all DMU students.
1 Preamble/introduction
1.1 The Directorate Library and Learning Services (hereafter referred to as the Library) provides users with materials, services and facilities for learning, teaching and research purposes. The regulations are designed to ensure that such provision is made as effectively and fairly as possible and that the integrity of the library service is maintained. The regulations cover the conditions for admission and use of materials and facilities, the prohibition of inappropriate activities and the penalties for infringement.
1.2 These regulations have been approved by the Academic Board and have the support of the Governing Body of the University. They are subject to review from time to time.
2 Admission / membership eligibility
2.1 All DMU students currently enrolled on award bearing courses offered by the University, and all staff employed directly by the University are entitled to make use of the Library and borrow those materials which are available for loan, provided that they have registered with the Library and are not already in breach of these regulations.
2.2 Any other person may apply to become a member of the Library upon payment of the current annual subscription. The fee may be waived at the discretion of the Director of Library and Learning Services.
2.3 Members of other academic libraries with which De Montfort University has reciprocal access arrangements, either on an individual basis, library to library basis, or as part of wider collaborative arrangements may register to use the library. Conditions of access and terms of usage will be in accordance with the terms of each individual arrangement.
2.4 When entering the Library, users need to be in possession of identification held in their own name in the form of a De Montfort University Student Identity card; a De Montfort University Staff Identity card; a valid De Montfort University Library card; or some alternative and acceptable means of identification which must be shown on demand to a member of Library or security staff. Such identification needs carried at all times and be presented to a member of staff upon request.
2.5 Admittance to the Kimberlin Library during self service opening times, admittance to all other Library spaces (Eric Wood Learning Zone, The Greenhouse and the Law Library) at all times requires a valid DMU staff or student ID card.
2.6 Members can only use their own identity card for admission. The transfer of identity cards is not permitted and disciplinary action will be taken in such instances.
2.7 The Director of Library and Learning Services or their nominee has the right to refuse admission to the Library or any other Library space.
2.8 Details of opening hours are published on our web site and may be subject to change.
3 Borrowing rights / facilities
3.1 The majority of items in the Library collections are available for loan and can be borrowed by eligible members as defined above. Restrictions on borrowing apply to registered non-DMU library members (current details published on library website). In the case of materials which are not normally loaned, exceptions may be made by the Director of Library and Learning Services or their nominee. No Library material may be taken through the exit gate unless the loan has been recorded at the issue counter or via a self issue terminal with accompanying receipt.
3.2 Members are responsible for all loans issued against their library cards until those items have been returned and discharged.
3.3 Members can only use their own identity card for borrowing and loans must not be transferred from one member to another. The transfer of identity cards is not permitted and disciplinary action will be taken in such instances.
3.4 The Library must be notified immediately of any change of address or loss of a Library/identity card.
3.5 Loan entitlements vary according to type of membership. Current loan entitlements are detailed on the library website.
3.6 Loans may be renewed provided the borrower is not in breach of Library regulations and the item is not requested by another user.
3.7 Reservations may be made by staff and students for items on loan and all material is subject to recall after a minimum of one week which may require an item to be returned earlier than its original due date. Recalls will be sent via email.
3.8 The Director of Library and Learning Services has the right to refuse to lend material, to restrict the loan period for items in heavy demand or to make special arrangements for materials or borrowers.
3.9 The full range of Library facilities and resources is normally available during ‘staffed service’ hours. During periods of self service operation some services may not be available or be reduced. While efforts will be made to maintain continuity of service, services and facility availability should be considered ‘at risk’ outside of weekday office hours when the full range of university support mechanisms is available to us.
4 Use of Computers, IT Resources and Datasets within the Library
4.1 IT facilities provided by the Library are for use only by DMU students, DMU staff and DMU research students. DMU provides Eduroam wireless access to visitors from other institutions for connection of their own devices under the terms of the scheme.
4.2 Passwords and usernames to access services provided by the Library are for use only by the named Member and must not be shared. Disciplinary action will be taken in such instances where sharing takes place and Members may render themselves liable for additional action by third party suppliers of services to DMU.
4.3 Access to datasets provided in the Library is similarly restricted to use by the same categories of users as above. In some instances, separate registration for specific datasets may be required before access is enabled.
5 Conduct
5.1 Users must ensure that they do not remove items from the Library without authorisation. Library or security staff may check books and other materials in the possession of anyone leaving the Library and users may be required by any member of the Library staff to open bags, folders and briefcases or empty pockets for inspection of their contents.
5.2 Disciplinary action may be taken against users who remove or who attempt to remove Library property without authorisation, or who refuse without reasonable excuse to open bags, folders and briefcases or to empty their pockets when required to do so by a member of the Library or security staff.
5.3 Users must not, intentionally or otherwise, cause the Library security alarm to be activated by being in possession of unissued Library property. Activations of the Library security alarm will result in disciplinary action.
5.4 Users must conduct themselves in a satisfactory manner when using the Library. Disorderly conduct or offensive behaviour towards staff or other users will not be tolerated in the Library.
5.5 Library areas are zoned and signposted (Group, Quiet Study and Silent Study). An appropriate area should be chosen for the type of study being undertaken and our study signs observed. Penalties will be imposed on those who fail to meet acceptable standards.
5.6 Drinks and cold food are permitted in designated Learning Zone and café areas only. Bottled water only is permitted in all other areas. Hot food, ice cream and ‘takeaway’ style foods of any temperature are not permitted.
5.7 Alcohol and smoking are not permitted in the Library. The use of tobacco substitutes and electronic cigarettes is not permitted.
5.8 Mobile phones must be set to silent or switched off on entering the Library.
5.9 Headphones must be used when listening to music or watching video.
5.10 Headphones must be set to a volume that does not disturb other library users.
5.11 Users must not deface or otherwise damage books, equipment, furniture, the fabric of the building or other items of Library property.
5.12 Users must enter and leave the Library by the main doors. Fire exits are for emergency use only. Areas marked "Library Staff Only", should not be entered without invitation.
5.13 All users, on hearing the fire alarm, must immediately vacate the Library by the nearest exit route. Users must not deface or otherwise damage books, equipment, furniture, the fabric of the building or other items of Library property.
5.14 Animals, other than guide dogs, may not be brought into the Library.
5.15 In line with university policy, children under the age of 16 may accompany a DMU student or staff member for a brief visit to the library of up to 30 minutes (e.g. to collect or return materials) at the discretion of the Duty Officer during staffed service hours. Children permitted entry do so at the risk of their guardian who is responsible for their safety and wellbeing at all times. In line with university policy, where a child will be present for other than a short period of time, the student, member of staff or visitor accompanying the child must obtain express written permission from the Director of Library and Learning Services or their nominee before the child enters University property. The Director of Library and Learning Services or nominee reserves the right to withdraw permission and request the removal of any child within the library spaces
5.16 Personal belongings are brought into the Library at the owner's risk and should not be left unattended. They may be examined and removed by Library or Security staff at any time if left unaccompanied.
5.17 Users must not tamper with any IT equipment provided. This prohibition includes the use of any software or hardware not provided or supported by the University.
5.18 Use of computer facilities and networks within the Library shall be in accordance with the General Student Regulations and any supplementary regulations relating to IT services.
5.19 Where the Library has entered into agreements with external agencies for the supply of IT based information services, users will abide by these agreements and the conditions of use specified by such suppliers. These agreements, where appropriate, will include the supply by the University of the required user data to external agencies in order to deliver these services. The supply of this data will be in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, and the University's implementation of that Act.
5.20 All De Montfort Library users who have been granted access to other libraries, by virtue of collaborative or reciprocal agreements that De Montfort Library has entered into, must abide by the regulations of the library being visited. Any breach of those regulations will be deemed to be a breach of De Montfort University Library regulations, and appropriate action will be taken.
5.21 Users are required to comply with copyright legislation including, but not limited to, the provisions of The Copyright Designs and Patents Act (1988) and with the terms of the Higher Education Copyright Licence. Details of what is permissible under the law and under licence are available from all campus libraries and from the library website. All De Montfort Library users who have been granted access to other libraries, by virtue of collaborative or reciprocal agreements that De Montfort Library has entered into, must abide by the regulations of the library being visited. Any breach of those regulations will be deemed to be a breach of De Montfort University Library regulations, and appropriate action will be taken. Requirements are also displayed at all copying equipment.
6 Penalties
6.1 Breaches of the regulations are dealt with in accordance with Section 10 (Provost's penalties) of the General Student Regulations by the Director of Library and Learning Services or their nominee. The penalties shall be in accordance with the General Student Regulations, and shall include: financial penalties; charges for the replacement of damaged material together with an appropriate administration charge; suspension of access to Library services and facilities.
6.3 External users from other educational institutions in breach of Library Regulations will be referred to that institution and their membership of the Library revoked.
6.4 Other external users breaching Library Regulations will be banned from any further use of the Library facilities and the Police may be called.
6.5 All breaches of the regulations are recorded by the Library and may be referred to if any subsequent breaches of regulations occur.
6.6 Anyone removing or attempting to remove Library material without authority may be fined, have their Library rights suspended, or both.
6.7 Fines will be incurred for failing to return or renew items on or before the date and time for return, or when recalled for use by other borrowers.
6.8 Borrowing rights will be suspended for any library user with overdue material until such time as that material is returned or renewed and outstanding charges paid.
6.9 Borrowing rights will be suspended for any library user with outstanding fines in excess of &ppound;15.00.
6.10 Borrowers failing to return overdue material will be billed for replacement costs and an administration charge levied.
6.11 Borrowers of material supplied by third parties (e.g. inter library loans) will be liable for any fees imposed upon the Library for late return or loss of materials obtained on their behalf.
6.12 DMU staff and students making use of other libraries via reciprocal access schemes will be liable for any misuse of services at other institutions via DMU Library Regulations. This includes liability for any fees imposed on the Library as a result.
6.13 All items lost or otherwise misplaced whilst issued to a borrower must be paid for at the replacement cost. An administrative charge will also be levied.
6.14 The scale of fines and charges in these regulations will be set in consultation with De Montfort Student Union and approved by the University Learning and Teaching Committee. Details of current fines and charges can be found on the library web site.
6.15 Failure by a member of staff to return books or other items when required to do so or to pay fines or charges may be referred by the Director of Library and Learning Services to the PVC / Executive Dean of Faculty.
6.16 Misuse of computer facilities or networks will be treated as a breach of the General Regulations and Procedures Affecting Students.
6.17 Misuse of Library cards and university ID cards will be subject to a disciplinary fine.
6.18 Users not conducting themselves in a satisfactory manner in the Library may be required by any member of the Library or security staff to leave the building. Disciplinary fines and/or restrictions on the use of Library services may also be levied.
6.19 Appeals against fines, charges or suspensions imposed by Library staff may be made to the Director of Library and Learning Services.
6.20 Appeals against decisions made by the Director of Library and Learning Services may be made by staff via the formal disciplinary procedure, and by students under part G of Chapter 2 of the General Regulations and Procedures Affecting Students.
Revised June 2014