Policies

The Clark College Libraries follow all the policies of Clark College. These additional policies provide guidance over the unique situations in our academic library environment.

Please scroll down to review all of our policies, or, click one of the links to be taken directly to the relevant policy.

Borrowing Policy
Collection Development Policy
Computer Equipment Policy
Computer Use Policy
Conduct Policy
Copiers Policy
Copyright Policy
Course Reserves Policy
Interlibrary Loan Policy
Privacy Policy
Study Areas and Rooms Policy
Terms of Use for Online Resources

 

Borrowing Policy

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Borrowers

Borrowers must agree to return borrowed items promptly and to comply with the policies of Clark College Libraries and Clark College. Policy violations and failure to return items in good condition or pay fees will result in the loss of library privileges.

Cards are issued to individuals, not families or businesses.

Current Clark College Students, Faculty, and Staff

A current Clark College Library card or a valid Clark College ID is required to borrow library items including course reserves that are restricted to building-use only. Current Clark College students, faculty and staff may either use a college ID (must be scannable) or obtain a library card at a Clark College Libraries Check Out Desk by presenting picture identification and confirmation of their current mailing address, regardless of residence.

Emeritus

Faculty and staff who retire with the status of emeritus receive borrowing privileges upon verification of emeritus status and completion of a library registration form. Emeritus library privileges include: borrowing of Clark College library items, Summit items, and off-site research database access. Emeriti are subject to employee borrowing policies.

Community Members

Other residents of community college service district 14 who are age 16 or older are eligible for a Clark College Library card with valid picture identification along with proof of current residence (contact staff by phone, 360-992-2151, if you have any questions) and birth date. Stricter limits on number of items checked out may be imposed for persons in temporary residences. Community patron cards must be renewed in person and proof of residence verified each quarter. Continued borrowing privileges are contingent on promptly returning all materials borrowed in good condition. Some services and resources are limited to Clark College students enrolled in credit classes, current faculty, and staff.

Orbis Cascade/Summit Visitors

Visiting patrons from other Orbis Cascade Alliance or institutions which have established a reciprocal borrowing agreement with Clark College may check out materials which are available for loan in the combined Summit catalog. Patrons must present picture and/or institutional identification and current enrollment verified by their home institutions. Some local collection variations apply.

Clark College Departments

Clark College departments may establish records for the purpose of borrowing materials if financial responsibility is established and authorized borrowers are properly designated.

Responsibilities

  • Clark College Library cards or valid Clark College IDs must be presented for check out. A fee may be charged for replacement of cards or refusal to present the card at check out.
  • Lost or stolen cards must be reported immediately to help prevent fraudulent use.
  • Report name and address changes promptly.
  • Know due dates. Cardholders must return or renew items in order to avoid fines and/or suspension of borrowing privileges.
  • Cardholders are responsible for the physical condition of any items checked out on their card. Do not lend your library card to anyone, including family members.

Privacy of Borrower Accounts

See Privacy of Circulation Records

Limits

All borrowers are limited to a total of 25 items out at any time including audiovisual, course reserve, interlibrary loan and Summit borrowing. Only three Check Out Desk videos per borrower are permitted.

Clark College students have priority use of items placed on course reserve for classes. Course reserve item limits are two items out at one time. Course reserve items have a 3-hour, in-library use only limit for community patrons or Orbis Cascade/Summit adopted visitors. Exceptions can be made for course reserve items placed on course reserve for use by distance education classes from other institutions taught on the Clark College campuses.

Students are permitted to check out one each: laptop with power adapter, headphones, or calculator but are limited to two pieces of equipment (not including power adapter) out at one time. Students may have only one laptop or netbook regardless if it is for extended or hourly loan.

Videos and DVDs owned by the library are circulated to students, staff and community patrons. However priority use is given to faculty and staff who are requesting the item for instructional use during Clark College classes. Cannell Library does not rent or loan videos or DVDs for off-campus use by other agencies, including interlibrary loan.

Faculty and staff are responsible for obtaining public performance rights for special campus showings of library or personally owned videos or DVDs.

Community patrons and Orbis Cascade/Summit adopted patrons are not allowed to check out computer equipment (even for use in the building). Exceptions for headphones, magnifying glasses or remote controls are at the discretion of Access Services Work Leader on duty.

Reference librarians can limit the number of items in a subject area that may be checked out by any one person during check out.

Reference books, periodicals, specified DVDs or videorecordings, and certain other designated items do not check out of the library. Exceptions can be made by the reference librarian on duty for Clark College employees in special circumstances. Loan periods will be extremely limited for these items.

Loan Periods

  • Books, CDs, and First Floor DVDs from unrestricted Clark College Library collections: 21 days (Adopted February 2016)
  • DVDs from Cannell Check Out Desk collection: 6 days (Adopted August 2017)
  • Course reserve items: instructors may choose either 3-hour, restricted to use inside the building, overnight, 3 day, or 7 day loan periods. (Adopted February 2015)
  • Summit books: 6 weeks
  • Summit audiovisual items: 6 days
  • Extended Loan Laptops (adopted June 2017): due no later than 5:30 pm on the last open day of the current quarter.
  • Hourly Loan Netbooks (adopted September 2018): 3 hour loan, can leave the building
  • Calculators (adopted May 2012): Hourly loan calculators can be checked out for 3 hours, quarter loan calculators are due no later than 5:30 pm on the last open day of the current quarter.
  • Hourly Equipment: 3 hours, restricted to use inside the building.

Renewals

Most books, DVDs, and CDs from unrestricted Clark College Libraries collections can usually be renewed provided there are no pending requests on them, they are not billed, and the patron's record has not expired. Exceptions may be made for Clark College faculty and administrators by Access Services classified staff. Length of renewal period varies according to loan period and borrower's status. (Adopted February 2016)

Course reserve items and hourly loan equipment can not be renewed.

Returning an item and immediately checking it out again to circumvent the no renewals policy is also prohibited.

Summit item renewal limits are established by the Orbis Cascade Alliance and cannot be altered by Clark College library personnel. Items with a 6-day loan are able to be renewed for an additional 6 days and items with a 6-week loan are able to be renewed for an additional 6 weeks. Renewals are limited by a borrower's status. Please contact staff at ccl@clark.edu for more information.

Clark College patrons are strongly encouraged to renew items online. Library staff will process telephone and e-mail renewal requests, but patrons are also informed of the online procedure for future renewals.

Requests and Recalls

All Clark College Libraries circulating items are subject to recall at any time. Recalls are primarily used to retrieve items for placement on library course reserve.

All borrowers are limited to a maximum of 25 active hold requests. Requests can be placed on Clark College materials from unrestricted collections online from on or off campus - even if the item is available. Summit items may only be requested by students currently enrolled in credit classes and by current or retired employees. Staff can make arrangements for specific video items to be delivered to the Information Commons at CTC for students to check out there.

Phone requests to retrieve items from the stacks will be accepted and searched within one hour providing there is staff available. Printing and paging of requests is done twice daily generally mid-morning and early evening during weekdays and once on Saturdays when Cannell Library is open. (Adopted June 2017)

Items will be delivered by courier for pick up to either the Information Commons at CTC or Cannell Library according to what the requester specifies. Items must be picked up at either Cannell Library or the Information Commons when the building is open. The campus libraries do not mail out books off campus or through campus mail to individuals.

Borrowers will be notified by e-mail when items are ready for checkout. Students will be notified via their Clark College student e-mail account. Items from the Clark College Libraries will be held seven days after a patron notice is sent. However short loan items from Summit such as videos and DVDs can only be held for four days before they are returned. When the library is closed for quarter break, appointments can be made to pick up requested items by calling the Cannell Library circulation department.

Staff may offer to hold items until the end of the day if a patron does not have a library account.

Cannell Library usually does not hold periodicals, reference, or any restricted collections on the special hold shelf. Exceptions might be made in special cases, but not for over 24 hours.

Clark College Libraries will not function as a pick-up point between people. Items left for others to retrieve will be put in lost and found and given to Security.

Booking Videos for Classroom Use

Instructors should book library videos and DVDs in advance for use in the classroom. They may book items for the entire quarter at the beginning of that quarter to reduce scheduling conflicts. Requests for video bookings may be made up to three days before the anticipated show date, but faculty are encouraged to remember that by that time the video they wish to book may not be available and the circulation department will be unable to change that. Booking is available online from the library web page. Requests are limited to three videos and/or DVDs per day.

Faculty members have the option of picking up Cannell Library videos and DVDs at the Check Out desk or receiving them through campus mail at their mail stop. Requests for delivery to a mail stop should be made at least seven week days prior to the use date to allow for transit. Otherwise, faculty must pick up items from the Check Out Desk.

For faculty members located at the CTC or Clark College at WSU-V, requests must be made at least 10 weekdays before the show date, or the videos will not be able to reach them via the courier.

Faculty may return videos and DVDs to the Check Out Desk, to one of our two book drops (located at the front entrance of Cannell Library and near the North Gaiser Hall Green parking lot), or through campus mail to mail stop LIB 112 using a specially marked bag.

Return

Items borrowed from all Orbis Cascade Alliance libraries may also be returned to a Clark College Libraries location unless specified otherwise.

Outside return boxes can be used even during quarter breaks when buildings are closed.

When classes are in session, Cannell Library staff retrieve items in the outside return boxes in the morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. On Saturdays during the session and weekdays during quarter breaks, staff retrieves items once each day. (Adopted June 2017)

Information Commons staff retrieve items once each day, Monday through Thursday. During quarter breaks, the Information Commons staff retrieve items on Monday and Thursday mornings.

Fees and Fines

State law makes it a misdemeanor for anyone to intentionally injure, deface, or destroy any library property. Persons who publicly state they have intentionally damaged or retained library materials will be considered violators and will lose borrowing privileges at Clark College Libraries. Violators may be prosecuted, subject to fines and/or lose library privileges permanently.

A person is responsible for any items checked out with their cards until they are returned in good condition to the book return boxes or Check Out Desk. The cardholder is responsible whether courtesy reminder notices are received or not. Charges are referred to a collection agency for reimbursement.

College records will be blocked when items are billed or fees charged. Library borrowing privileges will also be curtailed or suspended. Financial aid and employee paychecks may also be affected.

Students whose records are blocked must return or pay fees in order to register for or drop classes. Department supervisors or deans may be notified if instructors have fees and have not responded to notices or other contacts to resolve borrowing issues.

Fines

Fines are charged for late materials borrowed from Clark College. Hourly course reserves, equipment, and study room keys incur a $5 per hour fee to a maximum of $25 when returned late.

Items are considered lost and a billing fee is charged when the patron does not promptly respond to library notices or contacts. When Interlibrary Loan, Summit and course reserve materials are three days overdue, a $15 billing fine is added to the patron's account. When computers and DVDs are seven days overdue, a $15 billing fine is added to the patron's account. When books and CDs are 28 days overdue, a $15 billing fine is added to the patron's account.

Charges for Lost or Damaged Items

Items that are returned damaged are billed immediately. Charges depend on the type of material and extent of damage. The cost of repair or binding will be charged for damaged print materials that are repairable. There is a minimum charge of $10 for any item that is damaged while in circulation and subsequently repaired and returned to the collection.

There are designated replacement charges (see chart) for lost or damaged materials. The charge billed for lost or damaged items may be more than the average replacement cost listed if the actual price paid is determined to be higher. Clark College Libraries will not accept a substitute in lieu of payment for lost or damaged items. Replacement costs are intended to include some of the costs of cataloging and processing.

Payment of fees for damaged or overdue item(s) does not constitute purchase of items, which remain Washington State property. Damaged books can not be purchased from the library.

Replacement Charges

Audiovisual  & Equipment
Audiotapes & CDs $45
Videos & DVDs
(Updated December 2016)		 $45
Equipment (does not include laptops) $40 or replacement cost
Computers & Projectors
(Updated October 2018)		 $600 - $1000
Books
General $45
Renaissance Kids & ESL/ENL $25
Reference $75
Course reserves
Print & Audiovisual $45
Other
Interlibrary Loan or Summit $75 (or as designated by the lending library) plus $15 fine
Periodicals $25

 

Appeals and Claims Returned

Patrons who question a bill or fee should discuss policy and options with the Circulation Work Leader at the Check Out Desk. Unresolved issues are referred to the Access Services Manager. The Dean of Clark Libraries & Academic Success Services (title adopted August 2011) handles final appeals concerning fees.

If any items are reported returned by the patron but not found immediately by the staff, the situation must be resolved before any more materials may be borrowed. An exception is made only for course reserves which are used in the library. Blocks may be temporarily removed while items are in claims returned status. After one month, if the claims returned materials item(s) aren’t located by the library staff, they are considered lost and a second bill is sent. A claims returned report is generated weekly and staff searches shelves at least weekly.

Summit items reported as returned but not found by staff are searched weekly and the lending library and other Orbis Cascade Alliance libraries are contacted for assistance. A note is put on the patron record and borrowing can continue for one month. If items are not found by then, borrowing is suspended and the borrower must then pay charges to clear their record.

Payments and Refunds

Only authorized circulation personnel can adjust or waive charges and delete messages from patron records. Student assistants are not authorized to make exceptions to circulation policy.

Refunds are given for Clark College library items returned in good condition within six months of the payment date. No refunds will be given for overdue fees or when reimbursement has already been paid to another lending agency. Billing fines for items are non-refundable, including Summit items.

Audiovisual Equipment

  • Audio and visual equipment is intended for use with library course reserve materials or Clark College curriculum-related materials only.
  • Media equipment must be used in the library. Headphones may only be used inside the building or in the LibLab on the second floor at Cannell Library.
  • Individuals or groups of two should use the equipment along the railing on the second floor of the Cannell Library.
  • Video players and computers provided for the group study rooms are intended for group viewing of curriculum-related materials only.

Collection Development Policy

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Statement of Purpose

Clark College Libraries supports the educational mission of Clark College by providing information resources for teaching and learning. To accomplish these objectives, the library endeavors:

  • to provide organized collections of information resources in varied formats;
  • to make information resources readily accessible by providing adequate staff and appropriate facilities, furnishings, equipment, and supplies; and
  • to facilitate learning and support literacy and community service by encouraging creative instruction, independent study, and effective use of library resources by students, faculty, staff, and the community.

Oversight of library services and collections is delegated by the College to the Dean of Clark Libraries & Academic Success Services.

Library resources are selected for purchase by faculty librarians who work in collaboration with faculty in academic programs. The library will purchase library resources in direct support of the current curriculum at Clark College. The diversity of the community college curriculum and student body require that the collection contain materials supporting both academic and vocational programs, as well as materials for all levels of educational attainment and personal enrichment. The collection should provide students the information they need for papers, speeches, and projects assigned in their courses and also stimulate intellectual interests.

The collection should meet the instructional needs of faculty and provide materials for use by teachers in class preparation. Community users will be served by making the library’s collections available to the public, as permitted.

Library resources will be collected in various formats including books, newspapers, periodicals, electronic resources, government documents, and media materials. When possible, electronic format is preferred to facilitate access except when another format is more suitable for use. English is the primary language of the collection. Emphasis is on current imprints, although works of specific historical nature may be selectively acquired.

In order to comply with licensing agreements pertaining to institutional access to online resources, Clark College Libraries will only purchase e-books that have a site license access option, preferably with a multi-user access.  To ensure timely access implementation for e-books purchases, preferred e-book vendors will be those whose platform has been already successfully implemented at the institutional or consortial levels.

The American Library Association has defined collecting levels in its Guidelines for Collection Development. (Chicago: ALA, 1979). At Clark College materials are collected at the following levels:

Initial Study Level: A collection which is adequate to support undergraduate courses, including a judicious selection from currently published basic monographs, selected seminal retrospective monographs listed in noted bibliographies, a broad selection of works of important writers, a selection of the most significant works of secondary writers, a selection of major journals, and current editions of the most significant reference tools and bibliographies.

Basic Level: A highly selective collection which serves to introduce and define the subject and to indicate the varieties of information available elsewhere, including major dictionaries and encyclopedias, selected editions of important works, historical surveys, important bibliographies, and major periodicals.

Minimal Level: A subject area in which few selections are made beyond very basic works.

Highly specialized materials for individual faculty, student, or administrative use will not be purchased. They are available through the Orbis Cascade Alliance Summit borrowing or interlibrary loan.

Special consideration is given to new programs so that library holdings are adequate to support them. Librarians work closely with faculty in those programs to insure relevance of potential additions to the collection. Current titles have a higher priority than retrospective titles.

Equipment provided will enhance and support both self-directed and collaborative learning experiences by facilitating access to resource formats.

Intellectual Freedom

Clark College Libraries does not promote particular beliefs or views. It provides individuals with resources so they can examine issues freely and make decisions and it affirms the statement of the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association. (See Appendix A and Appendix B)

Clark College Libraries asserts its duty to keep in its collection a representative selection of materials on all subjects of interest to its users, including materials which deal with controversial questions. Because opinions do differ, the library’s materials may be questioned or challenged. The individual lodging a complaint will be asked to fill out a written criticism (See Appendix C). After staff review, the Dean of Clark Libraries & Academic Success Services will reply in writing to the person or group.

Evaluation and Selection

The librarians rely on several standard authorities to evaluate and select materials for the collection. Bibliographies, such as Resources for College Libraries, are consulted. Reviewing sources, such as Library Journal, professional journals, association newsletters and lists of publications, curriculum guides and course outlines, publisher’s announcements, and lists of government documents are checked for notices of important and worthwhile publications.

The selection of vendors, publishers, approval plans, etc. for library materials and equipment is the responsibility of the library staff. Emphasis will be on response time, accuracy, special services, and discounts. All purchases are made in accordance with Clark College purchasing procedures.

Books

Selection of materials is based on individual recommendations and perusal of critical reviews and both current and retrospective bibliographies. All faculty members are strongly encouraged to recommend for selection current titles in their subject fields. Overall collection development and balance of the collection is the responsibility of the librarians. Requests for books should be submitted to a subject liaison.

The primary criterion for the selection of materials is the relevance of the material to the current curriculum at Clark College. Factors to be considered are demands of curriculum, interests of faculty and students, and subject area weakness. Specific criteria for selection of individual titles are:

  • anticipated use
  • accuracy
  • authority of the author
  • reputation of the publisher
  • timeliness of the publication
  • strength of present holdings in the subject area
  • literary quality
  • cost
  • contribution to the field of knowledge
  • level of treatment
  • format

Requests for materials for the reference collections are normally initiated by the librarians based on patron needs. Significant series and continuations will be procured on a standing order basis in order to insure completeness of holdings.

In general, one copy of any individual item in the circulating collection will be considered sufficient. Requests for additional copies must be justified, taking into consideration:

  • past or anticipated demand;
  • existing materials in the collections;
  • special needs which justify the purchase of more than one copy.

When available, high quality paperbound books are preferred to hardbacks. They are bound when possible before being housed in the collection. Electronic books are also collected.

Textbooks (that is works intended as principal teaching aids) are normally not selected. Exceptions are when:

  • a particular textbook is recognized by experts as a classic in the field;
  • a textbook presents materials in a way which is especially valuable to users in the opinion of teaching faculty and librarians (as for example, "Case studies" in psychology or business) and whose usefulness to readers will probably outlive related course offerings;
  • other kinds of monographs in a curricular area are sparse;
  • a textbook treats an important subject not otherwise represented in the collection.

Instructors may place copies of textbooks they provide on 3-hour course reserve if they choose.

Periodicals

The current information found only in periodicals is vital to support academic programs. Selection criteria for periodicals are similar to those for books. However, because periodical acquisitions represent a significant commitment of annual funds, faculty, students or staff requesting new subscriptions are asked to discuss their needs with the librarians.

Priority is assigned to those journals that are frequently cited and indexed, and are in direct support of the current curriculum. New subscriptions will normally begin with the current year, unless back issues are necessary. When a new print subscription is acquired, the librarians and faculty will determine how many years of back issues to keep (Example: the current 5 years). When possible, our preference is for digital access over print only, but this is not the only deciding factor considered. When electronic journals are bundled into aggregated packages, librarians evaluate the overall value of the package as a whole with the understanding that not every title included might be selected individually.

Librarians will evaluate periodicals within their assigned subject areas. Cancellations because of changing curriculum, high price increases, and lack of funds may occur. Faculty may be consulted during this reevaluation process to help determine whether to continue or cancel titles (See Weeding).

Media Resources

Media resources (i.e. audiovisual, video, DVD, software, etc.) will be considered for addition to the collection. Collaborative funding with faculty, departments, etc. may be sought to supplement the library's budgeted amount for purchase of media resources.

Media resources are selected for purchase on the basis of joint evaluation by recommending faculty and librarians using the following criteria:

  • should be previewed and recommended by a faculty member if possible;
  • should use critical reviews from reputable selection tools;
  • should support the curriculum of the college or provide enrichment; and
  • should anticipate high use.

Videorecordings may be purchased for home use only, with public performance rights or with educational or classroom performance rights.  The cost of the public performance version is usually significantly more than the home use version.

Many distributors sell videos with what they call educational performance rights or classroom rights. These “rights” essentially confirm the right to use the videorecording under the “face-to-face” teaching exemption of the Copyright Law but exclude public performance rights.

Home Use Only videorecordings:

  • May not be shown for public performance.
  • May not be shown in any College buildings except in the case of face-to-face teaching.
  • May be used for “face-to-face” classroom teaching where students and teachers are in the classroom together viewing the video.
  • May be previewed by faculty.
  • May be put on course reserve for checkout to students or used in the library.

Public Performance videorecordings:

  • May be viewed by individuals and groups in a variety of campus settings including viewing in a classroom, in the Library or in other College buildings.
  • May be placed on course reserve for students to use in-house.
  • May be circulated by the library subject to library policies and procedures.
  • May not be broadcast or transmitted on or off campus without special permission.

Educational Performance videorecordings:

  • May be used for “face-to-face” viewing in a classroom where students and teachers are in a classroom together viewing the video.
  • May be put on course reserve for students to use in-house.
  • May be previewed by faculty.

Equipment

Equipment (i.e. computers, audiovisual viewers, calculators, headphones, etc.) will be considered for library services. Grants, gifts and collaborative funding with faculty, departments, etc. may be sought to supplement the library's budgeted amount for purchase of equipment.

Equipment selections are made by library staff using the following criteria:

  • provide access to current learning resources;
  • use reviews or recommendations from reputable sources;
  • anticipate high use and permit multiple, consecutive users;
  • durable, reliable and relatively easy to use;
  • evaluate staffing needed for technical and user support;
  • consider space, storage and infrastructure impact; and
  • calculate lifespan cost-effectiveness as well as costs for maintenance and supplies.

Weeding

The criteria for deselection should be consistent with the general criteria for selection of materials. In addition, timeliness and obsolescence of materials are criteria for weeding, especially in rapidly changing fields such as business, science, technology and medicine. Faculty are encouraged to participate in the weeding process. Weeded materials are disposed of in accordance with Washington state law.

The following considerations are given when deciding on the retention of specific titles:

  • whether the title is indexed;
  • where the title is indexed;
  • whether the content is available electronically;
  • whether it continues to support the curriculum.

Journal backfiles are retained both in print and electronically. Weeding print or electronic volumes is done in conjunction with indexing and full text electronic holdings for each title. Except for the most important historical titles, print journals are generally not retained if their full-text content is available electronically. Our weeding procedures comply with that of Washington State Legislature's RCW 39.33.070 disposal of obsolete or surplus materials.

Gifts

The library will accept donations of equipment, media resources, books and other publications, as well as gifts of money designated for the purchase of these, in accordance with the following criteria. Donors are made aware of our "Gifts" policy on the Donor Information Form.

Gifts will be reviewed by the same standards as applied to new items being selected. Gifts that are retained will be integrated into the collection and not require special facilities, control, or staffing. Gift materials (such as periodical subscriptions) requiring continuing obligations on the part of the library will not be accepted without serious consideration of the library’s ability to keep the material up-to-date. Space limitations as well as the cost of processing, circulating and maintaining the items are considerations in the decision to add gifts.

The library has the right to retain or dispose of any gift materials at the discretion of the library staff. Gifts not retained will be disposed of in accordance with Washington state law. Newspapers, periodicals, and other materials brought in by individuals for the purpose of leaving them in the building for others to read are subject to the approval of library staff.

All monetary donations should be made to the library through the Clark College Foundation. No value appraisals will be made for gift items. The library informs the Clark College Foundation of materials received as gifts and the foundation sends the donor a letter of acknowledgment.

Appendix A:

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

  1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
  2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
  3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
  4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
  5. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
  6. Libraries which 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 18, 1948, by the ALA Council; amended February 2, 1961; amended June 28, 1967; amended January 23, 1980; inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 24, 1996. ALA Library Bill of Rights.

Appendix B:

Challenged Materials - An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association declares as a matter of firm principle that it is the responsibility of every library to have a clearly defined materials selection policy in written form that reflects the Library Bill of Rights, and that is approved by the appropriate governing authority.

Challenged materials that meet the criteria for selection in the materials selection policy of the library should not be removed under any legal or extra-legal pressure. The Library Bill of Rights states in Article I that “Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation,” and in Article II, that “Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.” Freedom of expression is protected by the Constitution of the United States, but constitutionally protected expression is often separated from unprotected expression only by a dim and uncertain line. The Constitution requires a procedure designed to focus searchingly on challenged expression before it can be suppressed. An adversary hearing is a part of this procedure.Therefore, any attempt, be it legal or extra-legal, to regulate or suppress materials in libraries must be closely scrutinized to the end that protected expression is not abridged.

Challenged Materials: An Interpretation of the Bill of Rights

Appendix C:

Patron Challenge Form

 

Computer Equipment Policy

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Hourly Loan Computer Equipment Policy

  • Equipment borrowing may be denied to those who abuse equipment, return equipment late, or violate Clark College policies or federal law.
  • Computer equipment is intended for academic purposes and cannot be used in violation of Clark College policies or any federal laws particularly related to copyright, fraud, privacy and obscenity.
  • Currently enrolled Clark College students with established privileges may borrow one of each type of equipment at a time to use within the building. Students may only have one laptop or netbook regardless if it is for extended or hourly loan.
  • Equipment is checked out for 3 hours and cannot be renewed. Equipment will not be checked out later than 30 minutes prior to closing. There is no overnight borrowing.
  • All equipment must be returned clean and in working condition to the Check Out desk by the end of the loan period. The student who borrowed the equipment must remain at the desk while it is inspected. 
  • The borrower will be held responsible for reasonable cost of repairs, parts and replacement arising because of damage or loss of equipment occurring while it is checked out. Immediately return equipment if any problems occur. Never leave equipment unattended. Computer replacement = $300 minimum (Adopted July 2018).
  • Overdue charges accrue at $5.00 per hour to a maximum of $25 and a $15 billing fee will be assessed when replacement bills are generated. An additional, non-refundable $100 fine will be assessed when equipment is returned more than 8 hours late.
  • Keep drinks away from library equipment. No eating is advised while using library equipment. A $10 cleaning charge may be assessed.
  • Equipment cannot be reserved in advance. 
  • Any documents saved to computers will be deleted when it is shut down. Clark College is not responsible for privacy breaches, loss of data or damage to any removable device that may occur due to malfunctioning hardware or software.
  • Mice, power adapters, headphones, keyboards and projectors are also available for 3-hour checkout, building-use only, with separate late fines and replacement costs.

Extended Loan Computer Equipment Policy

  • Equipment borrowing may be denied to those who abuse equipment, return equipment late, or violate Clark College policies or federal law.
  • Computer equipment is intended for academic purposes and cannot be used in violation of Clark College policies or any federal laws particularly related to copyright, fraud, privacy and obscenity.
  • Currently enrolled Clark College students with established privileges may borrow only one laptop or netbook regardless if it is for extended or hourly loan.
  • Extended loan equipment is checked out for the current quarter (Adopted June 2017). Holds can be placed on the morning of the first day of classes each quarter (Adopted February 2019).
  • No equipment will be checked out later than 30 minutes prior to closing.
  • All equipment must be returned clean and in working condition to Cannell Library Check Out Desk no later than 30 minutes prior to closing at the end of the loan period or on the last open day of the current quarter, whichever comes first. The student who borrowed the equipment must remain at the desk while it is inspected.
  • Borrowers must carefully safeguard the equipment from theft or accidents. The borrower will be held responsible for reasonable cost of repairs, parts and replacement arising because of damage or loss of equipment occurring while it is checked out (full replacement for all parts = $600) (Adopted July 2018). Immediately return equipment if any problems occur. Tampering with equipment, even to attempt a repair or replace parts, will result in a fine.
  • No eating or drinking is advised while using library equipment. A $10 cleaning charge may be assessed.
  • Netbooks can be requested in advance through the student’s library account and will be held for 3 days after the item is processed. No requests will be filled during quarter breaks nor carried over until the next quarter.
  • Application software and documents will be deleted when the computer is returned to the library.
  • Clark College is not responsible for privacy breaches, loss of data or damage to any removable device that may occur due to malfunctioning hardware or software.

Computer Use Policy

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Statement of Purpose

Cannell Library and the Information Commons at CTC provide library collections and computer resources to meet the informational and instructional needs of Clark College students, faculty and staff. We aim for a balanced collection of books, periodicals, media, and electronic resources representing diverse viewpoints to provide students with resources needed to examine issues freely and make decisions as described in the Collection Development Policy. Within this context, we provide access to the Internet and online resources on computers located in the Library.

Internet access is through a private network that is provided exclusively for the benefit of students, employees, staff, visitors, conference attendees, invitees, and others involved in campus life and the academic community, as well as members of the public. Access may only be obtained through campus facilities or through a user access code.

Acceptable Use

Computer Use and Internet Access

Library public computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis to Clark College students, staff and faculty. During times of high use when students are waiting for computers, priority use is given to students working on course-related research.

At Cannell Library, use of first-floor public computers by guests (persons not affiliated with Clark College) is a privilege granted at the discretion of librarians. Guests must obtain a Clark College Library card (or present a valid ID from an Orbis/Cascade Alliance institution), sign in at the Reference Desk, and limit use to one hour. Printing is not available to guests. Computer use is not available to guests at CTC.

Wireless access is not available to guests at either campus location. Students enrolled in Continuing Education courses are provided with login credentials to access the wireless network through their own personal devices. Contact Economic and Community Development with any questions.

All users must comply with library and Clark College Student Computer Policies.

Responsible Use

Cannell Library and the Information Commons at CTC are considered shared public places. Users should be aware that some materials accessed on the Internet may be considered controversial, offensive, or inappropriate for viewing in a public setting. Librarians ask users, out of consideration for others, to take care not to display or broadcast in any shared public place any images, sounds, or messages that could create an atmosphere of discomfort, harassment, or intimidation for others, and to refrain from transmitting such images, sounds, or messages to others using Library computing resources. Displaying materials which create a hostile environment for work or study will not be permitted.

In some situations where the display or broadcast of such materials is necessary to further a legitimate educational purpose, librarians ask that users be sensitive to the public nature of shared facilities. Please make advance arrangements with the reference librarians to access these materials in a private environment.

Copyright

Users should be aware of copyright law as it applies to computer software. It is a criminal offense to copy any software that is protected by copyright. A formal copyright declaration need not be in evidence for legal copyright protection to be in force.

 

Conduct Policy

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Statement of Purpose

A primary goal of the Clark College Libraries is to meet the varied study needs of the college community. To do so, it is necessary to establish quiet study areas and group study areas with differing noise and usage expectations. The conduct policy has been developed to safeguard the mixed uses of the libraries’ space.

Expectations

Clark College building policies are collected in the Administrative Procedures Manual under Section 500 – Facilities and Security/Safety. There are other relevant Clark College policies that pertain to students, specifically the Code of Student Conduct and Computing Resources for Students that are available from the website and from the college libraries.

At Cannell, small signs have been placed on tables describing the areas. In the quiet study areas and rooms, large signs are posted in the center of the study area and near the doors of the quiet and silent study rooms. In the group study rooms, large signs have been posted. A large sign is also posted in the collaborative commons. In addition to signs, student aides and other staff monitor the areas to ensure compliance.

The CTC iCommons, room 219, open area is designated for quiet, academic discussion including research consultation. Students can use the iCommons study rooms for group collaboration or individual study. Students will be notified in all areas of the iCommons if noise becomes an issue.

Consequences

  1. Posted expectations will be clarified by library staff if necessary.
  2. Once behavior has reached a disruptive level, documentation procedures will be initiated which will comprise identification (including photos), broader staff notification and a limited number of verbal warnings.
  3. After a person has been warned that he or she is violating the noise or usage parameters, additional violations will be considered a deliberate disregard for library or college policies and will result in misconduct procedures. Rude or aggressive behavior toward any staff member including student aides who are giving information or instructions will also lead to misconduct procedures.
  4. Continuing or frequent misconduct can result in loss of privileges and/or bans of varying duration. At any time if a person’s behavior turns combative, disrespectful, or unsafe, the misconduct procedures may be escalated and/or Security may be called.
  5. If the library’s internal procedures are not sufficient to halt the disruptive behavior or if observed in the designated area after a ban, students will be referred to the Student Conduct Officer or reported to Security. Non-students will be reported to Security which can result in a ban from the building or campus.

 

Copiers Policy

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Photocopiers

  • The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials. Clark College is legally obliged to pay attention to the copyright law. Signs advising of copyright restrictions are posted by the machines, and patrons may be referred to the librarians for additional information.
  • Self-service copy machines are available in the public area of Cannell Library and in Room 218 at CTC, across the hall from the iCommons. The machine settings are standardized to provide service to the majority of users and cannot be adjusted for individual purposes. Check Out Desk staff provides instruction guides to users and will handle basic troubleshooting.
  • Copies are 5 cents per single-sided page. Machines will accept one- and five-dollar bills and will give change only if copies are made. Library staff cannot provide change.
  • Library personnel cannot be responsible for the quality of copies or for copies produced because of patron error. Check Out Desk staff can not refund coins lost in the machines, but may be able to make replacement copies if the problem is reported immediately and can be verified.
  • Library patrons are expected to restrict copying to 5 minutes when others are waiting.
  • People with complex or color copying requests are referred to the Clark College Book Store where there is staffing for this service. Transparencies and color copies can be made using a printer and/or scanner in the Computer LibLab on the second floor of the library. The iCommons @ CTC has access to color copying in CTC 218. There is also a scanner in CTC 212.

Faculty/Staff Copying

At Cannell Library

  • Most instructional copying is expected to be done in the faculty’s individual department or by production printing services on campus. Copy machine numbers provided to faculty are for use in their own departments for instructional copying.
  • Some faculty and staff may be issued a copy machine number by their department to use on other campus copiers to make copies. Library staff does not have access to these numbers or information regarding which codes work on college copiers. The public library machines are not set to accommodate these numbers.
  • However, there is a staff copier restricted for use with account numbers which is located in the technical services area of the library. This copier is intended to accommodate limited requests from faculty, administration and staff. This courtesy is not extended for personal use items. Librarians may also provide campus faculty and staff with copies of reference or library use materials following guidelines within the copyright law.
  • Library staff provides code and access. Assistance for copying assistance is minimal and dependent on library staff available.

At the Information Commons @ CTC

  • Faculty/Staff with department-issued access codes have access to two copiers/scanners: CTC 273 (Faculty/Staff workroom), for black and white copies, and CTC 133, for color copies.

 

Copyright Policy

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Statement of Purpose

The copyright laws of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or reproduction.

One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use," that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.

Interlibrary Loan

Clark College is legally obliged to observe U.S. copyright law. We are limited to five articles from one journal title over the most recent five year period. If requests exceed that number, then we try to retrieve the article through a variety of methods.

Off-air Recording

Videos recorded off-air, whether by an individual at home or by Library Services or Media staff, may be shown to students only within the first ten school days after the recording date and retained up to 45 calendar days. After that, a license must be purchased or the tape erased. Licenses generally grant public performance rights similar to those of the purchased videorecordings. However, specific limitations may apply. In fact, all licenses and most purchases require signed contracts which specify the usage permitted.

  • Programs taped off the air may be placed on course reserve for up to 10 days after the program has aired.
  • Off-air recordings must be made only at the request of an individual instructor for instructional purposes, not by staff in anticipation of later requests.
  • The recordings are to be shown to students no more than two times during the 10-day period, and the second time only for necessary instructional reinforcement.
  • May be viewed after the 10-day period only by instructors for evaluation purposes, that is, to determine whether to include the broadcast program in the curriculum in the future.
  • If several instructors request videotaping of the same program, duplicate copies are permitted to meet the need; all copies are subject to the same restrictions as the original recording.

Course Reserves

The course reserve collection consists of materials considered essential or required reading for a course, materials that are used by various departmental programs, and items in high demand by several patrons. The Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) governs the making of copies of copyrighted materials. Liability for copies placed on course reserve rests with the faculty member.

These guidelines were created to protect faculty from copyright infringement. Restrictions apply to photocopied materials or media copied from a published source and Internet materials. The guidelines are a compilation from other institutions, and we believe they are reasonable. Faculty may contact a librarian for further information; consultation with a librarian does not constitute legal counsel.

  • Faculty may put student-produced materials on course reserve only with student’s written permission. Student names will be removed from works before they are added.
  • Commercial videotapes or cassettes, library-owned videos, or tapes of classroom activities may be put on course reserve without publisher permission. Programs taped off the air may not be put on course reserve without publisher permission, except within the first 10 days following the airdate.
  • All materials found on the Internet should be treated as if copyright law protects them. Permission to use Internet materials should be obtained from the proper authority. In some cases, a link to web resources will be added.

 

Course Reserves Policy

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Statement of Purpose

The course reserves collection consists of items considered essential or required for a course, items that are used by various departments or programs, and items in high demand.

Policy

Clark College Libraries are legally obliged to observe the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) and the Clark College Copyright Policy (Clark College Administrative Procedures Manual, section 675.000). Faculty may contact a librarian for further information; consultation with a librarian does not constitute legal counsel. Liability rests with the course reserve requester.

The library will work with the instructor to keep appropriate records which ensure good custody of the item received. Library staff will attempt to recover overdue materials according to established procedures.

The library is not responsible for an instructor’s personal copy that is damaged or lost. In such an event, the borrower who lost or destroyed the item may be offered the instructor’s name to arrange a replacement. The library cannot reimburse the instructor for any late, billing, or replacement fees it collects.

Course reserve items should be owned by the instructor, department, or Clark College Libraries. Items clearly owned by other libraries, external organizations, or vendors, including items acquired via Summit or interlibrary loan, will not be placed on course reserve. Clark College Libraries reserves the right to refuse any item.

The instructor must respond promptly to notifications from library staff, including signing the annual course reserve form, or risk removal of their items from the collection.

Items will only remain in the course reserves collection if all of the following conditions are met:

  • The instructor has requested items remain on course reserve, and
  • The instructor(s) listed on the request form is teaching the course, and
  • The library has a valid course reserves request form on file.

 

Interlibrary Loan Policy

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Statement of purpose

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) represents a mutual agreement among libraries to share their resources. Interlibrary Loan enhances the library’s ability to provide Clark College students, faculty and other employees with needed materials. The purpose of Interlibrary Loan is to obtain, for educational pursuit with curriculum emphasis, library materials not available at Clark College or Summit Libraries. Clark College Libraries follow U.S. Copyright Law, American Library Association guidelines, local agreements, and regulations of individual lending libraries regarding Interlibrary Loan.
 
The lending library determines whether a particular item can be provided, the loan period, and the time it takes to process the request. Regional agreements regulating Interlibrary Loan and federal copyright law also place limitations on the types of materials that may be borrowed, as well as the number of articles that can be requested from a particular journal.

Eligibility and limits

The Interlibrary Loan service is a privilege provided to current students, faculty and other employees of Clark College.

Clark College Libraries reserve the right to limit or refuse non-curriculum related requests as workload issues necessitate. Decisions are made at the discretion of the ILL Technician, Reference Librarians, or the Dean of Libraries & Academic Success Services.

  • A maximum of 5 requests per person may be submitted per day, and only 5 per person will be processed per day.
  • A current Clark College Libraries card or Clark College photo ID is required to check out ILL materials.
  • Patrons with overdue fines or blocks on their library record may not check out ILL materials.
  • Community patrons and Corporate & Continuing Education students must use ILL services at their public libraries.
  • ILL requests from Mature Learning students must be related to their area of study at Clark College and must be completed on a print form. Download the ILL Paper Form or ask for one at the Check Out Desk or Reference Desk.
  • Students enrolled only at other institutions must use ILL services from their home institution (for example, EWU students should contact EWU Library ILL Staff).
  • Co-admission students see more information on specific ILL services.

College employees pursuing advanced degrees

Clark College Libraries request that Clark College faculty and other employees who are starting or continuing work toward advanced degrees, please contact one of the Reference Librarians or the Dean of Libraries & Academic Success Services. Librarians can work with each researcher to ensure services to best meet specific information needs. Patrons in need of numerous interlibrary loan items should balance their requests between Clark College Libraries ILL services and their degree granting institution.

Requests

An Electronic Interlibrary Loan Request Form is available on the library web page from the Services menu under the Request link. An ILL Paper Form can also be obtained at any Clark College Library Reference or Check Out Desk. It is not necessary for requesters to know where a desired item is located.

Item availability

ILL requests will not be accepted for items currently available for check out at Clark College Libraries. If an item is owned but checked out, patrons can place a hold on it and/or request it through the Discover catalog.

Items found to be available from Summit libraries by ILL staff will be transferred to a Summit borrowing request and will be subject to policies in place for Summit items.

Some items are not available via Interlibrary Loan. Patrons will be notified if a request is unavailable, the material cannot be found as cited, or the item cannot be provided without permission from the copyright owners.

The decision to loan an item is at the discretion of the lending library.; Most libraries will not ordinarily lend the following types of items: rare or valuable items, whole volumes or entire issues of periodicals, VHS tapes, DVDs, CDs, cassettes, records, software, textbooks, and reference items.

Fees for Borrowing

Whenever possible, Clark College Libraries will obtain items at no charge to the requester. However, some libraries do charge to send their items. All fees assessed by the lending library will be charged to the requester. ILL staff will contact patrons to check if they want to pay the fee or cancel their request before item is requested. Patrons must pay ILL fees before such items are checked out to them.

Borrower responsibilities

Patrons are responsible for ILL items until they are returned in good condition to Cannell Library or Information Commons at Columbia Technology Center (CTC). Items borrowed via Interlibrary Loan should not be returned to any other libraries. Any late fines or damage charges resulting from improper return will be assessed to the patron. The maximum number of ILL items that may be checked out at one time is 15.

Borrowers are also required to:

Conditions of use are set by the lending library and must be observed by each borrower so as not to jeopardize borrowing privileges for the entire Clark College community. These include special restrictions, such as: In Library Use Only, Photocopying Not Allowed, and No Renewal.

An item obtained on ILL is for the exclusive use of the individual making the request and becomes the borrower's responsibility from the time of receipt until the item is returned to the Interlibrary Loan Office. The borrower is responsible for any infringement of the U.S. Copyright Law regarding items on loan from other libraries. 

Turnaround time

The average time to obtain an ILL item is approximately 7-10 working days. Articles generally come sooner than books. Factors influencing the length of time it takes to fill a request are: completeness and accuracy of the information provided by the requester, location and availability of the item, copyright restrictions, type of delivery, and cost limits.

Notification

For articles, patrons will receive notification at their Clark College e-mail account which is provided for all students, faculty and employees of Clark College. This is the only e-mail address that will be used for article arrival notification. E-mail notifications for articles will also contain directions on how to retrieve these documents.

For books and audio-visual items, patrons will be notified by e-mail at the address on file in their library record or by phone if no valid e-mail address is on file.

Pick-Up locations

For books and audio-visual materials, patrons have the option of specifying Cannell Library on the main Clark College campus or Information Commons at CTC campus as a pick-up location. Items sent to Information Commons at CTC will experience additional transit days due to processing at Cannell Library prior to shipping to CTC. Patrons can pick up items at Information Commons only during its open hours, Monday through Thursday.

Renewals and recalls

Loan duration is specified by the lending library. Requests to renew ILLs should be made at least 3 days prior to the due date by using the contact information on the yellow ILL book strap. Renewals are given at the discretion of the lending library and may not always be possible.

All ILL items are subject to immediate recall by the lending library. Patrons will be notified when items are recalled and given a new due date for those items.

Overdues and penalties

A $15.00 late fee will be charged per item once a bill has been issued (3 days past due) for overdue ILL items. This fine will not be waived even when the item has been returned. An additional minimum replacement fee of $75.00 will be charged for a lost ILL item. All fines assessed by the lending library, including those in excess of the $75.00 replacement fee and any damage fees, will be passed on to the patron. All borrowing privileges at Clark College Libraries will be suspended, except for course reserves, until all ILL fees have been paid.

Students: Students who do not respond after being notified regarding overdue ILL items will have overdue holds placed on their grades and transcripts with the college registration and advising offices according to Clark College Libraries Policy for unpaid library fines. Continued failure to respond to overdue and billing notices will result in collection agency referral.

College Employees: The Dean of Clark Libraries & Academic Success Services (CLASS) will notify appropriate supervisor if a college employee has overdues or lost Interlibrary Loan items and does not respond to library notices. Borrowing privileges will be restored when the patron has returned and paid all accrued charges regarding the Interlibrary Loan item. Restrictions may be imposed for repeated infractions by the Access Services Manager or the Dean of CLASS.

  • For online forms, be sure to fill in all require fields and submit them electronically.
  • For paper forms, each request must be placed on a separate Interlibrary Loan Request Form and signed.
  • Return completed paper forms to the Reference or Checkout Desk.
  • All ILL forms must be filled in completely and accurately to be processed.
  • Pay all applicable charges
  • Checkout ILL item(s) with their own library card
  • Use loan items with care
  • Return items by the due date
  • Pay any penalties (monetary and/or nonmonetary) for failure to comply with the Clark College Libraries Interlibrary Loan policy.

 

Privacy Policy

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Privacy of Circulation Records

  1. The circulation records of the library are confidential regardless of source of inquiry.
  2. Circulation records shall not be made available to anyone except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized by law.
  3. Upon receipt of such process, order or subpoena, consultation shall be made with the legal officer assigned to the library to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is in good form and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance.
  4. If the process, order, or subpoena is not in proper form or if good cause has not been shown, insistence shall be made that such defects be cured before any records are released. (The legal process requiring the production of circulation records shall ordinarily be in the form of subpoena duces tecum {bring your records}, requiring the librarian to attend court or the taking of his or her deposition and may require him to bring along certain designated circulation records.)
  5. Any threats or unauthorized demands, (i.e., those not supported by a process, order, or subpoena) concerning circulation records shall be reported to the Administration of Clark College for possible referral to the Assistant Attorney General.
  6. Any problems relating to the privacy of circulation records which are not provided for in the above five paragraphs are to be referred to the Dean of Clark Libraries & Academic Success Services.

Adapted from the Washington Library Commission policy.

Study Areas and Rooms Policy

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Small Group Study Rooms #209, #210, #213, #214 and #215

Cannell Library provides five study rooms for groups of three or more students to use on a first-come basis. Social gatherings or music practice is not an acceptable use of these rooms.

Large Group Study Rooms #204 and #212

See the policies for using these rooms on the large group study room reservation page.

Terms of Use for Online Resources

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Statement of Purpose

Use of all library online resources (e-journals, databases, and e-books) is subject to copyright laws and contractual agreements. Violation of copyright law and/or terms of the agreements may result in the suspension of access to online resources for the entire Clark College community.

License agreements

  • The use of library online resources is governed by license agreements negotiated between the library and the publishers/suppliers.
  • Virtually all of these licenses include terms which prohibit authorized users (currently enrolled students, faculty, staff and community patrons) from engaging in “excessive or systematic” downloading when using that resource.
  • Walk-in users (community patrons who are not current students, faculty, or staff) are allowed to access library online resources as authorized users only at one physical location, the Main Campus Library, in accordance with the terms negotiated in the contractual agreements.  Walk-in users/community patrons do not have remote access privileges.

Excessive/systematic downloading

Examples of what publishers refer to as “excessive downloading”:

  • Continuously downloading articles one after another
  • Continuously downloading tables of contents, search results, citations, or output
  • Downloading entire issues or volumes of an e-journal
  • Downloading the entire content of an e-book or multimedia resource
  • Using robots, spiders, or other automated programs to download from online resources

Other license violations

Other actions which would also violate license terms include:

  • Sharing passwords with unauthorized users
  • Redistributing documents or other content from online resources to unauthorized users
  • Posting documents or other content retrieved or downloaded from online resources to a listserv, a website, or an email list
  • Reselling journal text, output, search results, or other content in any form or medium
  • Redistributing content to non-subscribers or to non-subscribing institutions
  • Removing copyright, trademark and proprietary notices

Violation consequences

Publishers monitor overall account activity and when they notice excessive downloading, they will immediately terminate the library’s access to their resource. The publishers notify the library of the problem and the library is required to investigate and notify the individual of their violation of the contract terms. Once resolved, the vendor is notified and the service is restored.

Individuals will be held accountable for their actions which may include review of the infraction by the Student Conduct Officer or the individual's supervisor. For detailed procedures contact the Dean of Clark Libraries & Academic Success Services.

(Adapted from Eastern Michigan University Responsible Use of Online Resources)