Use of Library Resources Procedures

GENERAL

1. Any person may use the print materials within the Library and may consult with Library employees for assistance in using this material.


2. Limits on the use of some Library resources by the general public may be imposed due to licensing agreements or availability and are outlined on the Library website.


3. There are four (4) categories of people who can borrow material from VCC Library:
   
   
   
   1. Current students of VCC;
   
   
   2. Current employees of VCC;
   
   
   3. Current students and employees at other publicly funded BC post-secondary institutions, or any other institution where VCC has a reciprocal borrowing agreement; and
   
   
   4. Alums and community borrowers.
   
   
   
   


4. VCC Library maintains reciprocal borrowing agreements with other BC post-secondary institutions and other relevant institutions to allow students and employees to borrow material from other institutions. A list of all reciprocal borrowing agreements is available on the Library's website.


5. A valid VCC library card must be presented each time resources or equipment are borrowed. The VCC ID card is the library card for current students and employees. Cards are provided for other BC post-secondary students/employees, alums and community borrowers.

USING LIBRARY RESOURCES

6. The Library privileges for the different categories of borrowers are outlined on the Library website. This includes the following:
   
   
   
   1. Maximum number of items that can be checked out to a borrower at any given time;
   
   
   2. Length of loan periods for different types of resources;
   
   
   3. Number of renewals per item;
   
   
   4. Number of requests allowed;
   
   
   5. Overdue fine rate and maximum fine per item;
   
   
   6. Booking of equipment, material or study rooms;
   
   
   7. Access to Library computers;
   
   
   8. Access to e-resources and any material subject to a license agreement;
   
   
   9. Access to interlibrary loan services; and
   
   
   10. Any additional restrictions to borrowing materials or use of Library resources.
   
   
   
   


7. Borrowing privileges of students begin when they pay the fees to the College for their program and/or course.


8. Borrowing privileges for students expire five (5) months after the end date of their course or program.


9. Borrowers must return or renew materials by the due date. If materials are damaged, lost or returned late, borrowers may be required to pay overdue, replacement or damage fees.


10. For lost or damaged items, borrowers are normally charged:
    
    
    
    1. The cost of replacing the item; and
    
    
    2. Any overdue fines.
    
    
    
    


11. Current employees are not charged overdue fines but must pay to replace any item damaged or not returned within twelve (12) months.

SUSPENSION OF LIBRARY PRIVILEGES

12. Library privileges may be suspended if a user is found to have violated the College's policies concerning conduct and respectful behaviour.


13. Library privileges are blocked if a borrower owes $20 or more. This will prevent borrowing of additional material until the amount of fines owed is under $20.


14. If a student owes $20 or more, blocks are placed on the student accounts in the Registrar's Office. Final grades and transcripts will not be issued to students until billed materials have been returned and/or paid for; students will not be able to register for other courses. The block is removed when the amount owed is under $20.


15. If a Library borrower owes $400 or more, the College may choose to use a collection agency to seek repayment of any money owed. 

COMMUNICATION WITH USERS

16. Library notices and communications are sent by email.


17. The Library proactively notifies the user of fines or other penalties on their record. Non-receipt of such notices does not relieve the user from responsibility for fines or penalties.

USE OF COMPUTERS

18. Library computers are available for current students and employees at all Library locations. Users must log in using their own College network login.


19. Computers may be made available to other users based on availability and criteria listed on the Library website.


20. All users who access and use the Library computers are required to use them appropriately and responsibly as defined in Appropriate and Responsible Use of Educational and Information Technology Policy 505.

USE OF LIBRARY FACILITIES

21. The Library will maintain guidelines on its website regarding the appropriate use of Library facilities and equipment to ensure the use of shared space is fair, equitable and respectful for all users.


22. Recognizing that the Library is used for both quiet study and collaborative work, the Library will identify acceptable noise levels for different areas of the Library.


23. Employees, students, and visitors are encouraged to voluntarily reduce or eliminate the use of scented products at VCC Library locations.


24. Children under 12 may not be left alone or unsupervised in the Library. Library staff cannot be responsible for the safety of unattended children. See Policy 223 Minors on Campus for additional details.

PRIVACY

25. The Library manages and protects Library users' personal information in accordance with the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and VCC Policy 501. The Library actively works to collect and retain only the minimum amount of personal information about Library users necessary to deliver services.


26. The Library may only disclose personal information about Library users within VCC for an authorized purpose (e.g. reporting charges regarding Library materials to the Registrar's Office) and will not disclose personal information to people or organizations external to VCC, unless in exceptional circumstances where health or safety is at risk, as required by law, or with the consent of the individual user. 

SAFETY

27. In cooperation with appropriate College departments, the Library seeks to provide a safe and secure environment for everyone.


28. Due to risk of theft, personal items left unattended in the Library are taken to the Security Office and may be claimed there.


29. Library users are encouraged to alert Library staff if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe in the Library.

INTERLIBRARY LOAN

30. Through Interlibrary Loan (ILL), the Library will make reasonable efforts to obtain materials not available in its own collections in support of coursework, research, and College operations. The Library also participates in resource sharing by lending eligible materials to other institutions.


31. ILL services are available to current students and employees with valid Library privileges. The number of requests an individual may submit can be limited, depending on budget and resource constraints. 


32. Some materials may not be eligible for ILL due to factors such as licensing, copyright, demand, cost, or availability. The Library will not borrow materials that are already held in the Library's collections or that are freely available in suitable formats through open or licensed online resources. 


33. Loan periods, renewals, fees, and recall policies for borrowed materials are determined by the lending library and may differ from the Library's own policies. 


34. Interlibrary Loan services are provided within Canada, and lending and borrowing will prioritize local or regional partners where possible. General ILL guidelines will be posted on the Library website and shared through relevant resource sharing networks.