Library User Responsibilities

Borrowing and Circulation >> Library User Responsibilities


Borrowing Materials

  • YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR KNOWING WHEN YOUR BOOKS ARE DUE AND RETURNING OR RENEWING THEM ON TIME.
  • Items can not be borrowed without your library card.
  • Cards may only be used by the person to whom they are issued.
  • Library materials must be checked out before leaving the library with them.
  • You can not check out materials for someone else unless arrangements have been made with UNL Libraries.
  • Return materials in the same condition as when you borrowed them.

Returning Materials

  • Reserve materials must be returned to the same circulation desk you checked them out from.
  • UNL materials may be returned to any UNL library or outside book return bin located at Love, C.Y. Thompson and Architecture Libraries.
  • Interlibrary Loan materials must be returned to a UNL Libraries circulation desk. DO NOT PLACE THEM IN THE OUTSIDE DROP BOXES.
  • Interlibrary Loan materials should be returned with the identification stickers, book straps or other paperwork as indicated on the item. If you have lost of damaged the sticker, please consult circulation staff when returning.
  • Items returned to outside bins after library hours will be checked in the next business day.  You are responsible for fines that may accrue. 
  • A receipt may be requested at a circulation desk for all items returned to that desk. Please request the receipt prior to our checking materials in.
  • If you do not return borrowed materials to designated areas, they will not be processed as "returned". You are responsible for late fees that may accrue.
  • Materials must be returned in the same condition as when they were checked out.
  • Materials that have been checked out must be returned to a University Library circulation desk or bin.
  • Checked out materials left on tables, bookcases, etc will not be discharged, and late return fines will apply when they are located.

Paying Fines and Fees

  • You are financially responsible for all materials borrowed from UNL Libraries until they are returned.
  • Fees may be charged for damaged, lost or stolen materials.
  • You are responsible for paying overdue fines and fees.
  • There will be no transfer of overdues or fines from one borrower to another.
  • You are responsible for fines and fees regardless of whether you have received any notices about the materials you borrowed.

Report Lost or Stolen Cards Immediately

  • If your card is lost or stolen, you must report it immediately to any UNL circulation desk.
  • You will be responsible for materials borrowed with a stolen card that has not been reported.
  • Lost library cards may be replaced at Love, C.Y. Thompson, Engineering, or Architecture Library circulation desks.

Managing Your Library Account / Record

  • Keep your information up to date.
  • Keep track of your due dates to avoid fines.
  • Renew your books on time.
  • You will also need to update the personal information in your ILLiad account. You can do so by using the Change User Information option in ILLiad or by contacting ILL staff.

Make Sure You are Receiving Information From Us

We prefer sending emails to let you know about recalled items or overdues notices, fines, etc.

  • Make sure your email is accurate and current.
  • You are still responsible for fines and fees regardless of whether or not you have received notices from us.
  • Keep your information current.
  • Patrons must exit the library at closing.

CELLULAR PHONES/PAGERS

Please use cellular phones, pagers and other electronic devices responsibly, so as not to disturb other library users. If you must use them, set phones and pagers on non- or low-audible signals and keep conversations brief and quiet. If possible, move to a less populated area of the library. The use of cellular phones is not permitted in the Love South 4th floor study carrels, or the reading room on the east side of Love South 2nd floor.

THEFT AND DAMAGE

Library materials are state property. Theft or vandalism is a criminal offense. The University Libraries will prosecute. UNL students will be referred to the Student Judicial Affairs Office. Community Member Card holders will be contacted by UNL Police. The Libraries will assess a fee for damage such as torn out pages, highlighting, water or pet damage, or placing post-it notes as markers.


FOOD AND DRINK

Beverages are allowed, if they are in rigid containers with firmly attached lids. This excludes paper or styrofoam containers.

Food is discouraged in all areas of the university library system except in the vending area in Love and C.Y. Thompson Library. If you are asked by a staff member to discard food or drink, please do so promptly. Failure to comply with a request by the library staff is a violation of the student conduct code.

Branch policies may vary.


SMOKING

Use of tobacco products is prohibited in all of the University Libraries. If you are asked by a staff member to discard any form of tobacco, please do so promptly. Failure to comply with a request by the library staff is a violation of the student conduct code.