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Lending and Use Policies

Availability of Resources

It is the responsibility of the Library to make resources readily available for loan and library use to the greatest number of users.

In most cases UTSA students and faculty may check out 50 books at a time. However, for some materials, such as those on Reserve or in the JPL Multimedia Center, and for some categories of borrowers, limitations may be placed. In addition, some material is restricted or intended for "Room Use Only" and may not be checked out or removed from the Library.

Eligibility and Identification

Anyone abiding by the Conduct in the Library policy may use materials from the open shelves within the library.

Those who are eligible to borrow materials must present an appropriate ID or library card. For those affiliated with UTSA, the UTSA ID card is their Library card.

Privileges for Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters

Library privileges are available for students enrolled for the current semester/session only.

Privileges for Intersession

During intersession, UTSA students preregistered for the next semester will be allowed to check out materials and access remote databases.

Any students needing to finish a grade of "incomplete" must provide documentation from the department stating their status in order to continue to have Library privileges during intersession.

Students not preregistered for the next semester can obtain library borrowing privileges by becoming a Friend of the Library.

Release of a Borrower’s Name

Library staff must protect each user's right to privacy with respect to information sought or received, and materials consulted, borrowed, or acquired.

The Library will not release names, identification numbers, or titles of materials which would compromise the user's right to privacy.

• This policy applies to all formats and types of materials whether print or online.
• Only upon receipt of a subpoena, process, or court order and only then after consultation with UTSA legal counsel to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is in proper form and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance, will any information be released and then only to the extent compelled by law. (Texas Senate Bill No. 360 on confidentiality of records exempts library records from the Open Records Act).

User and Borrower Responsibilities

• Users and borrowers are expected to treat library materials and equipment in a responsible manner which will help to preserve them and to insure availability for other users.
• Borrowers are responsible for returning materials by the date/time due. The responsibility ends when the materials are checked in at an appropriate location. If an item is recalled, it will be due on the date stated on the recall notice.
• Borrowers are responsible for maintaining with the University their correct University identification number, current mailing address, and current email address.
• Borrowers are responsible for obtaining a corrected or updated borrower card if there is an error on the original card or a change in the University identification number.
• Borrowers are responsible for notifying the Library promptly of a lost or stolen ID.

Notification to Borrower of Overdue Material

Material is due on the date or at the time indicated on the date due slip, as stated when borrowed. If the material is recalled, the new due date is printed on the recall notice, and the material must be returned no later than that date.

The library is not responsible for notifying borrowers that materials are overdue. As a courtesy, the library usually sends two overdue notice but is not responsible for late or non-delivery of notices.

Borrower Right to Appeal

Borrowers have the right to appeal library assessments or the suspension of library privileges as described in Procedure for Appealing Library Fines. Print copies are also available at the Circulation Desk.

Initial inquiries concerning an assessment or the suspension of privileges should be made at the circulation desk where the assessment was initated.

Abuse of Library Privileges or Materials

Library privileges may be suspended for borrowers and users who fail to abide by the provisions of this Code or who have unpaid library assessments. Failure to return an item that has been recalled may also result in suspension of library checkout privileges.

The library may refer cases of irresponsible use of library materials or equipment to the appropriate administrative or legal authorities for sanctions. Irresponsible use includes, but is not limited to:

• allowing water, food, or other substances to damage library materials
• defacement of materials or files
• deliberate misplacement of materials within the library
• deliberately keeping materials known to be needed by others in order to gain an unfair academic advantage
• theft