Policy

Introduction

Purpose Statement

The University Libraries provide students with the information facilities, services, collections, and instruction needed to succeed in their academic endeavors. An environment conducive to meeting the diverse research needs of Miami’s students can occur only with the cooperation and support of all. Social activities should take place in other campus facilities or off campus, not in the libraries. Accordingly, persons determined by the library staff to be disruptive may be asked, and are required, to remove themselves from library premises immediately.

All library materials are protected electronically. Please check out all materials at the appropriate circulation desk. Theft or attempted theft will be treated as a serious offense (see the Overdue, Lost, and Damaged Materials and Prohibited Actions sections below). Computer disks, CDs, DVDs, audio tapes, or video recordings cannot be harmed by the security gates; however, keep video and audio tapes clear of the checkout areas, because the desensitizing units may damage them.

Lending Regulations

Student ID

All students are required to have a valid University identification card to check out materials from the Libraries. Loss of the card should be reported immediately to the Libraries and on the Miami ID card website.

Rules of Borrowing

Undergraduate students may borrow most materials from Miami University Libraries for three weeks. As a courtesy, Academic Scholars, and University Honors students may borrow books in the general collection for a semester to support their research. Some non-book materials circulate to all clients for less than three weeks. In addition, some materials (including journals, reference materials, special collections materials, selected government documents, and selected reserve materials) may not be removed from the building.

All materials are subject to immediate recall if needed for reserve or if requested by another client after the initial three-week lending period. Failure to respond to recalls will result in the book being declared overdue and subject to the fines listed in the Overdue, Lost, and Damaged Materials section below. Most materials checked out may be renewed as long as there is not a hold (request for use) on the book by another client. Materials may be renewed through the Miami University Libraries’ website.  For more details about borrowing library materials, consult the Borrowing Policy.

All borrowers are responsible for the materials that are checked out in their name. We caution against exchange of materials without changing the official library records.

Materials borrowed from the OhioLINK consortium of libraries are subject to OhioLINK’s policies, fines, and charges, which differ from those of the Miami University Libraries. For the most up-to-date information about Miami or OhioLINK borrowing policies, inquire at a circulation desk or refer to information online at Interlibrary Loan.

Overdue, Lost, and Damaged Materials

Overdue Fines and Lost Materials/Equipment Charges

As a courtesy, the Miami University Libraries send email notifications to remind clients about overdue materials. Regardless of whether an overdue notice is received, clients are responsible for the return of library materials by the indicated due date. Current information on fines and replacement costs is available at Loans, Fines, and Charges and for Ohio LINK and Search Ohio from: OhioLINK Loan Periods. These fines and charges are subject to change with approval by the Miami University Board of Trustees.

Failure to pay library fines and fees may result in the suspension of library privileges.

Theft, Attempted Theft, Malicious Defacement, Damage and Mutilation of Library Materials, Equipment, and Other Library Property

All library materials and equipment are state property. Theft, attempted theft, malicious defacement, damage, or mutilation of library materials or equipment will result in the charge of academic misconduct and official University action (see policies titled: “Academic Integrity” and “Responsible Use of Computing Resources at Miami University”). Students found responsible of these acts will be billed for replacement costs and processing charges as described on the Libraries web site.

Prohibited Actions

Actions That Will Result in Disciplinary Action 

1. Theft, attempted theft, defacement, damage, or mutilation of library materials, equipment, and other Library property.
2. Unauthorized or prohibited use of computing resources, as defined by Responsible Use of Computing Resources in Chapter 6.
3. Use of emergency exits when no emergency exists.
4. Tampering with fire alarms, smoke detectors, or emergency exits.
5. Disorderly conduct, abusive language, or disruptive actions toward library staff or other clients of the Libraries.

Other Prohibited Actions

Miami University Libraries have policies to explain conditions of use for special resources and equipment. What follows below are broad, system-wide guidelines:

1. Library policies regarding food and beverages are independently established by and posted in each facility. Under no circumstances will deliveries of food or drink items be allowed to any library. Restricted food or drink items will be confiscated.
2. No alcoholic beverages are permitted in any of the Libraries.
3. Smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco are prohibited.
4. Cell phone policies are independently established by and posted in each facility.
5. The Libraries have designated quiet study areas. Students are expected to observe norms in quiet study areas. Those who do not may be asked to study in another area of the library or to leave the building. Posters and signs may be displayed only on bulletin boards. Violators will be reported to the appropriate University office.
6. Election tables, petition campaigns, and other co-curricular activities are permitted in the lobby of any library with the permission of the Dean and University Librarian.
7. No fraternity or sorority activities may take place in the Libraries.
8. Only service pets are permitted in the Libraries.
9. Priority use of library workstations is to meet curricular and research needs.

Related Form(s)

Not Applicable.

Additional Resources and Procedures

Websites

• Miami ID card
• Interlibrary Loan
• Loans, Fines, and Charges
• OhioLINK Loan Periods

FAQ

Not Applicable.

Policy Administration

Next Review Date

7/1/2023

Responsible Officer

Dean and University Librarian

Legal Authority

Not Applicable.

Compliance Policy

No

Revision History

Reference ID

• Student Handbook 5.15
• Graduate Handbook 2.17

Reviewing Bodies

Administrative