Library Policies

Code of Conduct

The University of Idaho Libraries are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and productive learning environment. Library users are expected to treat each other, the facility, and the collections respectfully, and to abide by the University of Idaho Student Code of Conduct; violation of the code of conduct is subject to sanctions, including but not limited to revocation of library privileges.

Library Technology Use Policy

The use of library computers is subject to the Library Code of Conduct, and to the same policies governing the use of other University of Idaho facilities, including all applicable state and federal laws, copyright restrictions, and license agreements. Please see the University of Idaho’s Acceptable Use of Technology Resources Policy for more information.

Circulation Policies

Periodicals, Maps, and Reference Books

Periodicals, Maps, and Reference Books do not typically leave the U of I Library building and require special approval by full-time Circulation staff before being lent out.

Periodicals are designated as non-circulating, and in most cases must be used in the U of I Library. If a periodical needs to be taken out of the building a short loan is possible on a case-by-case basis. A map tube is needed for maps to leave the U of I Library, please check in with Circulation to obtain one. Reference books may be lent on a case-by-case basis.

Off-campus Faculty, Staff and Students

For U of I, U of I law, Gary Strong Curriculum Center, and Herbarium books: Find the book in the catalog, click on ‘find it’, then ‘sign in for more options’. After signing in, you may then request the U of I owned item, or request the item via Summit, or request the item via ILL. Books are mailed to the patron’s address. They must be returned by the due date.

For Interlibrary Loan books: We mail books from other libraries to off-campus patrons who reside in Canada and the U.S. via first class mail. Due dates are determined by the lending library and average three weeks. One renewal may be possible. Books must be returned first class, FedEx or UPS by the due date. Overdue fees apply for all patrons.

Course Reserves Policy

Instructors may place textbooks and other resources on reserve for use by students in their course. Students may request books or other resources that are used for coursework be placed on reserve.

All Course Reserves must comply with provisions in the U.S. Copyright Act and FERPA. If the nature, scope, or extent of copying is judged to exceed the fair use principles of the Copyright Act, the library will work with the professor to find alternative arrangements.

Please see Course Reserves for full details about access, loan periods, and fines.

Fines

The library does not collect late fees or fines for items in our general collection as part of our commitment to equitable access to information and student affordability. Some items in the library, such as print Course Reserves or U of I loanable equipment, are exceptions to this policy and will accrue late fees. In addition, the library assesses lost item and replacement fees to patrons.

Please see Fines and Late Fees on our Borrow page.

Building Policies

Cell Phone Policy

By working with you, members of the University of Idaho academic community, to better understand the issues before us, it is quite obvious that we all have different opinions about cell phones and their appropriateness in the Library.

Given that we (University of Idaho community members) recognize:

• there is a need for quiet study in the library
• there will be no active enforcement by library staff of this policy
• that noise pollution should be reduced in this public place

The Library requests that cell phones and their users respect the wishes of the people who desire a quiet location for study by:

• changing the setting on their phones to a non-audible signal
• limiting their conversations in public areas, particularly on the third and fourth floors

The Library further requests that all users honor the space on the third and fourth floors as quiet areas, taking conversations and group work either to group study rooms or to other spaces in the building.

We hope that this policy is something we can accept as a behavior contract, and that this is liberal enough so the community can share in its enforcement. Thank you for your efforts in discussing this issue.

Food and Drink Policy

This policy is designed to create a welcoming atmosphere for all library users. Food and drink pose a potential risk to library collections, equipment, and furnishings. We, therefore, ask that you act responsibly when consuming food and beverages in the library. The Library reserves the right to enforce this policy at its own discretion. Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Bicycles

Bicycles and scooters are not allowed inside the library. Patrons should secure these items at the bike racks located at the front entrance. Riding bicycles, scooters, skateboards, or roller skates/blades within the library is strictly prohibited.

Library Group Study Room Policies

First floor group study rooms and third floor individual study rooms are available for reservation. Please see LibCal Reservations page for full room policies.

Study Lockers and Carrels

Study lockers are available to all U of I students on a first come, first served basis. The lockers are assigned for one semester only. The assignment may be renewed if there is no waiting list. A $3.00 key deposit is collected when a key is issued and refunded when the key is returned.

Study carrels are available to U of I graduate students who have an approved thesis or dissertation topic and who do not have an assigned office, desk or carrel elsewhere on campus. Carrels are assigned on a first come, first served basis. A $10.00 key deposit is collected when a key is issued and refunded when the key is returned. Every semester, a student with an assigned carrel must check in with the circulation desk to determine if the reservation will continue or if the student no longer needs the room.

For more information, to reserve a study carrel, or to be added to the wait list, please email libcirc@uidaho.edu.

Students assigned to a locker or carrel must abide by all library rules regarding food, drink, and conduct, and may not use lockers or carrels to store items that could be hazardous or detrimental to other patrons or the collections. The University does not allow space heaters inside any university buildings. Students are only allowed access to the carrels during library open hours. Any food items kept in the locker or carrel must be stored in sealed containers. All items must fit within the locker or carrel provided, and library items kept within lockers or carrels must be checked out to the assigned student.

Collection Management

The University of Idaho Library, as the state’s flagship research library, connects our users with information, ideas, tools, and resources to support and advance research and scholarly activity. Our core values include the open, equitable, and efficient access to a diverse and interdisciplinary spectrum of information resources. We provide access to library materials in accordance with the principles of intellectual freedom outlined in the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read statement, and Freedom to View statement. Academic freedom is also required and protected by the University of Idaho’s Faculty Staff Handbook (FSH 4000).

As a research library, our collections are inclusive and comprehensive by design, and the resources selected for purchase are chosen to meet the curricular, research, and service mission of the University of Idaho. Older materials that some may consider out of date or offensive often have relevance as historical artifacts in research that seeks to illuminate the evolution of an area of study and situate current thinking in context, and our policy as a research library is to retain such materials for these purposes. Current materials are selected for purchase by subject liaisons, who are informed by professional selection criteria and reviewing sources. If you have questions about items in our collection, please contact the Dean of Libraries, Ben Hunter, at bhunter@uidaho.edu.