Library Policies

Policies

• Book Donation Guidelines

  University Libraries at the University of Northern Colorado cannot routinely accept donations of books, CDs, DVDs, VHS, and other materials.

  Exceptions might be considered for:

  • Collections that meet the interests of Archives & Special Collections. Please contact Jay Trask, Head of Archives & Special Collections to discuss such a donation.
  • Collections centering marginalized communities. Please contact Jennifer Leffler, Head of Collections & Discovery to discuss such a donation.

  As of April 2022, these libraries were accepting book donations:

  • https://www.friendsofthelovelandlibrary.org/
  • https://www.fapl.info/donations/
• Collection Development Practices and Policies

  The primary purpose of the University Libraries collections is to serve the curricular and research needs of students, faculty, staff, administrators, and others associated with the University of Northern Colorado. Our top priority in purchasing and licensing content is to ensure that these needs are satisfied.

  Other collection foci for new purchases include:

  • Elevating authors from minoritized populations
  • Striving to provide materials that make all people feel welcome and seen
  • Providing materials in a variety of formats to meet different learning styles
  • Enhancing our premier collections in the areas of education and music

  Collection decisions are made by the Head of Collections & Discovery and/or faculty in the area of Collections & Discovery, often in consultation with University Libraries Leadership Group and University Libraries Administration. Other Libraries personnel or campus partners will be consulted on an as needed basis.

  Acknowledgment of Harm in Collections

  The University Libraries’ diversity statement and anti-racism statement guide decisions made about new purchases and licenses. University Libraries acknowledge that items in our collections may be harmful to members of our community. Historic texts often contain language and ideas that are offensive to modern readers. University Libraries cannot provide trigger warnings or background information on works or authors.

  University Libraries purposefully purchases challenged materials and items covering difficult topics. The correlation between materials that are challenged in libraries and schools and those that fully support the identities of marginalized communities cannot be overstated. Offensive materials are also kept as a part of the historical record. The American Library Association’s ALA Library Bill of Rights and interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights provides further information.

  University Libraries makes use of the Library of Congress classification system and the Library of Congress subject headings. These systems allow for the findability of purchased items via the catalog, Summon, and our physical spaces. These systems were created in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. We acknowledge that both systems use terms and phrases that further marginalize minority voices. We strive to reduce the harm caused by these systems, as we work within the larger library community to forge a better current and future system.

  Types of Items in the University Libraries Collections

  • Databases

    Databases are online collections of materials. They range from niche, subject specific indices to large collections of journal articles aimed at all undergraduates. Databases are usually expensive. They are subscriptions, and therefore increase in price year over year. Requests for new databases will be accepted, but will require justification as to how they will be utilized, and often require a cancellation of a current database or other subscription(s). The University of Northern Colorado Libraries takes advantage of group purchasing available through the Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries and the Colorado Library Consortium when available and advantageous.

  • Journals

    Journals are acquired in both electronic and print format, with e-journals being preferred. Journal subscriptions are maintained both individually and in packages. Package subscriptions are often negotiated at the publisher level. The University of Northern Colorado Libraries takes advantage of group purchasing available through the Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries when available and advantageous. Journals are subscriptions, and their prices increase every year. Therefore, changes in the availability of certain journals are to be expected as fiscal constraints are met. Use is monitored, and this information feeds into cancellation decisions. Requests for new journals will be accepted, but will require justification as to how they will be utilized, and often require a cancellation of a current subscription(s).

  • Books

    Books are purchased in both electronic and print format. Format decisions are made based on a variety of criteria:

    • Intended use
    • Audience
    • Availability
    • Price

    Books are purchased individually, in publisher packages, in subject collection, and available via an aggregator database. University Libraries works with the company GOBI to receive both print and ebooks on approval plans that are tied to the curriculum and research interests of campus. Firm orders for items not available on approval are placed on a regular basis by members of the Collections & Discovery department. University Libraries activity seeks out books by and for Latine audiences. Mechanisms are in place for students, faculty, and others to make suggestions for additions to our book collections. University Libraries strives not to purchase a book in multiple formats, but exceptions are made with justification. University Libraries prefers ebooks to be DRM free and unlimited users. This preference is not always possible, especially for those ebooks available via EBSCOhost and ProQuest. Single users copies are routinely purchased from those vendors. Use of ebooks is monitored, and additional “copies” of an ebook will be purchased if necessary. University Libraries maintains a small collection of rented titles in English and Spanish via Brodart’s McNaughton program. University Libraries subscribes to a small number of novels, popular non-fiction, and audiobooks via OverDrive.

  • Scores

    Scores are purchased in both print and electronic format, with print being preferred. An approval plan is in place that elevates composers from the global south, specifically South America. University Libraries provides access to scores for solo instruments and small groups. Study scores for orchestral pieces are occasionally purchased. University Libraries does not purchase full band, orchestra or choir parts, or conductor scores.

  • FIlms

    Most of the films provided through University Libraries are licensed streaming content. Individual films can be requested, but licensing is not always available. Several subscription packages are offered to meet curricular needs. University Libraries maintains a small collection of DVDs. While requests for DVD can be made, they are generally difficult to fulfill.

  • Sound Recordings

    The majority of the sound recordings currently available through University Libraries are through subscriptions to streaming packages. Requests for CDs or LPs are accepted.

  • Youth Collections

    The youth collections of University Libraries exists to serve as a resource for UNC students studying to be teachers. Challenged and banned materials are explicitly sought out. The youth collection also seeks out authors and illustrators from minoritized communities. Materials in Spanish are regularly purchased. Requests are accepted.

  • Teaching Resources

    University Libraries provides access to materials to help future teachers prepare for classroom instruction. These materials range from curriculum series, to puppets, to math manipulatives. Materials are not actively being added to this collection.

  • Government Documents

    University Libraries is a depository in the Federal Depository Library Program and for the State of Colorado. We adhere to all regulations concerning these collections. Examination of older documents is ongoing to ensure that only those of historical significance or curricular value are kept.

  • Anatomical Models

    University Libraries maintains a small collection of anatomical models and other learning materials for the health and biological sciences. Requests for specific models are accepted.

  Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries

  University Libraries at the University of Northern Colorado is a founding member of the Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries. This membership allows University Libraries to participate in consortial buying opportunities, as well as access to the Prospector union catalog.

  Suggestions

  University Libraries welcomes requests for additions to our collections. Each request is handled separately. Whether or not requests can be fulfilled depends on availability of the item, format requested, pricing, among others.

  Textbooks

  University Libraries does not have the staffing or financial resources to purchase a copy of each textbook assigned each semester at the University of Northern Colorado. We encourage faculty to reach out to our Textbook Affordability Librarian to discuss options for low or no cost course materials. University Libraries will accept requests for purchase of textbooks for reserve or for ebook versions. Whether requests can be fulfilled is based on publisher providing ebook availability to libraries and cost.

  Deselection

  University Libraries actively deselects items from our collections. Please see the Deselection LibGuide for further information.

• Children in the Libraries

  Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18 when visiting the University Libraries. Adults accompanying children are responsible for monitoring their safety and behavior. Children of all ages are expected to behave appropriately for an academic library.

  Library personnel may request age verification of any young person, and unaccompanied children under age 14 will be asked to leave. University Police may be asked to contact parents and/or escort children out of the library building. Exceptions may be made for children with appropriate identification who are participating in university-sponsored activities in the Libraries.

• Classroom Use Policy

  This policy explains guidelines for the use of:

  • Michener Library 303 and 335 computer labs
  • Michener Library Chin Multipurpose Room (L172)
  • Skinner Music Library 103 and 139

  by external (non-Libraries) and internal (Libraries faculty and staff) users 

• Computer Use Policy

  Anyone using University Libraries computer workstations agrees to abide by the following policies. University Libraries personnel have the right to refuse access to the computer workstations to anyone at our discretion.

  University Libraries computer workstations are provided for research or class-related use. Priority for use is as follows:

  1. UNC students, faculty and staff with a valid UNC ID.
  2. Residents of Colorado’s Fourth Congressional District working on research in government information sources.
  3. Students and faculty from other colleges or universities working on research or class-related activities.
  4. Other users, who may be asked to yield computers at any time.

  It is the responsibility of the patron or the patrons’ legal guardian to determine suitability of information found on the World Wide Web for patron viewing. University Libraries does not attempt to limit or control patron access to the content of the World Wide Web information being used for research or class-related purposes. Patrons should move to another workstation if they are uncomfortable with the content displayed on adjacent workstations. If you need assistance in finding available workstations, please see library staff for assistance.

  Patrons using computer workstations are expected to comply with the following guidelines:

  • For materials that fall under the U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code), abide by the law which states that materials obtained may not be “used for any other purpose than private study, scholarship, or research.” Please note that most World Wide Web resources are protected by copyright laws.
  • Do not tamper with, damage, or steal equipment, data, or software.
  • Do not use workstations for illegal or criminal activity.
  • Do not seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, other data, or passwords belonging to other users.

  All patrons are expected to abide by the law and be civil to all other users and library personnel. To do otherwise may result in:

  • the termination of your computer session,
  • loss of library privileges,
  • criminal prosecution or other legal action.
• Exhibit Space Policy

  The University of Northern Colorado Libraries uses its exhibit areas to increase student, faculty, and staff awareness of library collections, services, and events; to highlight university events or events of local or national significance, especially as they relate to library resources; and to enlighten library users and contribute positively to the library’s environment.

  Applications for the use of exhibit space are accepted from UNC academic programs. In addition to academic program sponsorship, all exhibits must be endorsed by a UNC faculty member, administrator, or staff member.

  Exhibits accepted for display in the library’s exhibit areas must promote or relate to the materials, services, or functions of the library. In addition, they must be of high-quality design and execution. See the External Exhibits Policy below for more information.

  For more information, or to apply for event/exhibit space, please visit the Michener Library Space Usage page.

•  Exhibits Policy

  The University of Northern Colorado Libraries uses its exhibit areas to increase student, faculty, and staff awareness of library collections, services, and events; to highlight university events or events of local or national significance, especially as they relate to library resources; and to enlighten library users and contribute positively to the library’s environment.

  Exhibit Areas
  Two exhibit areas on the first floor of the James A. Michener Library are available for displays.

  • Space on east and west sides of the center stairwell.
  • Exhibit cases adjacent to the Current Reading Area.

  Requests for Exhibit Space
  The James A. Michener Library accepts applications to use exhibit space from University of Northern Colorado academic programs.

  • An Exhibit Proposal Form must be completed to apply for exhibit space. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt
  • In addition to academic program sponsorship, all exhibits must be endorsed by a UNC faculty member, administrator, or staff member to be accepted.
  • Annually recurring displays must apply for exhibit space every year.

  Criteria for Exhibits
   Exhibit proposals will be evaluated for content, originality, design, and use of appropriate materials. Exhibits accepted for display in the library’s exhibit areas should satisfy the following criteria:

  • Exhibits must promote or relate to the materials, services, or functions of the library.
  • Exhibits must be of interest to the broad university community and relate to the mission of the university. They may be tied to an event, but should not be promotional in nature.
  • Exhibits must be of high-quality design and execution. They may not include perishable materials. They should include professional looking signs and labels including a label indicating the academic program responsible for the display.
  • Exhibits must be displayed within the locked exhibit cases or on accompanying wall space or easels.

  Duration of Exhibits
  The exhibit areas are available for one month or less.  A specific date and time must be arranged for the installation and removal of the exhibit. Exhibits must be removed by the specified date since other exhibits may be scheduled for the space.  The library will not be responsible for materials left in exhibit cases after that date.

  For more information, or to apply for event/exhibit space, please visit the Michener Library Space Usage page.

• Mari Michener Gallery Non-Library Use Policy

  The purpose of the Mari Michener Gallery is to provide UNC students and the general community with exposure to local, regional, and national artists and to various forms of artistic expression. The gallery is managed jointly by the University Libraries Administration and the Friends of the University of Northern Colorado Libraries.

  Many requests are received from on-campus organizations and external agencies for use of the Mari Michener Gallery. Requests are primarily for exhibit space and/or reception purposes. Because of the demand for this space, the University Libraries has limited non-library use of the gallery to periods of time when classes are not in session. We simply cannot disturb student research by creating distractions and interrupting valuable interaction among students, faculty and library personnel.

  All decisions and exceptions are the responsibility of the Dean of University Libraries.

  For more information, or to apply for event/exhibit space, please visit the Michener Library Space Usage page.

• Michener Library Group Study Rooms

  Two group study rooms (226 and 249) for student use on the second floor are equipped with computers, large LCD panel monitors, VCR/DVD players, and whiteboards. Two rooms on the third floor (318 and 327) for student use are equipped with furniture, chalk boards, and wireless network access.  These rooms are available by reservation.

  • Study rooms are intended for groups of two to eight UNC students participating in collaborative work in Michener Library. Students may not reserve them for regularly scheduled seminars, classes, club meetings, or other extra-curricular activities.
  • Reservations may be made up to three weeks in advance at the Michener Library Circulation Desk or by phone at 351-2671.
  • Anyone checking out a room must show a current UNC ID. The rooms are checked out for three hours, with one three-hour renewal upon request if the room is not already scheduled within that time.
  • Keys and supplies are checked out at the Michener Library Circulation Desk. The student in possession of the key is responsible for the equipment, furniture, and supplies. Please report any problems immediately. If a key is not returned, the person who checked it out is responsible for paying for a lock change.
  • The rooms should be left clean, with garbage thrown away in trash cans. Furniture should not be moved in or out of the group study rooms.
  • Reserved group study rooms not occupied 15 minutes after the reserved time will be considered forfeited and made available to others.
  • For assistance, contact the first floor Circulation Desk (351-2671).

  There are two unlocked corner rooms on the east end of the third floor available on a first- come, first-served basis. No reservations or keys are required to use these rooms.

  Faculty may use locked study rooms on a walk-in basis. They may use a room for up to 3 hours if it is not reserved for students.