Library Policies
Learning Commons Library Mission Statement
The NHTI Library is an academic, regulated teaching library that provides services to support the learning community of NHTI and the people of N.H. and the region. The library provides dynamic sources of physical and electronic information in a variety of formats. We strive to maintain a standard of excellence that reflects each individual and our college mission.
The library supports intellectual discovery, information literacy, the educated person, and life-long learning. We abide by the principles of the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association; the pertinent codes of ethics of the library, media, and educational professions; and all federal and state laws and regulations as may be applicable. As a regulated teaching library, please expect some noise. Rooms for quiet study are available.
Learning Commons Library Privacy Statement
The NHTI Library is committed to protecting the privacy of NHTI Library users. Our policies conform to the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association, which provides this summation of the library community’s commitment to privacy: “We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.”
Our commitment to user privacy extends to our agreements with online content providers. When using the services of an external provider, the privacy policies of that provider will apply. This privacy statement does not extend to general use of CCSNH or NHTI’s technology resources. Pursuant to CCSNH’s Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy, IT users shall have no expectation of privacy in the use of CCSNH technology resources.
The library may store personally identifiable information in conjunction with normal loan operations, personalization features of electronic research, or other services. Such information gathered may be used to improved web services for users. The library may be obligated to release such information to state or federal law enforcement agents in response to a search warrant or subpoena, including those issued in accordance with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, 50 U.S.C. 1861, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107-56). That law prohibits library staff from informing you that such a request has been received.
Circulation Regulations
A valid NHTI ID card is required to check books and other materials out of the NHTI Library and to establish an account that will allow access to interlibrary loans. Any items taken out through interlibrary loan are considered to be an extension of NHTI Library policies and are subject to costs of replacement, fees, and other charges including costs of collection.
NHTI students with lost/missing materials and/or an unpaid balance will have a library hold placed on their student account by the Bursar’s Office, according to NHTI policies. ID cards for community members are available for $10.00 per year and are issued and renewed in the library. Community memberships must be renewed annually to remain in good standing. NHTI students, faculty, and staff and community members must be prepared to show a valid NHTI ID when requested. Those without a valid NHTI ID may be asked to leave the library.
Most library materials are checked out for three weeks and may be renewed unless requested by another patron. Reserve materials for specific courses are available at the Library Services Desk for use in the library. Reference materials and periodicals are also designated as non-circulating. While a book return is no longer located in the library’s outside lobby, materials may be returned in the book return slot at the Library Services Desk inside the building. Please do not leave materials on top of the Library Services Desk.
Books not returned after 30 days from the due date are treated as lost, and the borrower will be billed by U.S. mail for the replacement cost of the item(s) and, if necessary, a cataloging fee. Copies of all bills will be forwarded to the Bursar’s Office, and students will have a library hold placed on their student account, subject to NHTI policies. Community members with outstanding overdue items will be denied the annual renewal of their accounts until their obligations are cleared. Only three DVDs may be checked out at any one time and only three books by the same author and/or within the same subject may be checked out at any one time.
Learning Commons Library Policy for Visitors and Community Guests
Visitors and community guests are individuals who do not possess a currently valid NHTI ID. NHTI alumni, members of AIA NH, members of eligible college consortia, and holders of an annual NHTI Library community membership are granted limited privileges.
Visitors and community guests wishing to use the library must present a valid photo ID to a staff member at the service desk upon entering the NHTI Library. Visitors and community guests are also required to sign the visitor logbook.
NHTI students, staff, and faculty receive priority for library services and resources. Visitors and community guests are not permitted to use the study rooms or the Library’s desktop or tablet computers.
Boxes, bags, packages, briefcases, and other containers/vessels are subject to inspection by library staff members and members of Campus Safety. Failure to comply will result in removal from the library and the loss of library privileges.
Persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian unless they are currently enrolled as NHTI students. Parents and guardians are responsible for the actions and behavior of their children.
Visitors and community guests shall adhere to NHTI Library polices and be considerate of others. Those who engage in disruptive behavior or use the library for personal business endeavors will be asked to leave indefinitely. Failure to comply with library policies and regulations may result in the revocation of library privileges and disciplinary action. Violations of law may result in legal prosecution. Persons banned from the NHTI Library may also lose their privileges at other CCSNH libraries.
Unauthorized removal or damage to library property is a violation of NHRSA Title 16 Libraries CHAPTER 202A et seq. All visitors and guests shall be responsible for the replacement cost of removed or damaged library property, as well as all costs of collection, including attorneys’ fees. Additionally, all visitors and community guests shall comply with the laws of the U.S. relating to copyright. Further, it is the responsibility of all visitors and community guests to report misconduct.
Copyright
All NHTI students, faculty, and staff shall comply with U.S. laws relating to copyright. Information on copyright law is available from the U.S. Copyright Office. Additionally, reference is made to the “Fair Use Doctrine” and “What Constitutes Fair Use” (http://www.copyright.com/academia/annual-copyright-license/). NHTI subscribes to a service provided by the Copyright Clearinghouse administered by the library, which provides a legal means for the dissemination of copyrighted materials.
Acquisitions and Collection Development
The Acquisitions and Collection Development is the collaborative process of selecting, ordering, and receiving materials for library or archival collections by purchase, exchange, or gift. This may include budgeting and negotiating with outside agencies, such as publishers, dealers, and vendors, to obtain resources to meet the needs of the NHTI community reflecting the curriculum and academic priorities in the most economical and expeditious manner.
Donations
NHTI’s Learning Commons Library is grateful for donations of books and other library materials that support student academic success and life-long learning. We are happy to accept items that are of timely and topical relevance and that are in good physical condition. The Learning Commons Library asks that all prospective donors consult with either the Circulation Manager or Learning Commons Library Coordinator before arranging for donation delivery. Please note that the Learning Commons Library reserves the right to dispose of gifts that are not added to our collection.
Information Literacy
Information literacy is a series of critical thinking skills that guides an individual through the process of collecting and using information. The process involves determining a need for information, identifying possible sources, and developing search strategies to locate the appropriate information. Further, information literacy offers a framework to evaluate and use this information to accomplish a specific purpose.
In an information-intensive world, information literacy enables individuals to master content, refine and extend their investigations, become more self-directed, and assume greater control over their own learning. An information literate individual is able to:
- Determine the type and extent of information needed
- Choose from a variety of sources and formats to select and access the information effectively
- Evaluate the information and its sources for appropriateness and credibility
- Incorporate selected information into one’s knowledge base;
- Use the information effectively to accomplish an identified purpose
- Understand the economic and social issues surrounding the use of the information
- Use the information ethically and legally
Adapted from the Association of College and Research Libraries: “Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education”
Rules for Usage of NHTI Computer Facilities: Learning Commons Library
The NHTI Library is an academic, regulated teaching library for use by NHTI students, faculty and staff, and in addition to the following rules, lab/computer users are expected to comply with the NHTI Computer Usage Policy.
- Library patrons must be prepared to show valid NHTI ID when requested by NHTI Security, NHTI Library staff, or other NHTI staff.
- Library computers are for use only by NHTI students, faculty, and staff.
- The library and instructional lab are study and learning environments in a teaching library; please expect some noise. Contact staff for availability of quiet study space. Be considerate of other students’ rights by being quiet. Patrons are asked to silence cell phones, and conversations are to be taken out of the library.
- Beverages in covered containers are allowed. Please report spills to library staff. Dispose of waste properly.
- Do not place books or personal belongings on any printer, monitor, or computer equipment. This can interfere with hardware operation and/or inhibit proper cooling functions for the equipment.
- Students are responsible for cleaning up any area they use; this includes discarding scrap paper or printouts in their proper recycling or trash receptacle.
- Loading or installation of any software/programs/games on a hard drive is prohibited. Any alteration of system settings or configuration is prohibited. High network traffic may result in temporary prohibitions including, but not limited to, gaming, instant messaging, and email.
- The display or transmission of threatening, obscene, or harassing materials is prohibited. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in removal from the library and loss of library privileges.
- The connection of outside equipment to NHTI computer equipment is prohibited unless specific authorization is granted by NHTI faculty or staff.
- Printing is through the student Papercut account at 10 cents per page and color copies at 50 cents per page. Scanning is free of charge.
- Additional rules may apply in particular labs.
