Library Rules
2006

These Rules are endorsed by the library's Advisory Committee, by the Director and by the Board of the Melbourne Business School.

PREAMBLE
1. GENERAL
2. ADMISSION
3. HOURS OF OPENING
4. USE OF FACILITIES
5. CONDUCT IN THE LIBRARY
6. BORROWING
7. PENALTIES

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PREAMBLE

The facilities and resources of the Melbourne Business School Library are primarily for the use of the staff, students, course participants and alumni of Melbourne Business School.

The objectives of the Melbourne Business School Library are to provide a quality environment for the research and study needs of the MBS community, and to provide world-class information resources that support the school's teaching and research activities.

The rules of the library are designed to manage and support the library's objectives.

They are developed by the Chief Librarian and endorsed by the Director of the School or his delegated authority, and by the library's Advisory Committee and by the Board of Melbourne Business School.

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1. GENERAL

1.1. For the purpose of these rules, "library" will apply equally to the McLennan Library in Carlton and the Information Resource Centre at the Mt Eliza Centre for Executive Education.

1.2. For the purpose of these rules, library "materials" or "items" will be taken to cover all library content, including books and other collection items; equipment; furniture and furnishings contained in the library building.

1.3. For the purpose of these rules "patrons" are defined as any users granted right of access to the library.

1.4.  For the purpose of these rules "Librarian" will refer to the Chief Librarian, Melbourne Business School or a delegated member of the library staff.

1.5. By the act of using the library, a patron will be deemed to have agreed to abide by these Library Rules.

1.6. Where a patron is found to be in violation of the Library Rules, the Librarian may curtail, suspend or withdraw library access or borrowing privileges from that patron either permanently or for a specified period of time.

1.7. The authority vested in the Chief Librarian by the Library Rules may be exercised by any member of the McLennan Library staff, if and as appropriate.

1.8. The Library Rules may be amended by the Librarian from time to time to better achieve the library's objectives.

1.9. Exceptions to any of the Library Rules may be made, in specific situations, by the Librarian.

1.10.  The Librarian will ensure that the Library Rules are readily accessible, and take all reasonable steps to communicate to library patrons any subsequent changes to the rules and conditions of library use.

1.11. Any dispute arising from the application of these rules will be considered by the Librarian in the first instance, and referred to the Director or his delegated authority, if and as deemed appropriate by the Librarian.

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2. ADMISSION

2.1. The library is open to members of the Melbourne Business School, and to such other persons as are permitted by the Librarian.

2.2. Members of the Melbourne Business School include students enrolled in programs run by the school; staff and alumni of the school; and members of the school's Governing Board.

2.3. Other categories of persons able to access or borrow from the library will be posted at or near the entrance of the library, and be detailed in the library's Access Policy, available on the library's web site.

2.4. In addition, the Librarian may approve other individuals to use the library for a specified period or purpose.

2.5. A library patron's permission to use or access the library's collections and facilities is exclusive to that patron, and may not be shared, or in any other way transferred to another patron except with the approval of the Librarian.

2.6. A library patron must produce proof of identity and of the right to use or access the library if requested to do so by a member of the library staff.

2.7. A person unable to comply with 2.6 must leave the library if asked to do so by a member of the library staff.

2.8. With the exception of guide dogs, no animals may be brought into the library.

2.9. The Librarian may refuse the admission of any person carrying or suspected of carrying any material deemed to pose a security or health hazard to the library, its staff or other patrons.

2.10. The Librarian, with the endorsement of the Library Committee, may impose a schedule of fees for use and access to the library and its collections and facilities.

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3. HOURS OF OPENING

3.1. The library's hours and days of opening will be determined by the Librarian in consultation with any relevant administrative or academic staff of the school, and with approval of the Library Committee, the Director or his nominee.

3.2. The hours and days of opening will be displayed at or near the entrance of the library and be posted in the library's print and electronic information notices.

3.3. The hours and days of opening may be varied from time to time to reflect changes required for the proper support of the MBS members, and for administrative purposes.

3.4. Library patrons are not permitted on library premises outside the advertised opening hours without the express permission of the Librarian.

3.5. The Librarian may order the evacuation and/or closure of the library in any situation judged to present a danger to the library, its staff or its patrons.

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4. USE OF FACILITIES

4.1. Leaflets, advertisements and other notices may not be distributed, displayed or attached to library surfaces without the approval of library staff.

4.2. Where necessary, the Librarian may stipulate special arrangements for the use of particular areas of the library, or for the use of library equipment.

4.3. The use of equipment, facilities and collections in the library is subject to all relevant current legislation including those governing copyright, health and safety, equal opportunity, and privacy. Library patrons are responsible for ensuring compliance with the relevant legislation at all times.

4.4. Library patrons may not reserve, or in any other manner prevent equitable access to any library item, workstation or equipment without the approval of a member of the library staff.

4.5. Library patrons are not permitted in staff work areas without permission of a member of the library staff.

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 5. CONDUCT IN THE LIBRARY

5.1. With the exception of water in spill-proof containers, no food or drink may be consumed in any part of the library other than where clearly designated as permissible.

5.2. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the library.

5.3. While mobile phones are allowed in the library, patrons are asked to exercise courtesy in their use. Patrons must discontinue the use of a mobile phone, or leave the library if requested to do so by a member of the library staff.

5.4. The use of any radio, television or other equipment, the use of which is incompatible with the purpose of the library, is not permitted.

5.5. Patrons are responsible for the safety and security of their personal possessions.

5.6. Disruptive levels of noise and unseemly or unacceptable behavior are not permitted in the library. Library staff may request that a patron cease such behavior, or ask the patron to leave the library premises.

5.7. All books, bags, cases or other personal belongings must be presented for inspection on request at the exit control, or when the exit security alarm is activated.

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6. BORROWING

6.1. The Librarian will set borrowing conditions for the library's collections, and may vary those conditions for each category of patron. The loan periods and conditions of loan will be as set out in the library's Lending Policy and Fines.

6.2. The Librarian may impose special conditions governing the use or loan of any item, and may permit or refuse the loan of any library item.

6.3. No library material may be removed from the library unless issued as a loan, or with the express permission of the Librarian or a member of the library staff.

6.4. Patrons are responsible for the return of all loans by the dates specified in the loan transactions. Failure to return items by their due date may result in the withdrawal or suspension of library access or borrowing privileges either permanently or for a specified period of time, and may result in the imposition of a library fine or charge.

6.5. The Librarian may recall an item on loan if urgently required for another patron or purpose. When an item is recalled, the date stipulated on the recall notice or on the loan record shall become the due date.

6.6. A schedule of borrowing terms and conditions, library fines and fees will be as stipulated on the library's web site, and document Lending Policy and Fines.

6.7. Any outstanding fines or fees must be settled prior to graduation or termination of employment at the school.

6.8. Patrons are required to report immediately to the library the loss or theft of a library membership or ID card. Patrons may be held liable for any items issued on a lost or stolen card, transacted prior to the report to the library of the loss or theft of the card.

6.9. Books or other library items borrowed by a patron may not be transferred to another person.

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7. PENALTIES

7.1. Patrons are responsible for any damage caused to library materials while in their possession. The Librarian may hold the patron fully liable for any replacement or repair costs, plus handling or other fees associated with such damage.

7.2. Any borrower found mutilating, defacing or attempting to illegally remove any library material will be referred to the Director, or his delegate, for disciplinary action.

7.3. Library patrons are responsible for all library items issued to them. In the event of loss or failure to return library materials, patrons may be charged with the replacement cost of the items, plus any additional handling and processing charges as specified in the library's Lending Policy and Fines.

7.4. In the event that a library item which has been deemed to have been lost is subsequently found and returned, the Librarian may refund part or whole of the replacement costs to the patron, but all processing and other handling changes will be deemed non-refundable.

7.5. Patrons are responsible for ensuring that contact details, including the postal and e-mail address in their patron records are accurate at all times. Applicable penalties and fines will not be waived as a result of a failure to maintain accurate contact details, or failure to receive or read library communication.