Thank you to everyone who responded to my query with regards to using a
system to control access to the library. At Bedford, DMU we currently have
very informal libraries and were concerned about how we would introduce an
access system in our new library. Responses to my query were as follows:
Forgotten cards - students
While some libraries operated a no card no entry system, most responses did
exercise some flexibility. The most common response was to allow students
access for 3-5 days without a card but still stressing to them the
importance of using their cards. One library deliberately made the process
for this laborious to be off-putting.
Forgotten cards - staff
A similar 3-5 days access without producing a card was in operation in some
libraries for staff. One library never refused access to staff to avoid
putting their counter staff in a difficult position.
Lost cards - students
Most libraries had formal arrangements for the replacement of library cards
for a fee.
Lost cards - staff
Similar arrangements to students but rarely applied and certainly more
flexible with staff members.
External borrowers
There were more differences in how externals accessed the libraries
examples:
- free entry after 5 p.m. signed in by security
- signing a visitors book, free reference, no borrowing rights
- 3 visits per academic year, form to be filled in at reception. If
longer is required then £25 is charged for an external reference only pass
- vacation passes for students from other universities
- outside academic staff free reference access
- former students can register for a fee to borrow or for reference
Control management system
In most cases the systems were managed by library staff.
I hope this answers the queries of everyone who asked me for further
information.
Thanks again, Linda.
Linda Droogmans
Site Librarian
Lansdowne Library
De Montfort Universty
37 Lansdowne Road
Bedford
MK47 2BZ
Tel: 01234 793385
E.mail: [log in to unmask]
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