Library Handbook

Rules and Guidelines

• The east side of the library (facing the golf course) is designated as a Silent Area for individual study without interruptions. No conversation is permitted in this area. If someone is too loud, you have the right to ask them to quiet down or notify the librarian or proctor on duty.

• The west side of the library (facing the playground) and the middle section near the children's books are designated as Quiet Areas. Short, whispered conversations are permitted, recognizing that sound travels easily in the library. If someone is too loud, you have the right to ask them to quiet down or notify the librarian or proctor on duty.

• Library Study Carrels, Tables, and Desks

  • Study carrels, tables, and desks are available for daily use by our entire campus community. In order to meet these needs and to create an open and inviting atmosphere for all, reservation of these places for permanent personal use is not available. However, a student may occupy one of these spaces daily so long as they do not leave the space unattended for more than two hours (please do not place personal signs on tables). All personal items should be removed before the close of each day.

  • Library books being used in the library for a short amount of time, and which will not be taken out of the library, may be used and then placed in the book drop in the front of the library for re-circulation. Please follow the check out procedure for all books being taken out of the library. Items left unattended for extended periods of time may be placed in the lost and found at the front desk, and books re-shelved. The library is not responsible for any personal items left unattended.

• Group study and group projects should be conducted in the Coffee Bean, an area specifically designated for such activities.

• Snacks and drinks are allowed in the library.

• Please take all cell phone conversations outside the library.

• Library personnel, including library proctors, have the authority to maintain order. Please respect your classmates who purpose to maintain an environment conducive to individual study.

Checkout procedure

1. Swipe your ID card.

2. Scan the barcode on the back cover of the book (upper right hand corner).

3. Select "Finish."

Using other libraries
The Emmaus library will meet most of your academic needs. However, you can present your student ID and apply for a borrower’s card at the following libraries and colleges:

• Carnegie-Stout Public library

• University of Dubuque (no computer access)

• Wartburg Seminary (no computer access)

• Northeast Iowa Community College

• Loras College

• Clarke University

• Dubuque County Library in Asbury

Keep in mind that borrowing from these libraries is a privilege and not a right. Respect the authority of their staff and don’t argue if access is denied to you. See the Emmaus librarian with any problems you encounter.

Materials from other libraries are readily available through the interlibrary loan process. If you would like to borrow a specific book that is not in our collection, ask the librarian about seeing if the book can be mailed to Emmaus for you to check out.

Collections

Reference books
Reference books (marked with REF) may not be taken out of the library at any time. These are books that must be kept readily available for everyone to use, and include Bibles, dictionaries, hardbound periodicals, and atlases.

When you are not using them, please leave them on a table in the library and a library proctor will retrieve them. Do not re-shelve them.

Reserve books
Reserve books have been selected from the circulating collections at the request of a faculty member for use by their students for assignments. They are stored above each faculty member’s name on the reserve shelves at the front of the library.

During the day, reserve books may not be taken out of the library; they are to be checked out and used in the library for two hours at a time. When you are finished, return your reserve books to the book drop at the front of the library so that library personnel can check them in and re-shelve them. Do not leave reserve books elsewhere in the library when you are not actually using them. If you're going to be away from your books longer than a bathroom break, return them to the reserve shelves.

Starting at 10:30 PM (4 PM on Fridays and Saturdays), you may check out reserve books to take from the library for overnight use only. They are due back in the library one hour after the library opens the next morning.

Circulating book
Circulating books can be checked out for use outside the library and are due back after 28 days. If there isn't a hold on the item, you may renew it for 28 days up to two times. Please return items to the book drop in the front of the library.

Pamphlets
Pamphlets are small books, usually less than fifty pages in length. These must be secured directly from Mr. Rush.

Periodicals
All periodicals (magazines, scholarly journals, newspapers) are part of the reference collection and may not be removed from the library.

Most issues of periodicals are arranged in alphabetical order by title on the magazine racks. Back issues are hardbound and shelved. See Mr. Rush to ask about magazines that are available but not displayed.

All periodicals in the library’s collection are the property of the college and are purchased with college funds. You may not cut articles, comics, or sections out of them or damage them in any way.

Computers
There are computers available in the front of the library for student use. They do not require a password. Academic needs take priority over communication, social media, or entertainment uses. Please be considerate of your fellow classmates.

If a problem arises with the computer and the librarian or proctor cannot answer your question, the IT Director will be contacted.