This Procedure is currently under Review - October 2010

The purpose of this procedure is to provide a clear statement to Library clients on the terms and conditions for library use and borrowing.

Not Applicable.

1. Persons entitled to use the Library
2. Rules for General Conduct
3. Loans
4. Audio-visual & Electronic Database Licence Obligations
5. Associated Documents
6. Continuous Improvement
7. Flowcharts

1. Persons entitled to use the Library

1.1 Borrowing

The following persons are entitled to borrow from the Library:

• Current Bendigo TAFE students and staff members.
• Currently registered borrowers from other educational institutions with which Bendigo TAFE Library has a reciprocal borrowing agreement eg. CAVAL scheme members and LaTrobe University Bendigo staff and students.
• Members of the public who have paid the current membership fee.
• Current Board Members.
• Registered Bendigo TAFE affiliates.

1.2 General Use

Members of the general public are welcome to use library facilities provided that they accept the rules for general conduct listed below. They may also borrow from the Library on payment of a membership fee.

The Library is primarily a place for study and learning and clients are expected to be considerate of other people using the facilities and resources. Library clients must follow the directions of Library staff.

Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times in accordance with Bendigo TAFE Policy 110 - Children on Bendigo TAFE Premises.

Bags may be brought into the Library but may be required to be opened for inspection on leaving.

Any person who behaves inappropriately or damages library resources or facilities shall be responsible for all damages caused and may be excluded from the Library, by Library staff.

Persistent or serious offenders may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Bendigo TAFE Discipline Policies and Procedures.

 3.1 Borrower Responsibilities

Loan periods are determined by the Library Manager and recorded in the Library Management Software System.  Printed Library guides outline the loan information for students, staff and community borrowers.  It is the responsibility of the borrower to return on time and in good condition all items issued to them.  Failure to do so may result in the withdrawal or suspension of borrower privileges.  Library borrower cards are not transferable.

The Library reserves the right to recall any item on loan at any time. Failure to return recalled items may result in suspension of borrowing privileges.

3.2 Fines and Penalties

Borrowers who fail to return items by the due date will be sent overdue notices. Three overdue notices will be sent over a period of three weeks. After that time borrowing privileges will be suspended until the items are returned. After issue of the final notice a debt collection agency may be engaged.  An administration fee is usually applied to cover costs, even if all items are returned.

Certificates may not be presented to students at awards night if their Library materials have not been returned.

Bendigo TAFE staff must return all outstanding items to the Library before they leave the Institute upon cessation of employment.  Failure to do so may result in the withholding of final salary payment. 

If a loan item is lost, the borrower shall be responsible for the replacement cost plus a processing fee.  In exceptional circumstances the penalties for overdue or lost items may be waived at the discretion of the Library Manager.

Items from the Audio-visual Collection may be borrowed by Bendigo TAFE staff and registered Bendigo TAFE affiliates only for educational use in Bendigo TAFE Courses. See the Staff Library Guide for more details.

Under reciprocal borrowing arrangements LaTrobe University Bendigo Staff may borrow video recordings with the exception of off-air dubs and AV materials purchased under certain special license agreements.

Only Bendigo TAFE staff and students may use the online databases that are available on the Bendigo TAFE Library Web site.

5. Associated Documents

The following documents are available on the Business Management System (BMS) unless otherwise stated:

Pol302 Library Policy
Pol504  Student Discipline Policy
Pol110  Children on BENDIGO TAFE Premises
FLB001  Library Membership Request - Affiliates
Staff Library Guide (available from BENDIGO TAFE Library)
Student Library Guide (available from BENDIGO TAFE Library)
Community Membership Guide (available from BENDIGO TAFE Library)

6. Continuous Improvement

For suggestions and improvements: quality@britafe.vic.edu.au

7. Flowchart/s

Not Applicable

Warning – Uncontrolled when printed. The current version of this document is kept on the BMS.