Use of the Library by Community and TexShare Users

Mission

The primary mission of the UTEP Library is to support the teaching, research, and public service programs of the University of Texas at El Paso. While UTEP students, faculty, and staff have priority in the use of materials and services, the Library recognizes its responsibility to serve the local, regional, and international community.

Community and TexShare use

Community and TexShare users are encouraged to exhaust the resources of the El Paso Public Library and their school libraries before using the University Library. Community and TexShare users are welcome to use the UTEP Library's facilities, services, and collections within the limitations described in this policy statement and must follow all other Library policies and procedures.

Please note:

All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied and supervised at all times by an adult. Children may not be left unattended. Unattended children under the age of 12 will be placed in the custody of the UTEP police until a parent or legal guardian arrives to assume responsibility for them.

Tours

Teachers, parents, and community organizations may bring student or other groups to the Library for a tour under the following conditions:

1. All tours must be scheduled and approved by the staff of the Research/Instruction Department, libraryref@utep.edu, or call 747-5643. Staff may not be available to conduct tours for groups that arrive without making the prior arrangements. Groups without reservations may be asked to leave the building.
2. The UTEP Library is a place for quiet study. It is disruptive and generally inappropriate to bring large numbers of pre-school or grade school children to the Library during the school semester. Therefore, the preferred time for these tours is during intersession.
3. Tours should be scheduled at least two weeks in advance to ensure proper scheduling.
4. The maximum suggested size for a tour group is 25. Groups of young children should have a ratio of one adult for every 8 children.
5. No tours will be given during the week prior to finals, or finals week

Please note:

It is strongly recommended that all groups of 5 or more who will be coming to the Library for tours or research purposes notify the Library Research/Instruction Department two weeks in advance, in order to facilitate their accommodation.

In-House Use of Library Materials

Most books, periodicals, and other materials in the Library may be used by members of the general public.

Community User Cards

Residents of El Paso County, 18 years of age or older, may secure borrowing privileges by acquiring a Community User Card. The fee is $50 per year and includes Interlibrary Loan privileges at a cost of $5.00 per item. Fines are charged for books returned late, lost, or damaged. 

Users associated with UTEP may obtain a free Community Users card. Examples:

• Alumni Association Member
• Associate of the Library 

TexShare User Cards

Residents of El Paso County, 18 years of age or older, may secure borrowing privileges by acquiring a TexShare card, which may be obtained at the El Paso Community College, Public Library, and other Texas libraries.

Loan periods:

Loan Policies:

Maximum number of items allowed to be borrowed concurrently: 3
Maximum number of renewals: 3 per item -- in-person renewals only

Borrowing is not permitted from the following collections:

Browsing, Children's, Special Collections and Reference

Periodicals do not circulate.

Fines:

Cause for suspension of library privileges:

1. 3 or more items overdue concurrently
2. $25 or more owed to the Library in bills or fines
3. Not returning overdue items which have been recalled

Renewals:

Renewals can only be done in person at the Library.  They cannot be done over the phone or by email.

Staff at the Access Services Desk on the main (2nd) floor of the Library can provide detailed information concerning circulation policies, librarycirc@utep.edu, or call 747-5672.

Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary loan services are available to Community Users who have purchased a card. There is a handling charge of $5.00 per transaction, in addition to any charges accessed by the sending library.

Reference Services

Reference and other information services are provided to all patrons on a first-come, first-served basis. However, at all times, priority is given to UTEP students and faculty.

Instruction

Instruction in the use of Library resources is available only to University classes. Occasionally exceptions are made for high school honors classes and groups with special needs. Class instruction is provided strictly by appointment. Contact the Research/Instruction Department (747-5643) for additional information

Telephone / E-mail / Live Chat queries

Short reference questions are answered as time permits. In-house users at the public service desks are given priority.

Electronic Resources

The equipment and services of the Collaborative Learning Center are exclusively for the use of currently enrolled UTEP students. Community and TexShare users may access the Library's electronic resources using the computers in the Media & Microforms Department on the first floor and on the designated computers in the Collaborative Learning Center on the second floor.

UTEP students, faculty, and staff have priority in the use of the Library's Internet, CD-ROM, and related electronic products. Community and TexShare users may be asked to relinquish the use of Library computers in order to allow UTEP users access. Certain databases are not available to Community and TexShare users due to licensing agreements. Remote access to the Library's databases is not available to TexShare users.

Library computers must be used for their assigned purpose. Computer use is restricted to databases authorized by the Library. Web "surfing," "chatting," e-mailing, or other personal use of this equipment is not permitted.

Meeting Rooms

The Library's meeting and instruction facilities may only be used by University-affiliated groups. They are not available to community groups or individuals.