Services for Community and TexShare Users

Visiting the Library

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. They must follow all 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 students 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 preschool 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 before 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, 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, $5.00 per transaction. 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
• Friends of the Library

Borrowing

Community User (Paid)

Community User (Free)

TexShare cards

TexShare cards may be obtained at the El Paso Community College, Public Library, and other Texas libraries, to borrow specific items.

• TexShare Cards
  • White (UTEP Affiliates)
  • Orange (UTEP Non-Affiliates)

Cause for suspension of library privileges:

1. Three (3) or more items overdue concurrently
2. $.25 or more owed to the Library in bills or fines
3. Not returning overdue items

Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary Loan is only available to users with a Paid Community Users card. There is a charge of $5.00 per transaction.

• Policies
• Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday
• Contact: (915) 747-5678, libraryill@utep.edu
• Requests
  • Books
  • Articles

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.

Accessing Electronic Resources

Community and TexShare guests can access many of our databases, and download articles and book chapters; however, searching must be done in the Library. Two community-access computers can be used. Access is limited and does not include printing, scanning, or photocopying materials.

Special Collections

The C. L. Sonnichsen Special Collections Department is located on the 6th floor. Some of its collections include the Chicano Collection, the Judaica Collection, and the S. L. A. Marshal Military History Collection. 

Learn More