Library Policies

Limited amounts of food and drink are allowed to create a welcoming atmosphere for our users. Users are expected to clean up after themselves and place trash in the trash cans designated throughout the library. We strongly encourage users to help keep the library clean, avoiding infestation or damage to library property.

Absolutely no food or drink will be allowed in the Computer Research Center (CRC) on the library’s main (plaza) level or the Mobile Multimedia Center and the Archives Center located on the court (ground) level.

Usage Policies:

• Food is limited to snacks for individual consumption only.
• No group consumption of food is allowed.
• No fast food, cafeteria, open plates, greasy or odiferous food allowed.
• No food should be ordered for delivery to the library.
• Only drinks with secure lids or caps are allowed.
• The library prefers the use of travel mugs, or bottled drinks with screw caps.
• No glass bottles are allowed.
• Users with inappropriate food or drink will be asked to leave the library; refusal to comply will result in calling campus police; extended non-compliance of the library food policy will result in loss of library privileges.
• Absolutely no alcohol will be tolerated.

Disclaimer: Users will be liable for any damage to library property and equipment caused by mishandling of food or drink.

Disruptive behavior interferes with the tranquility of the library environment and right of library users to study or conduct their research in serenity and additionally for staff to conduct library business. Disruptive is being defined as any act or behavior that interferes with the tranquility or quietness of the library’s overall study environment and affects library users or staff. Disruptive behavior also may include any activity that results in harm to library equipment or library furniture.

Usage Policies:

• All library users should conduct themselves in an orderly manner.
• Library users will be respectful of other library users and keep the volume of their conversation as low as is practical.
• Library users will not physically, verbally, or with gestures threaten, abuse, or assault another person on library property.
• Library users should not attempt to vandalize or destroy library resources, equipment, or furniture.
• Library users may not interfere with the library staff’s performance of their duties.

Any library user who is disruptive will be informed by a library staff member that the behavior is inappropriate. If the behavior continues, the individual will be asked to leave the library. If the individual refuses to leave, campus police will be called. Disruptive behavior on the part of a library user may result in further disciplinary action.

The safety and well-being of every child visiting the Library is very important, and in an effort to further their protection, yet maintain a conducive study environment for all library users, the Benedict College Library has adopted the following policies regarding children.

Usage Policies:

For purposes of these child–protection guidelines, the term “child” applies to any person under the age of 18 who is not otherwise enrolled in a program or course at Benedict College.

• Responsibility for the welfare and the behavior of children in the library rest with the parent, guardian, or responsible adult. Library staff members have many duties to fulfill and are not responsible for the supervision of children in the library.
• Children brought into the library must be accompanied by an adult, preferably a parent or guardian, and remain under their direct supervision while in the facility. It is strongly recommended that children are accompanied by an adult who can take responsibility for their well-being should an emergency occur.
• Students, with children, are not to place their child in the care of other students while they attend classes, participate in study sessions, or attend to other personal matters but, children are to ALWAYS remain in the care of the parent/guardian.
• While children are not prohibited from accompanying a parent or guardian into the library, for liability purposes, children are not to be kept in the library for prolonged periods of time, particularly throughout the course of a day, in lieu of a childcare facility (or) for extended periods while doing research, writing a paper, or studying.
• If a child is loud or disruptive, library staff have the right to ask the parent, guardian, or responsible individual, with the child to leave the library. Disruptive is being defined as any act or behavior that interferes with the tranquility or quietness of the library’s overall study environment and affects library users or staff. Disruptions or disruptive behavior may encompass, but is not limited to, making noise, crying, yelling, screaming, tantrums, outbursts, playing, running, etc.
• Children are not allowed to run throughout the facility or to repeatedly climb up/down the steps between floor levels while in the library.
• Children are not to play or sit on top of the study tables or any other library furnishing inappropriately.
• Student study rooms are not to be utilized for the purpose of maintaining children while in the library.
• Children of school age, accompanied by parent or guardian, may access computers under adult supervision. However, small children are not allowed to carelessly play with library computers, printers, copiers and other equipment intended for research purposes. Please note that damages inflicted by children to library equipment may become the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
• The parent or guardian are asked to use the restrooms to appropriately address a child’s needs while in the library and to properly dispose of an infant’s diaper in the restrooms and NOT in the open trash cans throughout the facility.

 When disruptive behavior is encountered, the library staff will approach the parent or guardian in the following manner:

• Verbalize to the parent, guardian, or responsible adult with a child that the child’s behavior is disruptive to users’ in the study environment.
• If the child’s disruptive behavior continues, the parent, guardian, or responsible adult will be asked to leave with the child.
• If the parent, guardian, or responsible adult does not comply with the request to take the disruptive child from the study environment, Campus Police will be contacted.

Electronic Books (eBooks)

The Learning Resources Center provides access to more than 300,000 eBooks, encompasses all academic disciplines through purchases as well as through its membership in the Parternship Among South Carolina Academic Libraries (PASCAL) library cooperative.

The Library’s eBooks are available to students, faculty, and staff twenty hours, seven days a week, both on-campus and off-campus, from any computer, laptop, iPad, or tablet with internet capability. You may access the library’s eBook Collections by clicking here or from the library’s main webpage.

Usage Policies:

Never worry about overdue fines and fees because eBooks checks itself in after a period of time. You are advised to refer to each individual collection for guidelines. 

Printed Books

The Benedict College photo identification card (ID) serves also as the official Library Card for students, faculty and staff at the College. A valid Benedict College photo ID is required to use and access library services and resources from the information service desk, the Mobile Multimedia Center, and the Archives Center. This includes, but is not limited to, checking out books and media resources, making facility reservations for the use of student study rooms and the media facility, and for requesting and picking up PASCAL Delivers as well as interlibrary loan materials.

Usage Policies:

• Students are required to have a valid Benedict College photo ID card to check out library materials.
• Undergraduate students may check-out books for 21 days with a maximum of 10 books.
• Graduate students may check-out books for 28 days with a maximum of 15 books.
• Faculty and staff may check-out books for 30 days with a maximum of 20 books.
• PASCAL visiting patrons may check-out books for 21 days with a maximum of 3 books.
• Benedict College alumni may check-out books for 10 days with a maximum of 5 books.
• Benedict College, Friends of the Library may check-out books for 7 days with a maximum of 3 books.
• Members of the Benedict College Board of Trustees may check-out books for 10 days with a maximum of 5 books.
• The Due Date is STAMPED on a pocket card located in the back of each book at the time of check-out.
• Students may check-out up to their maximum items at one time, if they do not have any outstanding fines or overdue library materials.
• Circulating materials may be renewed twice if no one else has requested them.
• Renewals may be made using your BC email account, by phone, or in person at the information service desk with your Benedict College photo ID card.
• Circulating privileges will be suspended for students who have accumulated $5.00 in overdue fines for late books.
• Students must not remove or attempt to remove library materials or property without checking them out or without proper authorization.
• Students should not mutilate or damage materials or tear pages from library books.

Late Fines and Other Charges

Books and other library materials are considered late when these items have NOT been returned by or on the due date indicated on the pocket card located in the back of each book. Book fines and replacement charges are assessed as follows:

• Circulating books not returned by indicated due date are assessed overdue fines of $ 0.10 cents per book, per day.
• Special Collection (Spec. C.) books not returned by indicated due date are assessed overdue fines of $ 0.10 cents per book, per day.
• An OVERDUE NOTICE is sent to the student’s BC email account and/or to the address listed on the library’s management system as a courtesy reminder.
• Notices are sent to borrowers as a courtesy. Failure to receive a fine or overdue notice does not exempt a borrower from fines/charges or responsibility.
• It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that a current email address is in their official student account.
• Students who have accumulated $5.00 in fines will be blocked from borrowing additional library materials.
• Library fines/charges are submitted to the Office of Student Accounts and are posted directly to the student account. Overdue fines remain on the library record until cleared by the student with a paid receipt.
• Students are responsible for lost or damaged materials. If an item is lost, the student will be charged the cost of the book plus an $8 processing fee. If the book is found within 90 days of payment, the item may be returned to the library and a refund will be issued, minus processing fee.

Library Clearance

When overdue book fines or lost book fees are paid, a receipt is given to the student at the College Cashier Office, the student is expected to bring that receipt to the library’s information service desk, main (plaza) level, in order to clear the fines and/or fees from the library.

Graduating seniors are required to be cleared of all library fines prior to graduation.

Non-Circulating Items

Journals, magazines, newspapers, reference books, and course reserves, are designated as non-circulating materials therefore, they do not normally circulate outside the Learning Resources Center.  These items can be read or copied in the library.

The purpose of the library’s reserve reading collection is to provide access to supplemental materials, selected by faculty, which supports varied class assignments. The library accepts requests for materials to be placed on reserve each semester, by faculty for their respective classes. A Faculty Course Reserve Form is attainable from the library’s webpage under Library Forms for online submission.   

The reserve collection consists of books, photocopies, and other select course readings. Professors/Instructors are required to have a patron record in the library’s online system before a reserve item can be placed under their name.  Due to space limitations, the maximum number of books that a faculty member may place on reserve is eight. 

Usage Policies: 

• Course reserves are requested from library’s the Information Service Desk, main (plaza) floor.
• Students must use a valid Benedict College photo ID card (only) to get course reserves.
• Course reserves are for use in the library only, unless designated for overnight check-out by faculty.
• Materials are issued on a “first-come, first-served” basis.
• Materials are usually limited to one-hour use, however that time can be extended if the resource is NOT in high demand.
• Course reserves are for use in the library only, unless designated for overnight check-out by faculty.
• All reserve materials are returned to the book stacks or respective faculty at the end of each spring semester.

The Computer Research Center (CRC) is adjacent to the information service desk, on the main (plaza) level of the library. It provides students with access to thirty-five computers in which to access the library’s electronic resources through the Benedict College network and the internet. Students have access to the online catalog and databases, eBooks, electronic journals, online newspapers, and streaming videos.

Usage Policies:

• The Computer Research Center (CRC) is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Students may NOT carry food or drinks into the Computer Research Center.
• Students may access computers using their Benedict.edu. email and their four-digit Tigers password.
• Students are asked to LIMIT USAGE TO 30 MINUTES when using computers in the Computer Research Center; remember that the internet, like all of the library’s information sources must be shared.
• Research papers should be typed from selected computers that are stationed outside the Computer Research Center. Students may occupy these computers for two hours or longer, if not in demand.
• Printing is limited to class assignments and research.
• Please see a staff member if you have any difficulties.
• Computers should be used for educational purposes only, and not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes; students are asked to refrain from social media sites.
• Users may not send, receive or display text or graphics, which may be offensive in a public setting.
• Software or other computer programs MAY NOT be downloaded from the internet to computer hard drives.
• DO NOT change the wallpaper/screensaver or computer settings.
• Library computers WILL NOT be used for commercial/business enterprise, or engaging in commercial activity such as the distribution of advertising.
• Intermittently, the Computer Research Center is reserved for class use.

Students may print documents FREE that support class assignments and those that are directly related to academic research for a course from the library’s Computer Research Center (CRC). However, course syllabi and lab worksheets are not to be printed; students are to download these documents to drop boxes. Students can use the printer within the Computer Research Center (CRC), which is adjacent to the information service desk, to release and pick-up printed documents sent to ‘BC Anywhere’ for printing. A photocopier/scanner machine is also conveniently located near the library’s information service desk.

Usage Policies:

• Printing is available on the main (plaza) level of Learning Resources Center
• Black & white prints only
• Printing is FREE to students, faculty, and staff at the College
• Please think before you print and consider these tips to help conserve resources and reduce paper waste.

Smart Printing Tips:

• Correct errors before printing. Spell check and use “print preview” to identify editing and formatting problems.
• When printing from a web browser, use “print preview” to see how the page will be laid out. Print only the selection of pages that you need.
• When PowerPoint printing, print handouts instead of slides. You can print up to 9 slides per page. Make this selection on the Print dialog box.
• Avoid printing emails to simply read them. If you must print multiple emails, cut and past them into a single MS Word file.
• Share documents electronically using Google Docs or email.

Microfiche/Microfilm

Microfiche/microfilm reader and printers are available on the main (plaza) level.

Copyright Restrictions:

The Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material.

Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy of other reproductions. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement.

This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of the copyright law.

The primary purpose of these rooms is to provide a place for students to engage in collaborative study in small groups or to have the choice to study independently.

There are two (2) large study rooms with a seating capacity up to ten (10) individuals in each room and three (3) single rooms, with singular seating and occupancy in each room.

Usage Policies:

• The study rooms are available (only) to currently enrolled Benedict College students.
• Study rooms are not reserved in advance. Rooms are used on a “first-come, first-served,” basis and students must be present in the room while using it.
• Study rooms can be occupied up to two (2) hours at a time.
• Study rooms are accessible for use Sunday-Saturday during normal hours of library operation.
• Students using the room, must present their Benedict College photo ID at the information service desk and complete the sign-in form. If the student signing for the room, leaves before the group section is over, another student in the group must leave a student ID at the information service desk.
• A minimum of three and a maximum of ten students are allowed in the group study rooms.
• The occupancy of each room is limited to the number of chairs assigned to it.
• Study rooms are not soundproof; students need to maintain a study/work environment that does not disturb others in the library.
• No food or eating in the study rooms.
• Library staff randomly monitors the study rooms.
• Students are expected to comply with the library policies; any student engaged in disruptive or inappropriate behavior will be asked to vacate the room.
• Library staff are not responsible for personal belongings left in the room; items left in rooms will be placed in lost/found at the library’s information service desk.

PASCAL is the Partnership Among South Carolina Academic Libraries organization which encompasses 56 participating college and university libraries. Benedict College has been a member of the PASCAL organization since 2001. Through membership in the PASCAL organization, Benedict College students, faculty, and staff have access to a compendium of scholarly resources.

Usage Policies:

Who can borrow books using PASCAL Delivers?
Current students, faculty, and staff at Benedict College with a valid College ID.

What is the cost for PASCAL Delivers?
FREE through the library’s membership.

How long can you keep a book obtained through PASCAL Delivers?
Faculty and students are allowed to keep a book up to 6 weeks and it is renewable for an additional 6 weeks.

How many books can you get through PASCAL Delivers?
Students and faculty are allowed up to 50 requests through PASCAL Delivers.

How long will it take to get the books?
Normal delivery is within 3 to 5 days.

How will I know the books have arrived?
Notification is by email and/or voice message; books can be picked up from the library’s information service desk.

What other services available through PASCAL organization? 
Through PASCAL membership, students, faculty, and staff at Benedict College have access to over 300,000 eBooks and to select online databases.

Interlibrary Library Loan (ILL) is a system in which one library borrows a book or requests a copy of a journal article from another library on the behalf of its students, faculty, and staff. 

Usage Policies:

Interlibrary loan (ILL) services should be used (only) when a book or a journal article cannot be found using the library’s Online Catalog, Online Databases, eBook Collections, Full-Text E-Journals, or PASCAL Deliver Services.

If the book or article that a library user desires is not found, an interlibrary loan request form is attainable from the library’s webpage under Library Forms for online submission or a printed ILL form can be obtained from the library’s information service desk.

ILL Procedures:

Complete an Interlibrary Loan Request Form to include title, author, publication date, and publisher about the book, article or item to be borrowed.

Cost:

Many items are sent no cost. However, some lending libraries may require you to pay for ILL services. The library will try its best to obtain materials at no cost.

Delivery Time:

Interlibrary loans are sent through the U.S. mail system. The arrival time may vary depending on the availability of the item and the geographic location of lending library.  The average delivery time for books and journal articles are 5-10 business days.  

Loan Period:

The loan period of a book is determined by the lending library. Photocopies are not returned. To renew the book depends also on the lending library; they may or may not grant renewal depending on their policy. Request for ILL renewals must be submitted prior to the due date. Also, rare or hard-to-find materials may take longer, and in some cases may not be available through Interlibrary Loan.

Notice of Arrival:

When the ILL material arrives, staff will inform the library user via telephone and/or BC email account. ILL items may be picked up at the Information Service Desk upon arrival.

Duration of ILL services:

Interlibrary Services (ILL) are suspended during the Christmas holidays.

The Archives Center preserves historical resources that document the origin, development, growth, history and achievements of the College, including its students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni, and local community citizens. It is an intrinsic part of library services at the Benjamin F. Payton Learning Resources Center. The Archives Center is located in room 106, on the court (ground) level of the library

The Archives Center serves as the corporate memory for the history of Benedict College. The Center seeks donations of any materials related to the College’s history and will accept such donations from alumni, students, faculty, staff, and others. The Library encourages faculty members to donate their research papers and manuscripts for inclusion in the archives special collections. For donations to the Library’s Archives Center, contact Wanda Scott-Kinney at (803) 705-4680 or via email at Wanda.ScottKinney@benedict.

Request for archival information can be made by completing and submitting the online Archives Patron Request/Acknowledgement Form or from obtaining a printed form from the library’s information service desk, main (plaza) level.

Request for archival research using the facility is by appointment during normal library hours of operation. To ensure that everyone has a successful research visit, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at least 24 business hours in advance. This time allows the staff to locate and retrieve desired materials in advance of the appointment. You may call the Coordinator of Archives and Institutional Records, Monday – Friday, between 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at (803) 705-4301, to plan for use of the Archives Center in conducting research. Please read the Archives Center Policies and Procedures Guideline and see Library Hours for operating hours of the Archives Center.

Materials in the Archives Center are for academic research and internal use only. In order to prevent damage to any research materials, we ask that you adhere to the following guidelines that serve to maintain the integrity of the historic documents, artifacts, and photographs.  

Guidelines and Procedures:

As a student, faculty, researcher, or visitor, you will be asked to:

1. Complete and sign a Research Agreement Form.
2. Provide valid photo identification (i.e., student or faculty ID, driver’s license, passport).
3. Refrain from smoking, eating, and drinking in the research room.
4. Leave personal belongings in designated areas provided including, pens, scanners, cell phones, MP3 players, flash drives, and/or photographic devices.

To facilitate your research, you may bring into the research room:

1. Unbound paper or note cards
2. Personal computers after an inspection of the computer by Archives Center staff.

When using archival collections, you can expect to:  

1. View resources in the research room, no materials are to leave the designated area.
2. Use materials with the assistance of archives staff, please observe any special handling instructions given you by the staff, if you are allowed to handle selected materials.
3. Please do not mark or alter in any way books, documents, or other items from the collection. Paper is available for use as bookmarks, if needed.
4. Use materials in limited quantities, usually one box or two books on the table at a time; if multiple items, remove only one folder at a time.
5. Maintain order of documents. Please notify staff of misfiled or missing documents immediately.
6. If you wish to request copies of items from the collection, staff will assist you in photocopying any items deemed safe for duplication.

Donations and gifts to the library becomes the property of the Benjamin F. Payton Learning Resources Center, and therefore, the library reserves the right to decide whether all or part of a gift should be integrated into the collection or discarded.

Materials received as gifts will be evaluated by the same criteria as materials purchased. The classification, housing, and circulation of all gifts will be determined by the librarians.

Please know that the library does not appraise donations.

If you are considering making a donation/gift to the Benjamin F. Payton Learning Resources Center, a Donations/Gifts Form is attainable from the library’s webpage under Library Forms for online submission.  

Mae Jones, MLIS
Acquisitions Librarian
Office: (803) 705-4705
Mae.Jones@benedict.edu