Library staff are committed to providing all our users with high quality services and facilities, but we can only achieve this in partnership with you. Please help us to help you to make the most of library services and facilities. This library and learning spaces charter describes the expectations and responsibilities of both parties.
| What you can expect from us | To help us achieve this we ask you to |
|---|
| A welcoming environment with a range of study spaces to suit different learning and research styles |
Respect the rights of other library users
Treat learning environments with care and respect
Work in a learning space that matches your study needs by following guidance on notices provided
Use the booking system appropriately to ensure all students have equal access to bookable study spaces
|
|
Library staff who treat all library users fairly and equally, with dignity, courtesy and respect, whilst recognising the differing needs of users
|
Treat all staff and students fairly and equally, with dignity, courtesy and respect, both in person and online
Promptly follow any instruction provided by staff e.g. in emergency evacuation or at closing times
|
|
Library staff who are identifiable, and contact details are available on the library web pages
|
Carry your University ID card at all times
Visitors should bring photographic ID
|
|
Library staff who consult with academic colleagues to ensure library services and resources match and support teaching, learning and research needs
Access to a range of up to date resources, both online and print, with training and support available to help you find the information that you need
Continual development of services and facilities to ensure they meet user needs |
Respect the resources provided
Students should attend the library introduction and all library sessions that are provided to support academic study
Staff should attend the library session in the University’s new staff induction programme
Request help when needed and take advantage of the advice and support that is available
|
|
Information about services and learning spaces will be kept accurate and up-to-date, and will be communicated regularly via our webpages, Facebook and Twitter.
|
Check your university email account regularly for library communications
Visitors who have borrowing rights should check the email account provided on their application
|
|
Courtesy reminders that items are due for renewal, are overdue or have been recalled will be provided
|
All library users should use the ‘My Account’ area of the library website to keep up-to-date with loans, renewal, fines and reservations
Keep up-to-date with library developments by regularly checking our webpages and signing up to the library's social media channels
|
|
A variety of feedback opportunities including email, online and physical suggestion boxes
Timely responses and where necessary we will refer to other University services e.g. Estates
Where appropriate we will incorporate suggestions into our service planning and delivery
|
Feedback any comments or suggestions either directly to the library or via other feedback opportunities e.g. Students’ Union, Course reps, Staff Student Liaison Committees, Student Sounding Board |
|
Library staff who aim to resolve queries when they are raised. However, if this is not possible, you will be provided with the details of the person your question is being referred to and they will respond promptly
A clear Library complaints procedure for addressing student concerns
|
Raise any queries promptly
|
| A clear Code of Considerate Behaviour which will be displayed on library webpages and in the libraries |
Familiarise yourself with the Library's Code of Considerate Behaviour
|
Review process
The Charter is usually reviewed every two years with the next review to take place during the 2021-22 academic year.
Code of Considerate Behaviour
Security and Safety
Access and using the library and its resources
- All library users should be registered members i.e. staff, students, visitors, support workers or sixth formers. Access is also provided to members of the constituent libraries of Liverpool Libraries Together; SCONUL Access; and other groups the Director of Library and Learning Spaces has given permission to. Please note that access to some categories of SCONUL Access and external users may be restricted during busy times such submission deadline in April and the exam period in May/June.
- Always carry your University ID card as you need it to access the library and its resources. Staff may request to see your ID card at any time. Failure to present it may prevent you from accessing the building. Do not allow others to use your ID card to enter the library.
- Visitors or those not possessing a valid Hope ID card must show other approved proof of membership and sign in to gain access. More information can be found on the Visitor webpages.
- Only take resources out of the library that you have borrowed. Remember to return or renew them on time to avoid fines.
- Avoid fines by renewing all loans as you may be prevented from borrowing other material if your fines exceed £5.
- Access to the library may be withdrawn or suspended in relation to theft, misbehaviour, debt or damage.
- Bags, briefcases, laptops etc. may be brought into the library on the understanding that owners are willing to open them for inspection if requested to do so on leaving. The Library Service takes no responsibility for personal belongings so please take care of all belongings. Do not leave them unattended at any time or use them to reserve a study space or PC.
- Lockers are provided in The Sheppard-Worlock Library. Liverpool Hope takes no responsibility for items left in lockers.
- The Library's online resources are for your academic use only and must not be used for any commercial purpose or shared outside the Hope community.
- Users should leave the building immediately by the nearest fire exit if the fire alarm sounds or follow instructions given by a Fire Marshall. Please wait at one of the designated fire assembly points for the all-clear to re-enter the building. Users should leave any section of the library when requested by a member of staff.
Respect your learning environment
- The Sheppard-Worlock Library has designated Silent, Quiet and Group work areas, please respect other library users by choosing the correct zone for the type of work you are undertaking. You may be asked to move to a more appropriate space or leave if your behaviour disturbs others.
- Because of the rare and delicate nature of some of the materials held in the Special Collections vault there may be a need to have handling training and guidance before using these materials. More information is available on our Special Collections webpages.
- Treat Library property with respect. You will be charged for lost, stolen, defaced or damaged items.
- All items remain the property of the library. If an item is damaged, including marking, annotating, or interfering with evidence of the University’s ownership, you may be charged for its replacement. All Library staff are authorised to inspect Library items at any time if we suspect it has been damaged or you are attempting to remove it from the Library without following the proper borrowing procedure.
- The Computer Assisted Technology (CAT Suite) houses specialist equipment to support students with a disability. This space should not be used by students who have not had this need identified in a Learning Support Plan.
- Mobile devices should be used with consideration for other library users and following the guidance given for the space you are working in e.g. in the Silent areas mobile telephones, personal music devices, laptops etc. may only be used if they do not generate sounds audible to other users.
- Drinks in bottles or cups with lids are permitted in the library. A drinking water cooler is available in Chapters café.
- The consumption of food should primarily be in the Chapters café, please refer to signage in other areas of the library for further guidance. Library users can bring their own food such as sandwiches or salads to eat in Chapters café, however this does not include hot food including takeaways such as chips or pizzas which cannot be brought into any part of the library.
- The Honours Study Space is located on the ground floor of The Sheppard-Worlock Library and has 17 PCs available. A number of the PCs contain specialist software including SPSS, Smartboard software and Education packages. This room is only available to Honours Level students who will be given a code for entry upon showing their Student Card at the Library Help Point. This study space also has printing and photocopying facilities with desk space for group work or laptop use.
- The Postgraduate Study Space is located on the ground floor of The Sheppard-Worlock Library and is available to research and taught masters postgraduates and academic staff only. A valid ID card is required to obtain the door access code from staff at the Library Help Point. This code should not be shared with others and the door into this space should not be propped open.
- Please follow the guidance provided when using the room booking system.
- Children under the age of 16 are permitted in the library for short periods and must be accompanied and under the continuous supervision of a responsible adult. Children are not permitted into study areas and must leave the library by 9pm. If the child is disturbing other library users you may be asked to leave the library.
- In line with University policy smoking and vaping is not allowed within the libraries or learning spaces and outside the entrance to The Sheppard-Worlock Library. Please use one of the designated smoking areas. E-cigarettes must not be recharged in the Library.
Protecting and updating your data
- Liverpool Hope University is legally bound by Data Protection legislation. Your information will not be used or disclosed to other readers, including family members
- You are responsible for all items borrowed on your ID card and you should not allow anyone else to borrow, renew or pay fines on your card.
- Under exceptional circumstances e.g. sickness you can provide written consent to authorise a designated person to act for you
- Do not borrow material on anyone else's card
- You must notify the library immediately if you lose your card. A £5 charge is made for a replacement, unless the card was stolen, in which case a police crime number is required to enable the charge to be waived
- Do not leave library catalogue computers or the room booking PC logged on to your personal account
Financial and Legal
- You are responsible for fines accrued on your library record. If you owe over £5.00 you will be unable to renew materials or borrow further material until the amount owed is reduced to £5.00 or below.
- Outstanding debt or the non-return of material may result in a warning and then the withdrawal of borrowing rights.
- Students must return all items that have been borrowed and pay off any fines accrued before graduation. You will be charged for lost or stolen items. The library will accept a replacement copy provided it is in good condition.
You are advised to use all credits on your network printing account, as there will be no refund of credit remaining at the end of your course.
- If you are a member of staff or visitor you will be prevented from renewing your membership if there are outstanding loans or debts to the library when your membership expires.
- All photocopying, printing or scanning undertaken must abide by the advertised current copyright legislation and licence.
Use of IT Facilities
- All users of the University's Information Technology facilities have an obligation to use the resources in a responsible, professional, ethical and lawful manner. Details of the “Acceptable Use” and "Information Security” Policies can be found on the IT Services webpage.
- Do not use the PC desktop to store your work as these are cleared every time the PC is logged or switched off and you will not be able to retrieve your work. Please save your work to either your network (I:) drive or a pen drive.
- Please do not leave a PC logged in to your account when you are not using the computer.
Notice on inappropriate behaviour
- Our colleagues are here to help you, and we are committed to helping resolve any problems or queries you might have. Liverpool Hope values a respectful, collegial and supportive environment for all members of the community. Therefore, verbal or physical abuse, aggressive or other inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. Serious or repeated failure to abide by the Library Charter and Code of Considerate Behaviour will result in appropriate disciplinary action being taken in line with the University's Code of Student Discipline.
The libraries of Liverpool Hope University welcome donations of academic books from current and former members of staff and students. However, it is important to ensure that any material donated is:
- Relevant to the teaching and research interests of the institution
- In excellent condition
- Current e.g. the most recent edition of a textbook
Please contact the relevant Subject Librarian to discuss your donation as staff on the Library Help Point can only accept donations authorised in advance by the Subject Librarian concerned.
Having received donated material, if it is later found that books are unsuitable or duplicate existing stock, the University reserves the right to dispose of donated books either for income generation (e.g. book sales) or via recycling schemes.
Any income generated from the re-sale of books will either be used to support the future activities of Liverpool Hope University Libraries or donated to the University’s charity Global Hope.
Larger donations must be approved by Susan Murray, the Director of Library and Learning Spaces
Working with Library Steering the Library team created a Library Development Plan to cover the period 2021-2026. The plan provides the vision, values and key themes that will shape the development and enhancement of Library Services.
The key themes are:
- Developing, Enhancing and Exploiting Collections
- Enhancing the Library Experience for All
- Facilitating and Supporting Skills Development
- Providing High Quality Learning Spaces
- Enhancement through Technology
- To Advance Support and Facilities for Researchers
Action plans have been devised to operationalise these targets and regular progress reports will be presented to Library Steering.
As a student you may wish to photocopy, scan, or download information from books, journals, and online resources. You may also want to reuse material in your assignments. This material will almost certainly be covered by copyright
Copyright protects the expression of an idea as it is recorded, but not the idea itself. It protects materials like literary, dramatic, artistic or musical works, sound recordings, broadcasts and films.
Under UK law, it exists automatically on creation; it does not need to be registered. The copyright symbol © indicates that a work is protected, but it is not essential, and works created in the UK are still protected without it.
UK law limits what you can legally copy and reuse. Notices from the Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) are situated by the printers and copiers in the Library, and these offer guidance on the amount of copying that is permitted. This includes:-
- One whole chapter or 10% of the pages from a book.
- One whole article from a journal issue.
- One short story or poem (not exceeding 10 pages in length) from an anthology.
