Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation
VMLS Vinayaka Mission's Law School

Library Rules

To ensure a productive and respectful environment for all, the VMLS Law Library maintains specific guidelines regarding access, borrowing, and conduct within the facility.

VMLS Library Policy
Member Benefits

Borrowing Privileges

VMLS offers comprehensive borrowing rights tailored to the academic needs of each member category. Review your specific entitlements below.

CategoryItem Type (IT)TNDODRDH
UndergraduateBooks215172
Textbooks*27100
MastersBooks815170
ResearchBooks5151140
FacultyBooks10300145
Textbooks*2150000
Faculty Resource Books**215000
Campus StaffBooks115001
Campus StudentsBooks115500
VisitorBooks115000
TNTotal check-outs
DDuration (days)
ODOverdue Fine (per day)
RDRenewal duration
HNo. of holds

Library Policies

Detailed guidelines governing the use of library resources, code of conduct, and service standards.

Rule Section

Item Type and Loan Rules

01
  • Reference books are not for loan.
  • If the book is overdue for 30 days, cost recovery action will be taken immediately, irrespective of returning the book late.
  • At the discretion of the Librarian, and upon a specific request made, entitlement may be enhanced with regard to the number of items, period of loan, and/or not-for-loan material.
  • The Librarian may also recall any item before the due date.
  • The Library may announce a longer loan period for all categories of members during prolonged closure of VMLS due to vacations or otherwise.
  • A Member may request to be registered in the category having higher borrowing privileges, in case that Member is eligible for more than one category. However, a Member shall not be allowed to avail more than one membership at the Library, though additional registration at other Campus Libraries is permitted.
Rule Section

Credentials Required to Access the Library

02
  • Access to the Library spaces, physical collections, and equipment will be managed by manual check of the Photo Identity Card. Members are advised to carry their photo Identity Card.
  • Members must keep their Identity Card and other access credentials secure, and must not lend or share these with anyone.
  • Members are responsible for any Library Material borrowed or accessed using their card or credentials. In case of loss or theft of the Identity Card or credentials, members should immediately inform the Librarian and take precautions to prevent further misuse.
  • All outstanding Library Material on the lost card must be returned, and all dues settled before requesting a duplicate card.
  • Access to digital Library Material and network-based services may be provided through IP & Password authentication using the registered mobile number or official VMLS email ID. Members must create strong passwords and secure them. Unauthorized access will be deemed a violation.
  • Misuse of credentials or violation of the user license terms will lead to immediate suspension of access.
  • Members may be asked to submit their personal information for communication and authentication purposes. By registering, members agree to allow the Library to use this information solely for facilitating access to Library Material and services.
Rule Section

Restricted Use Material

03

Certain Library Material or categories of materials may be available only to a specific class of members or for a certain period. This includes prescribed course books, Kindle books, digital material with limited licenses, and specialized collections. Faculty should approach the Librarian to reserve items for classroom teaching in advance.

Rule Section

On-Hold Requests

04

If an item required by a Member is borrowed by another Member, the Member may request for it to be placed on-hold. Items with pending on-hold requests cannot be renewed by the current borrower. Once returned, the Member will be notified, and the item must be collected within 7 days, after which it will be passed to the next Member in queue or returned to the shelf.

Rule Section

Delay in Return of Borrowed Items

05
  • All books must be returned by the due date. However, the Librarian may recall any book before the due date.
  • Members on long leave must ensure that the due date doesn't fall during their absence and make arrangements to return the books on time to avoid fines.
  • Automated check-in and check-out messages will be sent via email or SMS to the registered email address and mobile number. Members should keep their contact information up to date to prevent misuse of credentials.
  • Members should preserve check-out and check-in messages to resolve any disputes.
  • Members can track their transactions through their Library Management System account.
Rule Section

User Fees, Fines, and Other Dues

06
  • Most Library Material and facilities are free, but the Library Committee may charge for premium services like semester-loan textbooks, reprography, or special materials.
  • Membership will be suspended if dues exceed Rs. 200 or books are overdue for more than 90 days.
  • All fines and dues must be settled by the end of each semester.
Rule Section

Loss and Damage to Borrowed Items

07
  • Members must keep borrowed items in good condition and report any loss immediately. Damaged or marked books may result in penalties.
  • Members can either replace the lost item with the latest edition or pay the current cost as determined by the Librarian. In the case of out-of-print items, double the recorded price will be charged.
  • If a lost item is part of a set, the cost of the entire set must be paid, and the member will be allowed to claim the remaining volumes.
  • Overdue charges will also be added in cases of lost items.
Rule Section

Reprography

08

The Library provides reprographic facilities for documents downloaded from subscribed databases and for books. Members should contact the Library Service Desk for details on charges and hours. The extent of copying and printing is subject to user licenses and copyright law.

Rule Section

Discipline and Security

09
  • Personal belongings, except permitted devices, should be kept at the property counter outside the Library.
  • Members can bring laptops or handheld devices for study and research purposes. Limited charging points are available.
  • Personal study materials or equipment must be removed when leaving the Library. All materials brought into the Library are subject to checks before and after entry. The Library is not responsible for lost items.
  • Members must use Library-provided equipment only for academic purposes and avoid installing or storing personal files. External storage devices should be scanned for viruses before use.
  • Mobile phones must be in silent mode. Audio and video playback on personal devices should not disturb others, and headphones should be used.
  • Visitors must maintain decorum, and the Library is a no-smoking zone.
  • Activity rooms in the Library can be booked for academic purposes. Theft, damage, or misconduct will lead to serious penalties.
  • The Library is under surveillance with CCTV cameras for security.