Borrowing privileges for the members

1. Item Type and Loan Rules

• IT: Only the prescribed textbooks for the courses registered for the semester.
• Faculty Resource Books, allotted for each semester, must be returned within two weeks. If the book is overdue for 15 days, the faculty’s membership will be suspended.
• 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.

2. Credentials Required to Access the Library

• 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.

3. Restricted Use Material

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.

4. On-Hold Requests

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.

5. Delay in Return of Borrowed Items

• 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.

6. User Fees, Fines, and Other Dues

• 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.

7. Loss and Damage to Borrowed Items

• 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.

8. Reprography

The Library provides paid self-service reprography facilities. 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. Faculty requiring material beyond license limits must contact the Librarian for permissions. Limited free printing is available to faculty, subject to VMLS policy.

9. Discipline and Security

• 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.