Library Policies Page

Library users are asked to switch cell phones to a non-audible mode when entering the library.

In consideration of the privacy of others and the need for an atmosphere conducive to study, library users are asked to restrict cell phone use to the lobby or outdoors.

Children in the Library

To help ensure their safety, children under 12 years of age must remain under the visual control of a responsible adult while in the Library. Cases of unaccompanied children may be reported to campus security if an accompanying adult cannot be readily identified. The Library reserves the right to ask that children who are a disturbance to other patrons be taken out of the building.

Collection boxes for campus organizations

Colman Library is happy to provide a convenient drop-off for such efforts as food drives for the needy. Campus organizations or students are also welcome to make the Library a drop-off or distribution point for surveys or questionnaires. Placement points are typically at or near the front desk, or in the Library lobby.

We do ask that those wishing to use the Library as a drop-off or distribution point, talk with a member of the Library staff first. Library staff will work with organizations to decide on an appropriate placement for the container.

We also ask:
- that a maximum placement period of 30 days be observed
- there be no more than one container per project and that the container
be neatly prepared with appropriate signage as to its purpose
- for contact information of a person responsible for the container
- for prompt removal of the container at the end of the project
- that a simple form be filled out (below or at Library front desk).

While staff will take reasonable care that containers are properly placed and maintained, the Library cannot be responsible for any loss, improper use, or destruction of the container. The Library retains the right to remove containers placed without Library approval or left beyond the stated end date.

Please call the Library at either 5041 or 4037 about placing either a collection or distribution box at the Library.

Confidentiality

Colman Library abides by Illinois Law which states that the records of patron transactions and the identity of registered library patrons is confidential material. We do not make available the records of patron transactions to any party except in compliance with the law. The Library does not make available lists of registered library patrons except in compliance with the law.

Copyright Policy

The copyright laws of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) govern the reproduction, distribution, adaptation, public performance, and public display of protected material.
Under certain conditions, libraries are authorized to lend, lease, or rent copies of computer programs and videotapes to patrons for nonprofit purposes. Any person who makes an unauthorized copy or adaptation of a computer program or videotape or redistributes the loaned copy or publicly performs or displays the computer program or videotape, except as permitted by Title 17 of the United States Code, may be liable for copyright infringement.
This institution reserves the right to refuse to fulfill a loan request if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the request would likely lead to violation of the copyright law.

Disabilities Accommodations Policy

Colman Library is handicapped-accessible in public areas on the main floor.

An elevator to the top floor and the lower level is available. However, shelf spacing in the General Collection and in the older periodicals area are not, for the most part, accessible to wheelchair-bound patrons. Library staff is available at all times to retrieve materials for such patrons, upon request at the Circulation Desk.

The library makes available an image-magnifier, for reading print materials for patrons with poor vision. For those with no vision, computer software enabling Web searching is available at one computer station.

Display Cases and Bulletin Boards Policy

HCL maintains display cases principally for the purpose of promoting the library and other programs and topics of interest to the college community. While all displays are ultimately the responsiblility of library staff, suggestions for themes or particular displays are welcome.

Displays mounted by groups or individuals from the wider campus community may also be considered by library staff for possible inclusion in the schedule. Such displays may remain in place for a maximum of one month. Security of display items cannot be guaranteed and remain the responsibility of the exhibitor. The exhibitor is also responsible for removal of the display by the agreed-upon date.

Bulletin boards in the library are open to use by outside groups, with the following restrictions. Postings should be limited in size to 18”x 24” maximum. Commercial advertisements are not allowed and any items deemed inappropriate by library staff will be removed. All items are subject to removal at any time without notice.

Equipment and Computer Use Policy

Non-Rockford College patrons are welcome to use all library facilities. However the needs of students and employees take precedence and may require staff to ask patrons to make room at computer stations during busy times.

All computer users are governed by the College’s campus-wide network policies.

Anyone under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while using library equipment or computers.

The Library reserves the right to limit, refuse, and/or ban with cause any patron from using the library and/or the equipment in the library, including computers.

Food and Drink

Food and drink are permitted in the library, as long as these items are not deemed disruptive. Library users are asked to dispose of food containers and leftovers in wastebaskets and to leave their area clean.

Food delivery to the library is permitted as long as this is not disruptive to others using the library. Shared foods (such as pizza) are to be confined to a either a study room or the main floor.

Hours of operation policy

Colman Library, as a college library, has open hours which follow the cycle of the academic calendar. During the spring and fall semester, regular hours will be:
Monday through Thursday: 7:45 am – 11:00 pm
Friday: 7:45 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday: 1:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm

During semester breaks and following the end of summer classes, the library will generally be closed on weekends, except on Sundays preceding a Monday resumption of classes. (We will not be open on Sundays preceeding the start of a new semester, however.) Weekday hours will be:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

During summer school sessions, the library hours will generally be:
Monday through Thursday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday: closed
Sunday: closed

During final exam weeks, library hours will extend to 11:00 am on days preceding an exam day, except: closing at 8:00 pm the evening before the last exam day. Hours on the last day of exams will be announced.

The library will be closed on days when all college offices are closed, including national holidays, the first day of fall break, and other days as announced in advance. The library will be open normal hours on Good Friday. Easter Sunday hours will be 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm.

Current hours and upcoming changes are posted at the library entrance and on the Library home page.

Intellectual Freedom

The Howard Colman Library supports the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights, Code of Ethics, and its statement regarding Challenged Materials.  The Library attempts to purchase materials which represent differing opinions on controversial matters, and selects books without partisanship regarding race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or moral philosophy. 

Meeting rooms in the library

Howard Colman Library has two meeting rooms that may be reserved: the Rare Book Room and the Large Seminar Room (upper level). Priority use of the RBR is library instruction; however, either room may be scheduled for meetings or other college-related uses. Note: neither room is available for regular scheduling of classes. Use of the rooms is limited to regular library hours and may not disrupt the normal and orderly operation of the library. Reservations and cancellations must be made in advance with the Library Secretary (5041). The individual making the reservation assumes responsibility for the set up, clean up, and use of the room.

Rare Book Room:
Seating capacity of 25
Equipment, only for use in the Rare Book Room includes: computer, internet connection, computer projector, large screen television with VCR and DVD players and overhead projector.

Large Seminar Room:
Seating capacity of 15 - 20
Equipment includes: a large blackboard. Any other equipment must be arranged for from the AV Dept. (4038).

Off-campus access to electronic resources

Access to proprietary electronic resources subscribed to by Colman Library, such as journal databases, is limited by vendor restrictions to current Rockford College students and employees. Authentication of remote users is via proxy server which requires the user to enter his/her Rockford College email ID and password.

Patron Conduct

Civil, courteous behavior is expected on the part of all library users. Any library patron in any way abusing library property, other library users or staff members, or otherwise creating a disturbance, may be asked by library staff to desist or to leave the building. Library staff may call campus security in situations where this step is felt to be necessary.

Library users asked to leave the library may be subject to loss of future library privileges, if this is deemed necessary by the library staff.

Public access to electronic resources

Access to subscription electronic resources by non-Rockford College users is permitted on campus only. Remote access to these resources is not allowed for non-RC users (by terms of vendor agreements). (See also "Off-campus" policy above.)

Study Carrels

Study carrels along the walls on the third floor are available for assignment, on a semester basis, to individual students desiring a study area of their own.

Students wishing to have a carrel of their own may apply at the Circulation Desk. Carrel assignments are for one semester and must be renewed for subsequent semesters. The user assumes responsibility for materials left in his/her carrel; valuables should never be left unattended in the library. Library materials left in the carrels must be checked out. Library staff will remove non-checked out materials and return them to the shelves.