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View All Library HoursCampus Community Guides are an online publication platform through which interested faculty and staff can share and promote BSU campus-related communities and events. This publishing service is provided by the Maxwell Library.
Campus Community Guides are open to faculty to promote and share information about BSU initiatives, departments, programs, groups, communities of interest, and events.
Campus Community Guide content must adhere to Bridgewater State University’s Responsible Use of Information Technology policy and to best practices.
Policy Statement: While Maxwell Library welcomes patrons of all ages, visitors with children should be aware that the library is housed in a busy, multi-use facility. Classrooms, faculty and administrative offices, as well as various service units can all be found in the building. Multiple entries and exits points are located across the site.
Because the library’s primary constituency is the students, faculty and staff of the university, along with visiting researchers from other institutions, we provide a wide range of materials—books, DVDs, journals and other resources—that express a variety of perspectives. Some content and illustrations may be inappropriate for use by children.
Concern for the safety and well-being of children, recognition of the needs of the BSU community, as well as proper stewardship of library resources prompts the following:
Please note that the University’s Responsible Use of Information Technology policy applies to BSU students, faculty, staff and all other users. View the University’s Responsible Use of Information Technology policy.
Library staff members are not expected to act as police officers nor are they expected to search for accompanying adults or determine the ages of children. Any problems we encounter will be reported to Campus Police.
This policy was written in accord with copyright laws, the requirements of test publishers, and AERA-APA-NCME standards (see Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, Cur Lib Ref LB 3051/A693/1999).
Test access in the Educational Resource Center of Maxwell Library is restricted. All test borrowers must present a valid photo ID and must sign our test use policy agreement.
Tests may be viewed by qualified persons only. A qualified person is one who is participating in a BSU assessment or assessment-related class (education, counseling, or psychology). BSU students may be asked to show a current syllabus to demonstrate that they are in such a class. BSU students doing independent research should bring a note from their advisor. Area educators and others who believe they have a valid reason to view the tests should discuss their situation with a member of the ERC staff. In all cases, non-BSU affiliates will need to bring documentation from their employer or school that demonstrates their need and qualifications.
* An exception is made for BSU faculty only. BSU faculty members who wish to do an in-class demonstration of a test may arrange in advance to borrow a test overnight or for a limited period of time, as agreed.
Maxwell Library welcomes gifts of print and non-print materials appropriate for our collections. The Library may not accept gifts prior to donation and may dispose of donated items unsuitable for the collection. The Library will not accept gifts for its general collections under restricted conditions.
The Library evaluates all gifts with the same guidelines used for purchased materials. Only those items that support the curriculum will be added to the collection. Duplicate titles will be added at the discretion of the librarians. The Library will determine the classification, shelving, and circulation policies for all gift items. Material that is outdated, in poor condition, or does not support the curriculum of Bridgewater State University may be discarded or donated to another institution.
Appraisal of gifts is the responsibility of the donor. Library staff will not provide valuation statements, but will provide gift acknowledgment letters if requested.
Anyone who wishes to make a donation of materials should contact Michael Somers, Library Director, at 508.531.1255 or msomers@bridgew.edu, or fill out a gift donation form.
Policy Adopted: September 2006
Intellectual freedom is essential for the development of library collections and services offering diverse perspectives to meet the educational and research needs of the Bridgewater State University academic community. Maxwell Library endorses the intellectual freedom guidelines expressed in the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and the Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries as adopted by the Association of College and Research Libraries. These documents provide the basis for the principles listed below.
Policy Adopted: May 2006
The purpose of this policy is to delineate the use of The Ratna Chandrasekhar Information Literacy Center (RCILC) in Maxwell Library at Bridgewater State University. The RCILC Room was designed for use by librarians to offer classroom instruction in library (or bibliographic) instruction, library orientation, research support, or information literacy. It is not intended to be an open-access lab, general-purpose classroom, or meeting room.
The RCILC enables librarians to teach information literacy to groups within the physical library environment, to have ready access to research materials, and to encourage users to become familiar with the wide variety of information resources.
This policy applies to all students, faculty, and staff of Bridgewater State University and to all other users who are authorized to access information technology at Bridgewater State University.
Found items may be turned in to the Circulation Services desk. Items considered a potential health risk will be discarded.
Articles of clothing will be kept for 30 days and, if not claimed, discarded or donated to charity. All print or paper items will be recycled or destroyed after 30 days.
The owners of cell phones, laptops, wallets and other valuable items will be contacted if the owner's name is apparent. After 30 days, all lost items such as cell phones, wallets, valuable electronics, and BSU Connect Cards will be turned in to BSU Campus Police.
As an academic library, Maxwell Library’s primary clientele are the students, faculty and staff of the University. The collections support the pedagogical, research and scholarship needs and interests of this particular academic community. Although one of the University’s key missions is to serve the residents of the southeast Massachusetts region, the tenor of the Library’s collection is scholarly and suited for information discovery. Maxwell Library provides learning spaces for students, faculty and community members. Maxwell Library has a long-standing agreement to assist the town residents with their research needs. Below is a brief description of the services provided to local residents.
To register for a borrower’s card, Massachusetts residents must do so in person at the Circulation Desk. Each resident must present a valid Massachusetts driver’s license or an RMV ID with current address. Borrower’s cards will be issued only to residents 16 years of age and older. Once registered, the borrower’s card is valid for one year from the issue date.
Residents with borrower’s card are allowed to check out up to 6 (six) items from the Library’s circulating collections at one time. This includes books, DVDs, videos, and audio compact disks and cassettes.
Residents are free to browse and use on site newspapers, periodicals, reference materials and all other non-circulating items. Fines are assessed for overdue items (up to $10.00 per item); replacement fees will be assessed if library materials are lost or damaged (up to $125.00 per item).
To use the Library’s electronic databases, e-books and online periodicals, residents must request a temporary guest account (username and password) at the Reference Desk by presenting a valid picture ID. The guest account is valid only for the day it is issued and expires when the Library closes. Please be aware that guest accounts are available 15 minutes after the Library opens and that the Library stops distributing guest accounts 30 minutes before closing. Guest accounts allow residents to print up to 15 pages free of charge. [NOTE: Another option is a guest account with unlimited printing capability and each page printed costs $0.15.] Please be advised, there are no Internet filters on any public computer, and all users of college computers must abide by the University’s Acceptable Use policy.
Librarians and staff teach users how to develop research strategies and conduct research inquiries; we guide users into becoming independent researchers and life-long learners. Any community resident who needs help with research projects should contact the Reference Desk (508.531.1394) or the Education Resource Center (508.531.1304).
Please be advised-the Library does have an Unattended Children Policy.
Privacy is essential to the exercise of free speech, free thought, and free association. Within Maxwell Library the right to privacy is the right to open inquiry without having the subject of one’s interest examined or scrutinized by others. Confidentiality exists when a library is in possession of personally identifiable information about users and keeps that information private on their behalf.
The courts have upheld the right to privacy based on the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution. This library's privacy and confidentiality policy is in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws including Code of Massachusetts Regulations under 201 CMR 17.00: Standards for the Protection of Personal Information of Residents of the Commonwealth.
The library’s commitment to privacy and confidentiality has deep roots not only in law but also in the ethics and practices of librarianship. In accordance with the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics: “We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired, or transmitted.”
The library user rights outlined below are based on what are known as the five “Fair Information Practice Principles.” These principles outline the rights of Notice, Choice, Access, Security and Enforcement.
Library Services is committed to protecting user privacy and confidentiality rights when library resources are used, personally identifiable information (PII) is collected, or PII is provided by users or by parties associated with Bridgewater State University (e.g. the Registrar’s Office or Human Resources). PII is defined by Section 17.02 of 201 CMR 17.00: Standards for the Protection of Personal Information of Residents of the Commonwealth:
first name and last name or first initial and last name in combination with any one or more of the following data elements that relate to such resident: (a) Social Security number; (b) driver's license number or state-issued identification card number; or (c) financial account number, or credit or debit card number, with or without any required security code, access code, personal identification number or password ….
A. Notice & Openness
Library users have the right of notice about the policies governing the amount and retention of personally identifiable information, and about why that information is necessary for the provision of library services.
Library Services publicly posts and openly acknowledges the privacy and information-gathering policies of this organization.Whenever policies change, notice of the changes will be disseminated to users.
Library Services will not create unnecessary records, will not retain records not needed for the fulfillment of its mission, and does not utilize practices that might place personally identifiable information on public view.
Library Services may collect usage data in order to improve services and to better participate in (or contribute to) university initiatives regarding teaching, learning, and research.
Information that may be gathered and retained about library usage include the following:
B. Choice & Consent
Library Services keeps all personally identifiable information confidential and will not share, sell, license, or disclose personal information to any third party without user consent unless compelled to do so under penalty of law or to comply with a court order.
If a user is affiliated with Bridgewater State University, then Library Services receives personally identifiable information from the Office of the Registrar (student information) and the Office of Human Resources (employee information) for operational use only. Library Services may also receive information directly from a user in order to create and update library user records.
To activate library borrowing privileges, Library Services creates a link between a user’s personally identifiable information and the items borrowed by scanning the user’s Bridgewater State University identification card or similar valid identification card with photograph such as a driver’s license.
When using the library’s website and licensed subscription electronic resources, a user may be prompted or required to provide a Bridgewater State University username, email address, library barcode number, pin, and/or password to be authenticated as a currently affiliated user or as a guest user.
When using certain library services, resources, or collections, a user may be asked to show identification or provide personally identifiable information on forms or logs that are retained as needed.
C. Access by Users
Library users must update their personally identifiable information to ensure that library operations function properly. Such functions may include notification of overdue items, holds, etc. Bridgewater State University students can view and update their personally identifiable information through the student management system. Faculty and staff can view their personally identifiable information through the employee management system. All other users not currently affiliated with Bridgewater State University may contact Maxwell Library directly to update their information.
For services that require the use of personally identifiable information, users are entitled to view and update their information. A user may view personal information online or in person and request that it be updated if it is not correct. In both instances, a user may be asked to provide some sort of verification of identity.
D. Data Integrity & Security
Data Integrity: The data Library Services collects and maintains must be accurate and secure. Library Services’ staff take reasonable steps to assure data integrity, including: using only reputable sources of data; providing users access to their own personally identifiable data; updating data whenever possible to ensure its currency and accuracy; utilizing middleware authentication systems that authorize use without requiring personally identifiable information; destroying untimely data or converting them to anonymous forms.
Data Retention: Library Services protects personally identifiable information from unauthorized disclosure once it is no longer needed to manage library services. Information that should be regularly purged, shredded, or anonymized includes personally identifiable information on library resource and services use, circulation history, forms, and security/surveillance tapes and logs.
Tracking Users: Library Services ensures aggregate summary data is stripped of personally identifiable information and/or deleted when it is no longer needed. Library Services staff do not ask visitors to the library or website to identify themselves or reveal any personal information unless they are borrowing materials, requesting services, registering for programs or events, or using portions of the library's website restricted to registered borrowers such as licensed content. Library Services uses Google Analytics, a web tracking and analytics service, to better understand website usage, to improve the user experience and access to services. Google Analytics operates through the use of cookies, a text file placed on one’s computer that contains information about one’s use of library websites. The information stored in the cookie is transmitted to and stored by Google. This information is for analytical and improvement use only. Library Services does not provide any of this information to third parties. To opt-out of Google Analytics on your personal computer, install a browser add-on created by Google: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
University Information Technology Systems and Services: Use of institutional wireless (Wi-Fi) and wired connections as well as use of computers within the library is managed by the Information Technology Division of Bridgewater State University. Library Services does not have access to any information stored and collected through these services and systems.
Third Party Security: Library Services does license products, tools, resources, and specialized services for operational use from third-party vendors that have individual privacy policies and license agreements. Library Services reviews all such policies and agreements to ensure user privacy protections are in place and adhered to. However, interactions with these systems are governed by the third-party vendors’ individual privacy policies. Check the privacy statements of specific vendors to learn how data is stored and used, or contact Library Services to request a license agreement for any specific vendor. Library Services does not use cookies to collect information about users and library website use. However, Google Analytics and many vendors of licensed resources may require a user accept cookie files. Refusing to accept cookies may degrade or impede the full functionality of certain services or resources.
Security Measures: Library Services uses technical and managerial methods to protect against unauthorized access, loss, use, or disclosure of collected data. Library Services encrypts and encourages its third-party vendors to encrypt internet traffic via the use of SSL certificates and emerging options or through the use of passwords and auditing tools for proper access to data stored on computers and/or servers. The managerial measures used by Library Services include internal organizational procedures that limit access to data and ensure that those individuals with access do not utilize the data for unauthorized purposes.
Staff Access to Personal Data: Only authorized staff with assigned confidential passwords have access to personal data stored in the computer systems for performing their essential duties and fulfilling their responsibilities. Library Services employees will not share any personal data collected from users with any other party except where required by law enforcement agencies or by court order. Library Services does not sell, lease, distribute or in any way release free of charge personal information to individuals, companies, or other higher education institutions.
E. Enforcement & Redress
Library Services will not share data on individuals with third parties unless required by law or court order. Library Services conducts regular privacy audits in order to ensure that all library programs and services are enforcing its privacy policy. Users who have questions, concerns, or complaints about how Library Services manages privacy and confidentiality rights should file written comments with the Director of Library Services. The Director will respond in a timely manner and may conduct a privacy investigation or review of policy and procedures before responding in writing.
Only the Director and/or the Director’s designee can receive or comply with requests from law enforcement officers or with court orders. The Director will confer with University legal counsel before determining the proper response to any law enforcement requests or served court orders. The Director will not make library records available to any individual, local, state or federal agency unless a subpoena, warrant, court order or other investigatory document is issued by a court of competent jurisdiction that shows good cause and is in proper form. All library staff and volunteers will refer any law enforcement inquiries to the Director of Library Services.
Approved: August 2017
The purpose of this policy is to establish standard practices that support classroom instruction and adhere to intellectual property rights outlined in US Copyright Code, especially the TEACH Act and the DMCA.
Maxwell Library will stream media required for use in classrooms, for online courses, and as an iterative tool to augment course instruction. Media material that is not required for course content can be placed on Reserves. Streamed content is intended only for students enrolled in courses that instructors have requested such materials. Streamed content can only be made available for student use through an approved University learning management system such as Blackboard. The Library prefers streaming media content it owns since library ownership includes some level of appropriate viewing rights. All other requests will be reviewed on a title‐by‐title basis for copyright compliance.
The Library complies with U.S. Copyright Code and other related laws including but not limited to the Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization Act (TEACH Act) and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
The streaming media service is available to all Bridgewater State University classroom instructors, both full‐time and part‐time.
When purchasing videos or DVDs for instructional support, Maxwell Library attempts to purchase “educational use” viewing rights or its equivalent. “Educational use” is defined or described by the film distributor, vendor or individual copyright holder and is usually limited to use only in the classroom and only for instructional purposes. Items purchased with “Educational use” cannot be shown in venues outside of the classroom unless the instructor receives express written permission granted by the copyright holder to do so.
NOTE: There is no single standard for viewing rights. To view the specific rights for any visual media materials owned by the Library, consult the individual bibliographic record in the Library’s online catalog.
Last revision: August 2015
Please respect other Library users’ need for quiet and keep the use of all cell phones, beepers, and similar devices in the Maxwell Library to a minimum.
Your cooperation will help create an environment that is more conducive to study and research.
In response to students’ requests, the Maxwell Library has created designated Quiet Zones on the second and third floors of the Library.
All undergraduate and graduate students may borrow up to 35 items from the library’s General circulating collections, including DVDs, books, musical scores, audio CDs, and other resources. The loan period for most books is 30 days and seven days for audio CDs and DVDs. Items may be renewed once prior to the actual due date. You can renew items online, by telephone or at the Circulation Desk in Maxwell Library. Overdue fines must be paid before renewal. Students must use their Connect Cards to check out library materials.
Fines and fees are paid under the following system
Fines:
Please note: Some items, particularly Educational Resource Center (ERC) items, accrue fines at a higher hourly rate and therefore a higher daily accrual rate, and they have higher replacement costs. All BSU students who accumulate $10.00 or more in fines or fees will have their library privileges suspended. Transcript and/or registration holds will be placed when students accumulate $20.00 or more in fines or fees. Community library users incurring the same level of fines will have their borrowing privileges suspended until their accounts are settled.
Students returning lost items undamaged within 30 days of replacement and processing fee payment will have the replacement fee refunded. The processing fee will not be refunded.
Please contact Circulation Services with any questions via telephone at 508.531.1392 or email circlib@bridgew.edu, or visit https://library.bridgew.edu/services/borrow.
Holds:
You may request a HOLD on material that is currently checked out to someone else. You can request a HOLD in person by visiting the Circulation Services desk in Maxwell Library, or by calling 508.531.1392, or by e-mailing Circulation Services at circlib@bridgew.edu.
Each of the exits from the first floor of the Maxwell Library has a security system to ensure that library materials are properly charged out when they leave the building. When an item is charged out at Circulation Services, it is desensitized, which allows the materials to pass through the alarmed gates without sounding. Occasionally, an item may fail to desensitize or a non-library item might activate the alarm.
If the alarm sounds while you are exiting, please return to Circulation Services. Circulation Staff will verify that all library materials are checked out and desensitized. We will also gladly desensitize other materials that might possibly have set off the alarm.
Please note: under Massachusetts General Law, c266, s.99 &100, it is a criminal offense to damage or fail to return library property. A library may take legal action against any person who does not return or pay the replacement cost of lost or damaged library materials.
Maxwell Library encourages a partnership between faculty and librarians to develop its collections of books, CDs, videos and DVDs. Library staff members appointed as liaisons collaborate with faculty in specific academic departments to make recommendations for purchase in their respective disciplines. The Collection Development Librarian coordinates this selection process, ensuring balance of the total collection.
The following factors are considered in selection:
The Library supports the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and the Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries as adopted by the Association of College and Research Libraries.
Faculty may submit requests for purchase to their library liaison using CHOICE cards, the Online Acquisitions Request Form, or book request slips, available by calling x6016. The library also accepts e-mail, lists, brochures, and publishers’ catalogs that provide adequate bibliographic information for verifying requests. The library online catalog should be checked before submitting a request to verify that the item is not already held by the library.
Rush and reserve requests may also be submitted directly to Michael Somers, Library Director.
Records for on-order materials appear in the library's online catalog. When placing order requests, faculty may ask for notification. If notification is requested, the Circulation Department will contact the requester when the item has been received and hold it at the Circulation desk.
For additional information about the selection process, please contact Michael Somers at 508.531.1255.
Policy Adopted: March 2004
Library Services recognizes there is a shortage of physical space on campus for small groups of students to work together. There are dedicated group study rooms (L123, L222, L223, and L303) in Maxwell Library for students’ use only. There is one dedicated room (L106) for an individual or group of two BSU community members to use for study or consultation.
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