Government Document Collections Access Policy
Reviewed June, 2009 Part 1: Access policy for federal depository library materials
The purpose of the federal depository library program is to provide federal government information to libraries for the free and unimpeded access of the public. Calvin T. Ryan Library was designated a federal depository library in 1962 and a depository for Nebraska state government documents in 1978.
It is the policy of the library to serve anyone who needs its services. There are no restrictions on who may use the library. The library's primary clientele are the students, faculty, and staff of the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK). It also serves as a regional resource for people living in Kearney, the surrounding geographical area and the state of Nebraska.
Users from the UNK community present UNK identification cards to check out materials. Persons not from UNK are issued special borrower's cards with which they may check out materials.
Anyone may use the library's online catalog and databases in the library. Anyone may access the library's online catalog and the Government Documents Department home page from off-campus. Off-campus access to subscription databases/indexes in the online system is restricted to members of the University community. (See also Internet Use Policy: Federal Depository Library Materials, Calvin T. Ryan Library" and Public Service Policy: Electronic Federal Depository Library Materials, Calvin T. Ryan Library".) No fee is charged to check out library materials. Over-due fines are assessed on all users and all users must pay to make copies and print information from the online system. The federal and state depository collections are located on the top floor and are accessible by stairs and elevators. A ramp at the front entrance brings persons with disabilities to the main floor of the library. All library collections are in open stacks with the exception of the library's University Archives collection.
Part 2: Library access policyBorrower Information
UNK students, faculty, staff, community users and members of other Nebraska institutions may borrow library materials. UNK students, faculty, and staff must present a valid picture ID card issued by the university. Students and faculty of other Nebraska institutions must present a valid ID card issued by their institution to obtain a special borrower's card. Community users must present valid identification (such as a driver's license) to obtain a special borrower's card. ID cards are not transferable. Borrowers are responsible for all library materials checked out in their name.
From: Calvin T. Ryan Library - Library Departments, Access Services/Circulation/Reserves; 3-30-05.
Part 3: Library mission statement
Mission Statement: Calvin T. Ryan Library- The Calvin T. Ryan Library supports the mission of the University of Nebraska at Kearney through the provision of information resources and delivery of technology needed to support the teaching, research and scholarship of the UNK campus community, off campus education, and distance learning programs.
- In fulfilling this mission, the Library acquires and manages informational resources and also cooperate with other libraries, especially those within the University of Nebraska system, to provide access to resources and services not physically available at UNK.
- In partnership with teaching faculty, the Library strives to develop in UNK students an increased awareness of available resources and skills necessary to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate and utilize it effectively.
- Because of the location and the nature of the resources, the Calvin T. Ryan Library also serves as an informational focal point for central Nebraska.
From: Calvin T. Ryan Library - Library Departments, Library Administration; undated. (10/05, no longer available electronically)
Written/compiled by:
Diana J. Keith, Associate Professor
Head, Government Documents Dept., Calvin T. Ryan Library
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Phone: 308-865-8542
E-mail: keithdi@unk.edu
December, 2000
Updated March, 2003
Approved by:
Michael R. Herbison
Director of Libraries
Calvin T. Ryan Library, University of Nebraska at Kearney
January, 2001
File added to page March, 2003; linked titles that have been revised since policy's approval are noted.
Reviewed with no changes made June, 2009.
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