Iowa Lakes Libraries

Borrowing Materials

The Iowa Lakes Community College Library offers materials to students, faculty, staff, and community members with the goal of providing access to information and resources. We strive to accommodate all patrons.

Circulation Periods

The library if happy to provide access to a variety of materials for check out according to the following rules:

Students and community members:

• May borrow books for twenty-one (21) days and can renew them twice
• May borrow magazines and DVD's for 1 week and can renew them once

Faculty and staff:

• May borrow books for sixty (60) days and can renew them twice
• May borrow magazines and DVD's for 1 week and can renew them once each

Borrowers must present a valid form of ID, such as their driver’s license or their Iowa Lakes Community College ID, and have a valid student or borrower ID number. 

Borrower Responsibilities

Items borrowed from the library are the responsibility of the individual borrowing the materials. Lost or damaged materials may be charged to the account of the patron in the event that items are lost or damaged. Materials not returned by the due date should be renewed when possible. 

Reserves

Faculty may place materials on reserve at either Emmetsburg or Estherville library for student use. Materials are to be used in the library only and may not be removed for any reason. 

Renewals

Materials may be renewed either in the library or over the phone.

Community Cards

Members of the community may obtain a free Iowa Lakes Community College Library membership.  The Community Cards allow user access to the physical collection.

The Collection Development Guidelines outline the process that is used by the Iowa Lakes Library to select materials to include within the collection.

Mission

The Mission of the Iowa Lakes Community College Library is to support the mission of Iowa Lakes and promote information literacy for our community, as well as the intellectual growth and information needs of our students, and beyond.

• We shall provide access to our materials to students onsite and online, promoting resources to all students, regardless of campus.
• We shall provide resources to increase our users’ information literacy skills and competencies.
• We shall provide assistance and resources for our users to support teaching, learning, and community needs, and to promote lifelong learning.
• We shall provide assistance and opportunities to our students, staff, and faculty first in order to meet their educational and teaching needs.

Intellectual Freedom

The American Library Association Code of Ethics, the ALA Bill of Rights, and the ALA Freedom to Read Statement inform the Iowa Lakes Community College Libraries Collection Development Guidelines. The Iowa Lakes Community College Library does not censor based by language or controversy of topics, but rather strives to provide a wide range of viewpoints. Challenges regarding the Library’s materials are handled on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom. Please direct any questions or concerns directly to the Director of Library Services.

Acquisitions and Donations

The Iowa Lakes Community College accepts donations and community recommendations for purchase of new materials. Donations are non-returnable. Donated materials that does not meet the collection development guidelines and needs will be donated or recycled.

Selection Criteria

The Library reserves the right to make all final decisions on purchasing using the following criteria.

• Importance to curriculum
• Contribution to collection
• Recommendation by faculty
• Cost of materials
• Timeliness of information
• Authority and accuracy of the material
• Format usability to student population
• User needs, including requirements of special population
• Program needs based on student population
• Physical space requirements

Weeding and Removal of Materials

Subject areas are weeded based on item age, edition, availability in other libraries or formats, relevance, accuracy, physical state, usage history and faculty approval. Weeding is done by the library staff on an annual basis.

Resource Sharing

Iowa Lakes Community College Libraries participate in Inter-Library Loans to provide access to materials not in our collection due to space or cost constraints, as well as in conjunction with Iowa State Library and Consortium purchases to lessen the total purchasing cost to our libraries.

Replacement

Material replacement is based upon availability and necessity.

The Iowa Lakes Community College Library adheres to the Library Bill of Rights adopted by the American Library Association as seen below:

Library Bill of Rights

• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
• Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

• Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
• A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
• Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.

In addition, library users are expected to treat one another and campus staff with courtesy and respect. In order to maintain a welcoming learning environment for our patrons, all users must abide by all college and campus rules, as well as the following:

• Users must be kind and respectful. Users are expected to use soft voices, appropriate language and manners, and to respect the space and needs of all staff and users. Users are expected to refrain from the use of any products or devices that may intrude upon the needs, safety, and comfort of others.
• Users must keep areas free of clutter, including electronic cords, to maintain the safety of all users.
• Users should be quiet while using the facilities. Soft voices and devices are required.
• Group work is acceptable and encouraged so long as the volume is kept to a minimum. Group areas are available for more voluminous activities and users are welcome to utilize these on a first come, first serve basis with a two hour limit if there are other waiting users.
• All containers must be closed and spills or mishaps must be limited and thoroughly cleaned as soon as possible, and prior to leaving the library.
• Users must maintain library materials and resources in pristine condition.
• Patrons under the age of sixteen, and not current Iowa Lakes Community College students, must be monitored by an accompanying adult at all times. Patrons with small children may request a quiet space for use during their time in the library. All patrons regardless of age and ability must limit their noise level in order to respect the needs of other users.
• Users must be courteous of library staff with regard to following given and written instructions, location hours with regard to opening and closing times, and related requests.

Users that fail to follow the above guidelines may be asked to leave the premises and appropriate action will be taken with the campus and college staff.