Policies

• To borrow materials, currently enrolled students and current employees must possess and display a current Indiana Tech ID card. Patrons are responsible for all items checked out with their Indiana Tech ID card.
• Community members, alumni, etc. not currently enrolled at Indiana Tech cannot use library equipment or borrow material.

Physical Access

• To use library computers, printers, and scanners, patrons must have their Indiana Tech Personal User Credentials.
• To access library computers, printers, and scanners outside library business hours, patrons must swipe their ID card at the library doors on the second floor. For current library hours please consult library homepage.
• Patrons must use their own Personal User Login and/or Student ID. Sharing of usernames/passwords and/or Student IDs is not permitted.
• Any currently enrolled student at Indiana Tech is eligible for a Student ID card, which can be obtained from the Security Office in Andorfer Commons. Online students must complete the CPS Student ID Request Form.

Remote Access

• All currently enrolled students are issued a campus username and password. This is the same login a student uses to access all university resources. The username and password will also grant students access to McMillen Library’s online databases and eBooks.

McMillen Library resources, services, and facilities are provided to support the academic mission of Indiana Tech and create a place where students can gather.

All staff, students, and faculty members have the right to use the Library for academic purposes in an environment that is safe, comfortable, and respectful and that allows quiet study and research.

This general library and patron behavior policy is in line with the University’s Student Conduct Policy – https://www.indianatech.edu/about/policies/general-policies/, and is enforced.

Library staff and/or Campus Security personnel will act to maintain or restore the quiet academic environment and will address any activity that disturbs others, interferes with library operations, damages the building or its contents, or any other behavior generally considered inappropriate in a public space.

Patrons are encouraged to bring any concerns to the attention of Library staff. Causing a disturbance, failing to comply with a request to restore order, and/or showing disrespect for fellow patrons or Library staff may result in the removal from the Library and/or the restriction of library privileges.

• Patrons must use their own Personal User Login and/or Student ID. Sharing of usernames/passwords and/or Student IDs is not permitted.
• Indiana Tech credentials are required to check out materials and to access library computers, printers, and scanners. Anyone without valid credentials cannot use these tools.
• Food/drinks are allowed in the library. Drinks must have a lid and patrons should clean up any trash/crumbs left behind before they leave their area. Any dishes from the cafeteria must be returned to their proper location.
• Patrons are expected to clean up any trash or messes at their workstation. If you’re unable to clean up the mess, tell a library staff member.
• Do not leave personal property unattended to prevent theft or damage. McMillen Library’s staff is not responsible for theft or damage left to unattended items.
• Do not store personal property in empty chairs or spaces if it prevents a waiting patron from using the space.
• Only approved signs may be placed in the library. Please see a library staff member for approval. No flyers will be approved from entities outside the university.
• Patrons will be required to wear shirts, bottoms, and footwear in the library at all times.
• The only animals allowed in the library are documented service/assistance animals.
• For safety reasons, bicycles, skateboards, electric-powered vehicles, scooters, etc., cannot be stored or charged in the library.
• Any personal items found by librarians or turned in by other patrons will be turned into Lost and Found, located within the Safety & Security Office in Andorfer Commons.
• Loud, unreasonable, and/or disturbing noises are not permitted in the library. This includes but is not limited to loud, continuing conversations with others in person or on the phone, in monologues, the playing of audio equipment, etc.
• All children/minors under 18 must be always accompanied by an adult. The adult is responsible for the child’s actions and behavior while in the library.
• Weapons are not allowed on the Indiana Tech campus.
• All Indiana Tech buildings are smoke, vape, alcohol, and illegal drug free. Patrons cannot possess or consume these items or be under the influence in the library.

This policy statement does not address every specific behavior because it is impossible to produce a comprehensive list of all the possible disturbances that may occur. The objective is to maintain the integrity of the library. Acceptable behavior maintains a safe, comfortable, and respectful environment that allows quiet study and research.

Unacceptable behaviors are those that, in the assessment of the Library staff, impair the safe and effective use of the library and its shared resources. Examples include:

• • Misusing library facilities or property.
  • Damages or theft inflicted on any library property through any activities such as roughhousing or blatant destruction will result in fines/fees to replace the item(s).
  • Interfering with another person’s use of the library or with the library staff’s performance of their duties.
  • Disrespect upon being asked to modify problematic behaviors.
  • Behaving in a manner that can reasonably disturb other patrons.
  • Obscene, rude, or abusive acts and/or language.
  • Harassing others by uninvited conversation, stalking, or staring at another person. This also includes physically harming, verbally abusing, or other types of harassment towards staff or patrons.
  • Obstructing or interfering with the flow of traffic within the library. All walkways must be kept clear.
  • Intentionally damaging, destroying, or stealing any library property or a patron’s or employee’s property.
  • Disorderly conduct, fighting or challenging to fight, or using offensive words that are likely to provoke violence.
  • Excessive displays of affection or inappropriate sexual behavior.
  • Using emergency exits or setting off fire and/or exit door alarms when no emergency exists.
  • Any other illegal acts or conduct in violation of federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.

Patron is told that he/she/they are in violation of the policy and how to correct behavior.

If violation continues, and corrective behavior is not taken, the patron will be asked to leave the library. If the patron refuses to leave, Campus Security will be contacted to escort the patron out of the library. A report may be filed and given to appropriate campus offices, to determine if further disciplinary actions are required.

If it is determined that the misconduct is an extreme case of policy violation, including repeated warnings over a period of time, Campus Security will be called immediately without giving notice to the patron.

Physical Collection includes:

• Physical books from Stacks, Leisure, Mental Health, Career, and Oversize collections
• Audio Visual Collection
• Physical journals and reference materials

Circulation Rules:

• Physical books from Stacks, Leisure, Mental Health, Career, and Oversize collections have a 3-week loan period.
• Items from the Audio Visual Collection (DVDs) have a 3-week loan period.
• Physical journal and reference materials do not circulate.
• Items can be renewed for a maximum of 3 times, except if the item is past the due date, or another patron has placed a hold on it.

Library of Things Collection

• Physical items that are not books or DVDs, that the library allows to circulate (for example calculators, games, puzzles, and assorted school supplies).

Circulation Rules

• Items from the Library of Things will have a variable checkout loan period. Loan details will be provided at checkout.
• Items can not be renewed. The items have to be returned to the library to be checked in before being allowed to be checked out again.

Because these materials must be available for all members of a course, they are subject to strict rules. Patrons must check-out Reserve items using an Indiana Tech student ID and the check-out period is for in-library use during library business hours. A hold cannot be placed on Reserve materials.

• Loan periods are variable and are set by the instructor. They are usually 2- or 4-hour loans, are for in library use only, and are determined by the library staffed hours of operation.
• Items can not be renewed. The items have to be returned to the library to be checked in before being allowed to be checked out again.

• All due dates and renewal policies for materials borrowed through Interlibrary Loan services are set by the lending institution. McMillen Library does not know what these terms are until the lending library agrees to send us the item.
• Failure to return items borrowed through Interlibrary Loan services by the due date could result in a loss of privileges for all McMillen patrons, as when we borrow material through Interlibrary Loan, we do so in the name of the university, not in an individual user’s name.
• Delinquent returns damage Indiana Tech’s reputation in the university community and put the ability to borrow materials at risk for all McMillen Library users, and the late fee/replacement item fines are in place to preserve our relationship with the lending library.
• If McMillen Library has the electronic version of the requested book, a physical copy of the item cannot be requested through Interlibrary Loan.
• McMillen Library doesn’t supply textbooks or chapters of textbooks
• To place an ILL renewal request please reach out to the McMillen Library at least 5 days before the item is due. Since policies of lending institutions vary widely, renewals cannot be guaranteed and are at the discretion of the lending library. Once an item is overdue, it cannot be renewed. Once the lending library has responded to the renewal request, the patron will be notified of their decision.
• McMillen Library can request no more than five articles from the same journal title published during the most current five years, in a single calendar year due to copyright issues.

• Books
• Copies of book chapters
• Journal articles

• A physical book if McMillen Library has the electronic version of the title
• Textbooks or copies of textbook chapters that students are required to purchase for their courses. This includes required, recommended, and supplemental textbooks.
• Items under publisher embargo or certain copyright restrictions (we usually don’t know this until we place a request).

Once an ILL request has been submitted on your behalf, the fulfillment time is unknown, as it depends on how quickly a lending library responds. Most schools advertise a 4-business day turnaround for articles. Books requests will take much longer because they need to be physically mailed. We have had some books take more than a month to arrive to Indiana Tech. 

• All due dates and renewal policies for physical materials borrowed through Interlibrary Loan services are set by the lending institution. McMillen Library does not know what these terms are until the lending library agrees to send us the item.
• Renewals are not guaranteed and are at the discretion of the lending library. Once an item is overdue, it cannot be renewed. Once the lending library has responded to the renewal request, the patron will be notified.
• If the patron is unable to pick up a physical item in Fort Wayne, the book can be mailed to the patron. The patron is responsible for the cost of mailing the book back before the due date and is responsible for the book until it arrives back at McMillen Library. A trackable method of shipping is highly recommended, and all shipping time must be factored into the loan period to avoid item replacement fees.

• As soon as an item is overdue, borrowing privileges will be suspended. Patrons can return the item at any time before it is considered lost (see below) to have their privileges restored.
• After the item is 4 weeks overdue, the item will be considered lost, and a replacement fee will be added to your university financial account.
• Replacement fees are determined by the cost of the same or similar item, and will include any shipping and handling costs incurred by McMillen Library.
• Borrowing privileges will be restored once all fees/fines have been paid through the Financial Services Office.

• As soon as an item is overdue, borrowing privileges will be suspended. Patrons can return the item at any time before it is considered lost (see below) to have their privileges restored.
• With a 1 day check out item: After the item is 3 days overdue, the item will be considered lost, borrowing privileges will be suspended and a replacement fee will be applied to your university account.
• Replacement fees are determined by the cost of the same or similar item, and will include any shipping and handling costs incurred by McMillen Library.
• Borrowing privileges will be restored once all fees/fines have been paid through the Financial Services Office.

• After the item is 1 day overdue, the item will be considered lost, borrowing privileges will be suspended, and a replacement fee will be added to your student account.

• Items returned with damage (including but not limited to: water/smoke damage, broken, torn, or in a condition determined to not be loanable to another student), will be assessed a replacement or repair fee, which will be assessed to your university financial account. Borrowing privileges will be restored once all fees have been paid through the Financial Services Office.

ILL Lost & Damaged Item Fees

• There is no grace period for late items borrowed through Interlibrary Loan Services. Once an item becomes overdue, a non-refundable replacement fee (amount determined by the lending library), plus a $25 processing fee will be added to your Indiana Tech account, and borrowing privileges at the McMillen Library will be suspended.
• Any item that is returned with damage (including but not limited to: water/smoke damage, broken, torn, or in a condition unsatisfactory to the lending institution), will be assessed the replacement fee (amount determined by the lending library), plus a $25 processing fee (both non-refundable) and borrowing privileges will be suspended.
• Borrowing privileges will be restored once all fines/fees have been paid through the Financial Services Office.

If a patron claims to have returned materials that still appear on their library account, library staff can update the status of these items to Claimed-Returned. Patrons will be given 4 weeks to locate the materials and return them to the library. The library will also conduct at least 3 searches within the library’s collections in this time period to ensure that materials weren’t returned and not checked in. At that time, if the materials still have not been located, the patron will be billed the replacement cost. Patron’s privileges will be suspended until the replacement costs is paid, or the materials are found.

• There is no grace period for late items borrowed through Interlibrary Loan Services. Once an item becomes overdue, a non-refundable replacement fee (amount determined by the lending library), plus a $25 processing fee will be added to your Indiana Tech account, and borrowing privileges at the McMillen Library will be suspended.