1. General Rules for the use of Library
2. Borrowing Policies
3. Computer, Internet use policy
4. Cell Phone use policy
5. Group Study Room Policy

I. General Rules for the use of Library

In order to maintain a welcoming environment for reading, learning and other Library activities, the YU Library Requires all users to comply with the following General Rules and Regulations: 

• Good order and quiet shall be maintained in the library.
• Eating, drinking and smoking are prohibited in the library
• Users should turn off or make silent all cell phones when entering the library
• Use of the computer work stations to disseminate offensive material is prohibited
• Users may not attempt to change or modify hardware or software configurations or install software for personal use on the library’s workstations
• Users are responsible for the safety and security of their personal possessions. The library will not be held responsible for the loss of any personal belongings of users.
• The marking and defacing of any publication is strictly forbidden.
• Do not re-shelve books. Leave all items on the tables or book carts.
• Library users must sign in when arriving
• Seats cannot be reserved in the Library Reading Hall.
• Student /Employee ID cards must be produced whenever requested by Library staff and should not be loaned to others.
• Library furniture, fittings or equipment must not be misused, or their arrangement altered.
• Library users may be asked to present their bag for inspection by Library staff, as well as any books or folders they are carrying
• Users must ensure that materials checked out to them are returned or renewed on or before the date due.
• Office supplies such as diskettes and stationery will not be provided by the library.
• Children are permitted in the library. However, parents or guardians may not leave their children unattended.
• Photography is not permitted unless permission is given in writing
• Change of address, phone number has to be reported to the library staff immediately
• Violations of the rules may result in loss of Library privileges or other appropriate actions.
• The library management can modify the regulations as it may deem advisable

II. Library Borrowing Policy

Mission Statement

The YU Library is dedicated to providing our students, faculty and staff with access to the library materials they need to succeed.

Purpose

The purpose of the Borrowing Policy is to establish guidelines for circulating library materials and to assist staff in making decisions.

Objective

• Make materials widely available to the YU Community.
• Maximize use of collections and services.
• Facilitate requests for materials.
• Retrieve overdue materials
• To circulate materials quickly and efficiently.
• To maintain circulation records in an efficient manner.

Scope

The policy applies to all users of all YU Libraries.  It covers activities relating to the borrowing and use of Library collections and services.  It sets:

• Borrowing privileges, responsibilities and restrictions.
• A schedule of fines and fees.

Library Users:

Currently enrolled students, faculty and staff employed by the Al-Yamamah University have full borrowing privileges through students and staff cards. Anyone may use the collection within the Library.

Authorized Users:

• University Bona fide / regular students
• University Administrators, Faculty and Staff.
• Other Users:
  • Part-time students should get a referral letter from the concerned Director / Head of the department about borrowing library material.
  •  Visitors are welcome to use the library collection, but they do not have borrowing privileges and all resources consulted must be used on site.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult / supervisor.

Library Card:

A library user must have a valid ID card. Valid university ID cards serve as Library cards. This should be presented at the Circulation Desk every time you borrow books or renew them.

The Circulation desk conducts the charge out and charge in of borrowed library materials, the placement of holds on library materials in circulation, the renewal of borrowed materials, payment of overdue fines, signing of clearances etc.

Loan period for borrowers’ group and Limits:

The length of the loan period varies with the status of the borrower and the type of material

Reserve materials:

Materials placed on reserve in the library are those items identified by the instructor for use by their students. Instructors may request library items to be kept in the reserve shelf for the use by a particular class. Course Reserve materials include library-owned materials and instructor-supplied materials (copies of articles, books, sample tests, etc.). Students may check to see if their instructor has placed items on reserve by searching the Course Reserves section in the library. Any photocopied materials to be placed on reserve must conform to copyright law. Reserve material should be read within the library.

Reference material:

Reference section contains general reference books such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, yearbooks, handbooks, manuals, almanacs, geographical sources. Reference books do not circulate and for library use only except for special purposes and with the permission of the Library Director.

Renewal:

 Renewals may be made by calling the Library Circulation Desk at Ext: 3805, or in person at the circulation/enquiry desk or by accessing your account via online. One renewal is allowed. Books cannot be renewed if they are subject to recall or have outstanding fines.

Recalls:

The library reserves the right to recall any piece of Library material. Items required by another reader will be recalled and must be returned within 3 days of the recall date. Failure to do so will result in fines being charged at a rate of 50 halalas per day. The user from whom the material was recalled has the right to reserve it and to check the item out again later.

Place on Hold / Reserve:

You can place a hold on any item that is on loan to another borrower. When it is returned and available, you will be notified.

Canceling reservations:

If you no longer need a reserved item, you should cancel your request in person or by phone at our Ext:3805 to the circulation/enquiry desk.

Material restricted to “in library” use:

Reference items and selected visual media (films, videos, etc.) and selected audio material (CDs, cassettes, records, etc.), newspapers, university handbooks, and maps are for in-library use only. Periodicals and course reservations are also restricted to in-library use only except for special purposes and with the permission of the Library Director.

Returning Loan Items:

You must always bring loans items to the library on the due date. They must be returned to the Circulation Desk before 4.00pm or in case of further queries, contact to the Circulation Desk itself

View Your Circulation Record:

You may access your library circulation record on / off campus. Some things that you might do with this function are check the status of a requested item; cancel an unwanted hold; renew materials; check to see how many items you have checked out, when items are due, and what fines you might owe. https://library.yu.edu.sa/

Overdue Notices:

The library reserves the right to recall any piece of Library material. Items which are kept beyond the due date are considered to be overdue. Overdue notices / reminders may be sent to borrowers as a matter of courtesy, although the library assumes no obligation to notify borrowers of overdue materials. Failure to receive reminders or overdue notices does not excuse borrowers from the responsibility of returning or renewing items on time to avoid penalties.  All library notices are sent via university-issued e-mail when possible.

Borrowing privileges are suspended and will not be reinstated until the materials are returned and fines are paid, or replacement costs and fines are paid if the materials are lost.

The library has established the following fees for overdue circulating materials and replacement cost of lost or damaged materials/ books.

Overdue Fines (Fine Schedule):

You will be charged fines if you don’t return or renew your books. Fine calculations start on the due date and are payable after the grace period. Official time for determining fines on overdue books will be calculated according to the time determined in the computer system. You must ensure that any outstanding charges on your record remain below SAR 50. You may not continue to borrow from the library if your outstanding charges exceed this level. Unpaid overdue fines will result in suspension of your borrowing privileges and clearance withheld unless fines are paid.

• Regular materials such as Books: SR 0.50 (fifty halalas per item per day.
• Recalled materials: SR 0.50 (fifty halalas per item per day).
• The maximum late fee per item is SR 50.
• 3 days will be the grace period.
• Your total late fee is based on the per-day fee, the number of items that are late and the number of days that they are late. Example: 50 halalas x 5 items x 2 days = SR 5.00

Lost /damaged Material Policy:

If material is lost or damaged, notify the library at once; you will have to pay the full current replacement cost, the amount of the fine will be equal to the actual cost of the item plus library handling / processing fee of SR100.

Returning lost/Paid items: 

If items are found and returned, the replacement cost and processing charge are waived but the borrower is responsible for overdue charges. Library users may be refunded the full amount paid toward the item’s replacement cost if the complete item is found and returned in good condition within 30 days of payment. Refunds will not be made for items returned after 30 days.  Refunds will not be given for single parts of a set

Appealing Library Charges

Any borrower who wishes to question a library charge or processing fee, you may appeal it by filling out Library charges Appeal Form. An appeal of this policy may be made to the Circulation Desk Staff. Please provide specific details about the charge(s) you wish to appeal. The decision for this appeal will be final. If possible, attach a copy of the library bill / Statement. Please ensure that the charges you are appealing are clearly indicated. In your appeal, kindly explain why you believe the charges should be removed or adjusted.

The Borrower may submit a written appeal. Appeals for library charges must be received within 30 days of the original date of the charge.  Appeals after one month will not be considered. If an appeal is accepted for consideration, the fine (in its original amount) is either waived, adjusted, or re-posted to the BORROWER’s account at the end of the appeals process. Appeals received without the appeals form will not be considered.

Reasons generally not regarded as valid for canceling or reducing charges:

• Lack of knowledge of library policy
• Disagreement with library fine or fee structure
• Inability to pay fees and charges
• Material loaned to a third party
• Non-receipt or late receipt of library reminder notice
• Being out of town
• Forgetting the due date or failing to renew on time
• Term breaks, illness, leaves, vacations, exams, car problems, etc.

Penalties

• The penalty for stealing books, periodicals, and other material from the library is suspension of library privileges for the rest of the semester. Aside from this, the case will be referred to the University Disciplinary committee for further deliberations and actions.
• Mutilation of library materials is an offense, and it will be considered as a damaged item. In addition, library privileges may be suspended for the rest of the semester. The case will also be referred to the Disciplinary committee for further proper action
• Unpaid bills will result in a block for library privileges and the case will also be referred to the Disciplinary committee for further proper action.

Responsibilities of the Borrowers

• Borrowers are fully responsible for all borrowed materials and must know the due date to avoid fines.
• ID cards should not be used other than yourself.
• Library materials are not transferable, and you are prohibited from lending library materials to others.
• Borrowers must notify the library of any address and telephone number changes.
• The library will charge fines on late items, and other sanctions may be imposed.
• If you lose a book or it is stolen, you will have to pay the full current replacement cost.
• The library has open stacks. After you have collected the material, you would like to borrow, check the items out at the Circulation Desk.
• Overdue notices are mailed only as a courtesy reminder. Failure to receive notices does not absolve borrowers of their responsibilities.
• Compliance with current copyright law is the responsibility of the user.
• Materials must be returned in the same physical condition as when they were checked out.

For any further information regarding loans or reservations, library fine or overdue item, please contact staff at the Circulation desk:  Library Assistant 3805.

III. Computer, Internet Use policy

All users of computer workstations must agree to abide by the following rules:

• Users are responsible for determining that the information they access is acceptable, reliable, and suitable to their needs. Internet access is a privilege, not a right, and as such can be withdrawn from those who use it irresponsibly.
• Most resources available via the Internet and other electronic information networks are “global” rather than “local” resources. The library does not and cannot control the information content available through global resources such as information obtained from outside sources via the Internet.
• Users may not attempt to change or modify hardware or software configurations or install software for personal use on the library’s workstations.
• Use of the workstations for personal, entertainment and Commercial purpose is not allowed.
• Headphone volume must be kept to low levels
• The library accepts no responsibility for any damage or loss of data arising directly or indirectly from the use of these facilities.
• Use of computer workstations to disseminate offensive material is prohibited.
• Violators of this policy may lose their access privileges.

IV. Cell Phone Use policy

• The library building is designated as a “cell phone free zone.”
• Users should turn off or make silent all cell phones when entering the library building.
• In an emergency, when users must make or receive a cell phone call, they are required to move to the stairwells and use their phone quietly.
• Avoid to use a cell phone’s camera or binocular features in the Library
• If you wish to report inappropriate cell phone use, contact a library staff member at the Information desk.

NOTE:

• Written library policies & procedures are available at the Circulation Desk.

V. Group Study Room Policies

1. No reservation for this room is required and availability is on a first-come/first-served basis.
2. Students, faculty, and staff may use the room for short-term needs. On any calendar day, you may use a maximum two-hour time slot, but you may use the room as long as necessary if the room is not in demand by others. If the room is in high demand – you may be asked to limit your use of the room.
3. Priority use is given to GROUPS OF TWO or more. An individual using a group study room may be asked to relinquish it for a group’s use. When not being used by a group, a room may be used for individual study on a first-come, first-serve basis.
4. Please note that the CAPACITY of the study room is about 15 people. Sign-up sheets are available at the Information /Enquiry desk.

Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) and DATABASES

YU libraries are currently using Koha library software for classification, indexing, library catalog and loan purposes.

Koha is an open-source integrated library system, used world-wide by international university libraries.

How to access Library catalog?

In order to access YU library catalogue (for library books search, check your library dues with apply your university ID and password), you are requested to go through the below link.

https://library.yu.edu.sa/

Here you can search the library resources by title, author, subject, ISBN keyword

Library databases:

We provide access to read and download the online resources through the LMS for current faculty and students only that subscribed through SDL (Saudi Digital Library) and it can be access from on and off campus.

How to Access library Databases?

• Login to your LMS account
• Go to student resources.
• Click YU digital library.
• Click access SDL Portal
• Change the language to English.
• Click English Knowledge Resources