A-Z

Policies of the Library

  • Visitors are any individuals other than a current SU students, staff or faculty.  SU Alumni and anyone’s dependents are considered visitors.

    Visitors to the library must register in the Visitor Log at the InfoDesk upon arrival, and sign out upon leaving.

    • Visitors must present some form of photo ID upon arrival to the InfoDesk staff upon signing in. Those without a photo ID will be asked to leave.
    • Public wireless access is available on the SU-Visitor network. 
    • The library does not have any public computer stations beyond one (1) online catalog kiosk for searching our local holdings.
    • Visitors will need to provide their own device should they wish to access the Internet. 
    • Printing is unavailable to public visitors. 
    • Many eBooks and digital resources are simply not available to members of the public. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please call ahead to see if the resource you are interested in is available. 

    At 8pm, Sunday - Thursday, the entry doors lock and only SU Pirate Card holders can swipe for entry. 

    Only current SU faculty and students are allowed remain in the library after 9pm weeknights. All other patrons must leave the building for the night at 9pm.

  • Requirements

    All outside groups interested in visiting the A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library Center must make arrangements at least two weeks in advance of the proposed visit.

    In order to meet the needs of our own students, faculty, and classes, please note we are not able to grant all requests or to set aside designated space for visitors.

    • Teachers should schedule visits between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday for no longer than 2 hours.
    • One adult chaperone is required for every 10 students (limit of 25), and a school visitor’s agreement must be completed before arrival on campus.
    • Please understand that we cannot accommodate requests for visits during the first month of a semester, or during midterms or final exams.
    • Schools are limited to one visit per semester.
    • Any class that comes to the library without having made advance arrangements may be asked to leave.

    To inquire about scheduling a visit to the A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library Center, please contact Jean Whewell, Operations Manager at 512-863-1635 or whewellj@southwestern.edu.

    Expectations

    Teachers are responsible for their students’ conduct while on campus.

    Teachers and chaperones must accompany the class at all times and be prepared to assist students with their work.

    Students will need to conform their behavior to that of a library, classroom, and business office, as all environments are present in the building.

    Teachers will want to familiarize themselves beforehand with available library resources.  A reference librarian may be available to answer brief general questions during your visit, depending on college student needs that day, but assistance cannot be guaranteed. 

  • Date Effective: April 1, 2019

     
    Facility Overview:  The Smith Library Center houses research materials, Special Collections, study areas, instructional spaces, computer labs, small conference rooms, offices and a coffee bar.
    Scheduling Contact: Facility Coordinator, 863-1637; Manager of Operations, 863-1635

     

    Scheduling Priorities

    Priorities for facility use are as follows:

    • Student use
    • Academic purposes
    • University events

    See General Facilities Use Policy for regulations applicable to ALL University facilities.

    Regulations Specific for Use of the Smith Library Center
    • Smith Library Center policy requires that all non-university persons entering the library register at the InfoDesk. Organizers of events with more than six non-university participants must provide a guide to register and direct participants as they enter the library.
    • No animals are allowed in the building except credible service dogs. (We apologize for any inconvenience, but emotional support animals and pets are never allowed in the library.)
    • Only current students, staff and faculty with an SU ID are permitted in the building after 9 p.m.
    • Library spaces are primarily for study. Plan activities that will not disrupt studying or tutoring.
    • Amplified sound is never allowed.
    • Food and covered drinks are permitted in most areas of the Library (except Special Collections) within the following guidelines:
      • Library users must clean up after themselves: dispose of trash in appropriate containers or remove it from the building immediately after an event.
      • Any spills or damage should be reported to the InfoDesk as soon as possible.
      • Food is not permitted where it interferes with others’ use of the Library.
      • Food delivery by outside vendors is discouraged. If you order food delivered, you must meet the vendor in the lobby or outside after the doors are locked. InfoDesk staff cannot direct, escort, receive or hold deliveries.
      • Cooking, cooking appliances, and open flames are not permitted in Library public spaces.
    • No Alcoholic Beverages. Consumption of alcohol is not permitted with the exception of legal-aged guests at authorized University events where alcohol is served.
    • No reservations are possible after 9 p.m.  All services are unavailable after midnight, when the building is available for study space only.  Requests submitted after 5 p.m. Thursday until 1 p.m. Sunday, will be processed Monday after 8 a.m.

    Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Director of the Library.

 

 

See Borrower Services for policies regarding materials use.

See Acquisitions Policies for our collection development plan, including donations of materials to the library.