Library regulations
University Library Lugano regulations
1. Access to the library
Access to the library is free. Most collections are on open shelves and directly accessible to the public. USI members and the general public alike are entitled to library services, provided that they have a library card, that may be requested at the library circulation desk or at other Bibliopass libraries (see point 2).
2. Library card
USI cards and Theology faculty cards, as well as Bibliopass network cards, function as library cards.
External users can request a library card for free.
In case of loss of the library card, a duplicate card may be issued against the payment of CHF 10.-.
3. Opening hours
3.1 Regular
Monday - Friday: from 9.00 to 22.00
Saturday: from 9.00 to 12.15
3.2 Changes
In the summer months, depending on the academic calendar, is replaced by a reduced hours:
Monday - Friday: from 9.00 to 18.00
Changes to opening hours due to public holidays or events are notified on the library web site and displayed at the library.
3.3. Special notice
On weekdays, from 18 to 22, and on Saturday the following services are not available:
- Reference service
- Loans of audiovisual material
- Loans of material held in closed access stores
- Interlibrary loans
4. Internet
4.1. Access
The Library provides free access to the Internet for documentation and research aims.
4.2 Service limitations for under-age users
Users under 14 can access the Internet only if accompanied by an adult (aged 18 years old or older).
Users aged 14 to 18 can access the network individually provided that one parent/tutor has signed the requested authorization form.
Only parents or tutors - not the Library or its staff - are responsible for the information found on the Internet by their children or the minors in their care.
4.3 Usage rules
Library users are required to properly use the available resources, respecting the educational and informational purposes for which they are intended.
The following is strictly prohibited:
- attempts to infringe the security of local and remote computer system;
- attempts to damage or alter the hardware and software components of any computer, network or database;
- unauthorized use of accounts, access codes or IP numbers;
- violations of license terms;
- invasion of privacy of third parties;
- attempts to improperly access any files belonging to others;
- unauthorized copying of copyrighted material
- the installation of any software or any part thereof
- any breach of Netiquette
- harassment to others
4.4. Time limits
Upon registration at the reception desk, library users can use the machines at their disposal for up to one hour per day. The session ends automatically when the allocated time has expired.
4.5 Wireless network
Library patrons may use the WIFI network connection named BULpublic. USI regulations apply.
5. Photocopies, scans and print-outs
Photocopies, scans and print-outs of material are allowed in the respect of copyright laws and products' license conditions only.
5.1 Photocopies
The library is equipped with copiers for patron use.
Photocopy cards may be purchased at the Library circulation desk.
Copiers produce A4 copies only at CHF 0.20 per sheet.
Copies of fragile and rare items are made by the Library staff only.
Please be careful in handling the original documents while photocopying.
5.2 Scans and print-outs
It is possible to run A4 prints at a price of CHF 0.20 each. USB pen drives may be used to save one’s work.
The magnetic cards needed to operate the printer (located at levels 1 and 3) may be purchased at the Library circulation desk.
6. Access to library online resources
Library patrons can access all Library licensed digital resouces inside the Library premises.
USI members and the Theology faculty members can access the resources also from off-campus, via login identification (Net-ID).
Electronic resources may be consulted for research and study purposes only – commercial or profit-making use is forbidden.
Access is granted to authorized users only. The login ID cannot not be given to others.
7. Reference service
The reference service is designed to assist users in their searches and in the use of documentary resources.
The library staff works with patrons in order to define the right research strategy and to identify relevant sources.
Service hours:
Monday - Friday from 9.00 to 13.00 or by appointment
8. Borrowing
Patrons are entitled to borrow library materials. Loan categories are described at:
Access to the library and to the documents - Sorting and location of document
8.1 Borrowing limits
Patrons are entitled to borrow up to 100 items altogether.
8.2 Renewals
Loans are automatically renewed five times at the due date, provided no other user placed a reservation on the document. In that case, the due date can no longer be postponed.
8.3 Returns
Items must be returned to the staff at the circulation desk.
8.4 Late returns
Overdue items are subject to recalls.
|
|
Reminders |
Days |
Fine |
|
14 and 28 day loans |
Due date reminder |
1 day after the due date |
- |
|
1° overdue reminder |
6 days after the due date reminder |
CHF 5.00 / per item |
|
|
2° overdue reminder |
6 days after the 1° overdue reminder |
+ CHF 5.00 / per item |
|
|
3° overdue reminder |
6 days after the 2° overdue reminder |
+ CHF 10.00 / per item |
|
|
|
|
(TOTAL: CHF 20.00) |
|
|
7 day loans |
Due date reminder prestito |
1 day after the due date |
- |
|
1° overdue reminder |
3 days after the due date reminder |
CHF 5.00 / per item |
|
|
2° overdue reminder |
3 days after the 1° overdue reminder |
+ CHF 5.00 / per item |
|
|
3° overdue reminder |
3 days after the 2° overdue reminder |
+ CHF 10.00 / per item |
|
|
|
|
(TOTAL: CHF 20.00) |
|
|
1 day loans |
Due date reminder |
1 day after the due date |
- |
|
1° overdue reminder |
1 day after the due date reminder |
CHF 5.00 / per item |
|
|
2° overdue reminder |
1 day after the 1° overdue reminder |
+ CHF 5.00 / per item |
|
|
3° overdue reminder |
1 day after the 2° overdue reminder |
+ CHF 10.00 / per item |
|
|
|
|
(TOTAL: CHF 20.00) |
|
|
"Same day" loans |
Due date reminder |
NO REMINDER |
- |
|
1° overdue reminder |
1 day after the due date |
CHF 5.00 / per item |
|
|
2° overdue reminder |
1 day after the 1° overdue reminder |
+ CHF 5.00 / per item |
|
|
3° overdue reminder |
1 day after the 2° overdue reminder |
+ CHF 10.00 / per item |
|
|
|
|
(TOTAL: CHF 20.00) |
After receiving a 4th reminder USI students’ and staff members’ computer access will be blocked.
8.5 lost or damaged items
Patrons who lose or damage an item will be requested to pay the price of the item plus a CHF 20.- processing charge.
8.6 Service hours
Open shelf items:
Monday - Friday from 9.00 to 21.45; Saturday 9.00 - 12.00 (Summer hours: Monday - Friday from 9.00 to 18.00)
Items in closed stacks:
Monday - Friday from 9.00 to 18.00
9. Interlibrary loans
9.1 Book requests
The interlibrary loan (ILL) service provides access to items not available at the BUL. Requests are forwarded to libraries in Switzerland and abroad.
To place an ILL request it is necessary to fill out the ILL request form.
ILL borrowers must comply with all service conditions and with the return date set by the lending library.
9.2 Article photocopy
Patrons may request copies of articles not available at the BUL by filling out the ILL request form.
9.3 Borrowing limits
Patrons are entitled to borrow up to 100 items altogether - ILL and library loans.
9.4 Late returns
Late returns are subject to a fines, as described in the Borrowing section.
Failure to comply with regulations and to return items on time may result in suspension of ILL borrowing privileges.
9.5 Lost or damaged items
ILL borrowers are fully responsible for the material in their possession and will be charged for any damage or loss incurred to the items plus a CHF 20.- process charge.
9.6 service fees
The following service fees apply:
| Document location | USI/SUPSI fees | Regular fees | ||||
| Faculty / Administrative staff |
Students |
|||||
|
Books |
Articles | Books | Articles | Books | Articles | |
|
Ticino (SBT) |
Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
|
Switzerland (swisscovery e not) |
Free | Free |
CHF 2.- |
CHF 4.- up to 20 pg. |
CHF 6.- |
CHF 10.- up to 20 pg. |
| Others | Free | Free | Actual expenses | Actual expenses | Actual expenses | Actual expenses |
Borrowers are kindly requested to pay ILL fees at collection time.
9.7 Eligibility for loans
ILL services are available to all patrons who have registered with swisscovery, with no pending fees and less than 100 items currently on loan.
9.8 Restrictions on borrowing
The following materials cannot be obtained on loan:
- Items located in Lugano libraries
- Items owned by the BUL but currently in circulation
9.9 Collection of items
Requested books must be collected before the return date, while requested photocopies within 15 days after receipt of the notification email; patrons who fail to collect items are subject to 5.- CHF fine plus mailing costs (min. 7.- CHF).
9.10 Borrower's responsibilities
ILL borrowers assume full responsibility for all materials issued in their name. ILL items are non-transferable to others.
9.11 Service hours
Monday - Friday from 9.00 to 18.00
10. Purchase suggestion
Library patrons are welcome to make purchase suggestions by using the relevant form.
Suggestions will be weighed carefully within the scope of the budget and of the Library selection policy. Special requests are notified to the BiUSI scientific board.
If an item is purchased, patrons will be notified via email.