Usage Policies

• The rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis but must be reserved at the Circulation Desk (on the first floor of the library) prior to use.
• You must present a valid Aggie One Card at the Circulation Desk to reserve the room.
• You must sign a form agreeing to the terms of use for the room. All university and library policies must be respected while using the room. Accordingly, users will be held responsible for any damages to the room and/or equipment therein. (See the Computer Usage Policy & the Group Study Rooms Policy for more information).
• Rooms may be reserved for two hour blocks. If there is not another group waiting, you may extend your time.
• We cannot reserve the rooms for below the minimum amount of people (2 for Room 214, 4 for Room 254).
• Limited assistance is available from the Reference or Circulation Desk (both located on the first floor of the library) based on our availability.

Classes

We offer workshops and classes that can help, too. Find out more here.

Other Assistance

• An Aggie One Card is required to borrow materials (exception: Non-University Borrowers).
• Borrowing privileges are not transferrable.
• You are responsible for items borrowed until they are returned to the library.
• Lost or damaged materials will incur a replacement charge plus a $15.00 processing fee.

Borrowing Policies

Renewals

• Most materials may be renewed once. Learning Resources Center, overdue, and high-demand materials are not renewable. Renewals may also be made by telephone, call 336.285.4164. Doctoral students are not allowed renewals due to the extended loan time available to them. Non-University Borrowers are not allowed to renew materials.
• Renewals must be made on or before the due date. Items that have been recalled, are overdue, or have a pending hold request cannot be renewed.

Overdue Materials

• A courtesy notice will be sent via email when an item is one day overdue. An overdue item cannot be renewed.
• A second notice will be sent via email when an item is ten days overdue. A final email will be sent informing you when your library privileges have been suspended.

Stolen Library Materials

• If a library item has been stolen from you, you are responsible for all fine and fees. Contact us in person at the Circulation Desk or by telephone at 336.285.4164. A police report of the theft will be required.

Billing/Lost Status/Fines

• Library materials not returned within 30 days (all students) or 60 days (faculty/staff) after the due date will be presumed lost and your library privileges will be blocked. A replacement fee and non-refundable $15.00 processing fee will be charged. 
• If the item is returned in good condition after it was declared lost, you will still be responsible for the $15.00 processing fee but you will receive a credit slip for any remaining balance you have already paid. The library reserves the right to refuse return of overdue, lost, missing, or damaged items.
• Lost book charges must be paid at the Cashier's Office in the Dowdy Administration Building. Non-payment will prevent you from checking out library materials and course reserves, registering for classes, participating in commencement or receiving transcripts from the University.

Hold Requests

• You can request an item be placed on hold. Held items will remain on the Hold Shelf for 7 days after you are notified via email or telephone that the item is available.
• To place a hold request, you must have the title and call number for the item. Hold requests may be made in person at the Circulation Desk or by telephone, call 336.285.4164.
• Items that receive multiple hold requests may be placed on reserve for a 1- or 3-day checkout period.

Recalls

• If an item is requested by another patron, a recall notice is generated. Recalled materials must be returned to the library within 24 hours of receiving the recall notice. Failure to return a recalled book within 10 days will result in a fine of $10.00 per day up to a maximum of $100.00.

Search Requests

• If an item is listed as "AVAILABLE" in the online Catalog but appears to be missing, you may submit a Search Request Form at the Circulation Desk to receive assistance from Access Services staff.
• The Search Request must include:
• Your name and address
• Your email address and local telephone number
• The correct call number for the item
• These requests are checked daily; the search will continue until either the item is found or submitted for possible replacement.
• If the item is found, it will be dated and placed on the hold shelf for seven days. It will be returned to the shelf if not picked up by then.

Regional Borrowing Agreements

A&T students, faculty and staff may also borrow from other local and regional libraries:

• The ULAC Cooperative Direct Borrowing Agreement
• The TALA Agreement

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

For items that are not available locally, the Interlibrary Loan service can attempt to borrow materials from other libraries. Please see our Interlibrary Loan Service page for more information.

Distance Education Students

North Carolina A&T State University distance education students may request library materials held in or by the F.D. Bluford Library, as well as materials held by other libraries. There is no charge for this service. Bluford Library cannot mail books or journal articles to an individual's residence. However, we will send a book or journal article directly to a university or community college library closest to you. Additionally, our distance education students may take advantage of our Cooperative Library Lending Agreement that allows our students to borrow books from any of the 16 constituent libraries of the University of North Carolina.

Please see our Distance Education Students section for more information.

Non-University Borrowers

The F.D. Bluford Library serves the wider community as well. Please see our Non-University Borrowers section for more information.

Tiffany Russell, Head of Collection Management
Email: libacq@ncat.edu
Phone: 336.285.4201 

Services

• New Books & Materials
  Listings in our catalog of newly-acquired materials.
• Bibliographer/Liaison List
  Bluford librarians who specialize in subject areas and work with faculty to ensure that the library maintains appropriate coverage of current scholarly debate, publishing and research.
• Requesting for the library to purchase new resources & materials.
• Search Vendor Databases & Place Requests Online
• Midwest Library Service's InterACQ™ (requires a login)
• YBP Library Services' GOBI3®
• Search Books In Print with Book Reviews
• Search Publishers' Catalogues
• Request a Book, Journal or Subscription online

The Copyright Revision Act of 1976 requires us to follow these procedures:

1. Any original book that has been purchased by the F.D. Bluford Library or the course instructor may be placed on reserve without regard to copyright.
2. An item with expired copyright or any publication of the federal government may be copied without restriction.
3. A maximum of three (3) copies of any item may be placed on reserve. Photocopies will stay on active reserve for only one term (semester or summer session). Copies supplied by faculty will be returned to them.
4. Copies are made for only one (1) course.
5. Not more than one (1) poem, article, story, essay or two (2) excerpts may be copied from one author per term (semester or summer session).
6. Not more than three (3) poems, articles, stories, essays or may be copied from one collective work or periodical volume per term (semester or summer session).
7. Not more than nine (9) instances of multiple copying per course per term (semester or summer session).
8. When the instructor wishes to use the same materials repeatedly for the same course, signed compliance statements for each source from the publisher must be supplied again with the items.
9. It is the instructor's responsibility to obtain permission from copyright owners when needed for photocopies supplied and appropriate citations and attributions to the source(s) must be included.
10. The effect of photocopying the material for reserve should not be detrimental to the market value of the work. (In other words, the library should own or purchase a copy of the work if it is in print and available for purchase).
11. Commercially produced and bound photocopies will not be placed on reserve unless accompanied by a letter from the publisher granting permission for its use.

Copyright Restrictions

Under certain conditions specified in the United States Copyright Law (Title 17, United States Code), libraries and archives may be authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction may not be used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship or research, and that only one copy be provided for scholarly purposes unless copyright fees are paid.

As many of the library's resources have increasingly transitioned to online or electronic formats, we have struggled with ways to ensure broad access to them for our university community. These devices allow us to circulate ebooks, newspaper and magazine content in a convenient format.

Ebooks & Periodicals Available

On the Kindle DX

The Kindle allows us to offer newspaper and magazine subscription access. These newspapers and magazines are automatically updated over the cellular phone data network, guaranteeing you can read the latest issues. Each Kindle has the same content:

Newspapers

• The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC)
• The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, NC)
• The New York Times
• The Wall Street Journal
• USA Today

Magazines

• Time
• Newsweek

Reference Books

• The New Oxford American Dictionary

On the Sony E-Reader

The Sony E-Reader is an ideal way to circulate ebooks to the university community. Each E-Reader is loaded with a different selection of books. You can even find E-Reader books in our catalog.

Checkout Policy

• Available for a two-week loan; no renewals allowed.
• They must be returned in person to the Circulation Desk; you will be responsible for any damage if you place it in the book drop or any other unsecured location.
• They cannot be immediately checked out after return; we need to examine, recharge and erase them. The device will be available for checkout the next business day.
• All files on the device will be deleted at check-in.

Fines & Fees

Damaged devices or parts will be charged to you at replacement cost. Fees may be assessed after the time of check-in if damage is discovered later.

Late Fees

• $10.00 per day after the due date (to a maximum of the replacement cost of the device).
• If not returned within 21 days after the due date, the device will be presumed lost. All your library privileges will be suspended and you will be charged the full replacement cost plus a $15.00 non-refundable processing fee.

Replacement Costs

F.D. Bluford Library provides current A&T faculty and registered doctoral students with access to a limited number of small, locked study rooms to facilitate research and writing projects. Applicants must be working on a specific project or research in order to be assigned a room. Studies are not conference rooms, offices, or retreats for projects not requiring frequent access to library resources.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete an application form.

Disbursement of Assignments

Since demand for study rooms exceeds the number available, two individuals are assigned to each study to accommodate as many requests for rooms as possible. In the event that there are more rooms than applicants, single occupancy may be assigned. Rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Length of Assignments & Renewals

Length of assignment is per semester with one renewal. Faculty and doctoral students may go through the application process again at the end of the second semester and their application will be reconsidered at that time. Occupants are asked to notify the library if they no longer need their study room before the designated period has ended.

Loss of Assignment

Failure to renew an assignment results in cancellation of the assignment.

Guidelines

1. Since the rooms are locked rooms, you will receive a room key. Please make sure that the door to the room is secure when you enter and leave. Keys are the property of North Carolina A&T State University and must be returned at the end of the assignment.
2. Only the individual assigned to the room is permitted to use it. Individuals who “loan” their room to unauthorized individuals may lose their study privileges.
3. All materials belonging to the Bluford Library and left in a room must be properly checked out to the occupant. Any items not checked out to the occupant will be returned to the Access Services Department for resolving as will non-ciculating materials such as periodicals and reference books. Periodic checks of the studies are made. The room occupant will receive a notice that uncharged material was found in the study.
4. Please report any lighting, temperature, or other building problems to the library's Administration Office, 336.285.4151.
5. Users are expected to maintain a quiet atmosphere and refrain from using devices (e.g., cell phones) that might disturb others.
6. The library assumes no responsibility for personal items left or stored in the rooms.
7. The library does not provide mail, telephone, or message services to the research studies.
8. Lights should be turned off after exiting the room.
9. The following are prohibited in rooms:
• Library materials that are not checked out to the room user.
• Furniture taken from other locations in the library.
• Taping, gluing, or attaching items to the walls.
• Smoking or using tobacco products.
• Coffee pots, hot pots, space heaters, and other equipment of this nature.
• Beverages which are not in covered, spill-proof containers.

A pattern of violations of these guidelines may result in forfeiture of the study room. Rooms are periodically inspected and are subject to being checked at any time.

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding the Study Rooms, please contact the Library Administration Office between 8am-5pm, M-F at 336.285.4151 or send an email to hughesp@ncat.edu.

We are a Federal Depository Library, collecting information in the areas of agriculture, business & economics, arts & sciences, engineering, education, nursing, and allied health & technology to meet the needs of the university family and the general needs of the public at large.

Contact Us

Email: lyonsi@ncat.edu
Phone: 336.285.4187 (during library hours or leave a voicemail if we are unavailable) 

Government Links

Federal Government

• GPO Access
• FirstGov
• Official US Executive Branch Websites (LoC)
• Thomas (Legislative Information via LoC)
• American Fact Finder (US Census)

Submit an ILL Request

What Is Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

Upon request, the ILL service of our Access Services department makes every attempt to find and borrow requested materials such as books, articles, conference papers, technical reports, dissertations and microforms from other libraries. We have no-charge reciprocal agreements with several neighboring universities and colleges.

What Is Document Delivery (DD)?

If none of our ILL partners have or will loan the requested materials, DD will attempt to acquire it. If any fees involved are higher than $10.00, you will be asked if you want to pay to obtain the item. A fee will also be charged for each additional request if you request more than ten (10) dissertations per year.

Who Is Eligible?

All faculty, staff and students in good standing (no outstanding charges or overdue materials) are eligible. If you do not return items or pay fees promptly, your privileges may be revoked.

How Do I Submit an ILL Request?

Before submitting a request, you must:

• Search our Catalog and establish that the item is not already available at the Bluford Library.
• Make sure that citations are complete and accurate, including not abbreviating journal titles and other crucial information.
• Tip: provide printouts of item information from other libraries or photocopies of bibliographies or reference lists to significantly speed up turnaround time.

All requests must be submitted via the online form; contact us (336.285.4164, circ@ncat.edu, or at the Access Services Desk on the first floor of the Library during open hours) if you need special accommodations under ADA guidelines.

Certain Items May Not Be Available

• Rare, fragile or hard to pack materials
• Reference books, theses, dissertations and books in special collections
• Entire volumes or issues of journals, newspapers or magazines

How Long Does ILL Take?

Many requests are filled within days, but some can take two to three weeks to arrive. You can speed up turnaround times by:

• Providing thorough, complete and accurate information about the item(s)
• Informing us of other libraries that own the requested material(s)

Photocopies can be obtained via DD usually with a two- to four-day turnaround.

Where Do I Pick Up My ILL Item?

We will notify you by telephone, email or campus mail upon the arrival of requested material.

We will attach a form to the front page of the item indicating:

• The date the item is due
• Where to return the item
• Instructions regarding renewals (if allowed)

Do not remove the form.

Pick up items promptly as some libraries only allow two to three week loans.

Paying ILL/DD Fees

Here is how we handle fees that arise from ILL/DD:

• An invoice will be included with the item and must be paid with a check before you may receive the material.
• If an invoice is forthcoming, it will be forwarded to you via campus mail or U.S. Mail. The invoice and check should be delivered back to F.D. Bluford Library, Interlibrary Loan
• Make checks payable to F.D. Bluford Library.

Terms of Borrowing

• The loan period, renewals, charges and conditions of use are determined by the originating library, not us.
• All items must be returned directly to the Access Services (Circulation) Desk on the first floor of the Library by the date indicated.
• Late items cannot be renewed; if a renewal is necessary (and allowed), it must be made at least one week before the item's due date.
• You are responsible for any late fees or replacement costs that accrue while you are in possession of the item(s). These costs are set forth by the originating library, not us.
• Items remain your responsibility until we receive them back at the Circulation Desk.

Limitations & Restrictions

• We may have to limit you to ten (10) pending requests if the volume of requests is too high. You may be asked to prioritize your requests.
• Requests may only be made for five (5) single articles from any periodical published in the last five (5) years, per calendar year.
• ILL materials cannot be placed on Reserve. ILL requests made solely to "teach" students how to obtain ILL materials cannot be honored.
• We will not accept nor process ILL requests received between December 12th to January 2nd.

Regional Borrowing Agreements

• The ULAC Cooperative Direct Borrowing Agreement
• The TALA Agreement

As many of the library's resources have increasingly transitioned to online or electronic formats, we have struggled with ways to ensure broad access to them for our university community. These devices allow you to experience using a tablet for study, research, classes and personal use.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can check out iPads?
  Only current N.C. A&T students, faculty and staff with a current ID.
• What is the check out time for iPads?
  iPads may be checked out for 5 days.
• What are the penalties for damaged or late iPads?
• The full cost of the iPad is $600.00
• Late fees are $15.00 per day.
• Fees may be assessed for damaged or missing parts.
• What can I do with an iPad?
• Access the internet
• Listen to music, watch videos
• Read books
• Access Bluford Library resources
• Where can I check out an iPad?
  At the Circulation Desk, Access Services Department
• What if I forgot my ID?
  You will not be allowed to check out an iPad without a current N.C. A&T ID at the time of checkout.
• Can I renew the iPad to keep it longer than 5 days?
  No. Due to high demand and limited quantity available, iPads must be returned at the due date for others to use.
• What if someone stole it? Can I get the costs waived?
• Absolutely not, borrowers are responsible for the full costs of the device and all late fees associated with it.
• You should report the device stolen as soon as possible to prevent late fees accruing.
• Can I download personal music files or videos to the device?
  Yes, but all personal files will be erased once the iPad is returned.
• Can I jail-break an iPad that I check out?
  No, jail-breaking voids the warranty and you will be charged replacement cost of the device. 

Checkout Policy

• iPads are available for checkout by current N.C. A&T students, faculty and staff on a "first come first served" basis.
• A current N.C. A&T ID must be presented at the time of checkout.
• iPads may be checked out for a five (5) day loan period; no renewals are allowed.
• Borrowers must wait 24 hours before they are able to check out another iPad.
• iPads must be returned in person to the Circulation Desk; you will be responsible for any damage if you place it in the book drop or any other unsecured location.
• Borrowers are responsible for any damages to the device, including but not limited to:
• Scratches on the screen
• Dents or scratches to the frame
• Theft
• Abuse or misuse of the iPad (whether accidental, unintentional or intentional damage)
• Borrowers will pay the full replacement costs plus a $15.00 non-refundable processing fee (for a total of $739.98) if the device and all accessories are lost, stolen or not returned.

Please Note Upon Return of the iPad:

• Access Services staff will complete a check-list to confirm all components are present and undamaged.
• iPads cannot be immediately checked out after return; we need to examine, recharge and erase them. The device will be available for checkout the next business day.
• All files on the device will be deleted at check-in.

Fines & Fees

Damaged iPads or parts will be charged to you at replacement cost. Fees may be assessed after the time of check-in if damage is discovered later.

Late Fees

• $15.00 per day after the due date (to a maximum of the replacement cost of the device).
• If not returned within 7 days after the due date, the device will be presumed lost. All your library privileges will be suspended and you will be charged the full replacement cost plus a $15.00 non-refundable processing fee.

Replacement Costs

Submit Your Work for Inclusion in the Aggie Digital Archives

The Aggie Digital Archives is a new service the library is providing to the university community. It will hold faculty publications, student projects, A&T theses and dissertations, and much more. Faculty are invited to submit books, articles, presentations, and other scholarly works that they have created for inclusion in the archive. These materials will be available permanently in the archives, and will be indexed for searching both within the university and through services like Google.

Submit your work for inclusion in the Aggie Digital Archives.

Contact Ms. Euthena Newman (336.285.4196) for more information.

Contact Us When You Want to Assign Your Students to Use Library Services & Resources

Work with us; we can help you by:

• Ensuring information, library resources & services required by the assignment can be found via our catalog and other interfaces.
• Confirming that specific resources needed by the assignment are available to meet demand.
• Recommending and assist placing items on reserve to ensure access to all of your students.
• Reducing student anxiety and frustration when trying to access library holdings, resources & services.
• Providing a library orientation & tour for your class.
• Working to allow sufficient time to prepare or acquire additional relevant or helpful resources.

How to Contact Us

• To directly place items and materials on reserve, see our Course Reserve Services for Faculty page.
• For a personal consultation with a reference librarian or to arrange a library orientation & tour for your class, contact the Reference Department at 336.285.4185 during reference hours (you may leave a voicemail if we are unavailable) or via email at refemail@ncat.edu.
• We have liaisons assigned for your department, see the liaison list for their contact information.

School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

College of Arts and Sciences

School of Business and Economics

School of Education

College of Engineering

Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering

School of Nursing

School of Technology