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.

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

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

• Macintosh Computers (Mac Pros featuring Adobe Creative Suite software,
  Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver & more)
• State-Adopted Textbooks
• Children’s and Young Adult Fiction and Nonfiction
• Big Books
• Videos & DVDs
• Ellison™ Shape-Cutting Machine
• Paper Cutter
• Classroom (equipped with overhead projector & drop-down screen)
• Video Viewing Station
• CD & Tape Listening Station
• Science & Math Kits
• Educational Databases
• Typewriters

Materials

Audiovisual

The audiovisual collection covers a broad range of topics relating to the university instructional program. Materials are intended for on-site use and short-term loan privileges. All LRC’s audiovisual titles are in the library's online catalog. We selectively acquire audio, videos, multimedia kits, and software. Other non-print materials housed in the center consist of films, filmstrips, sound recordings, slides, games, and photographs. We do not purchase materials for recreational use.

Curriculum Guides

Preschool through twelfth-grade curriculum guides from the state, regional, and national level are selectively collected. However, local curriculum guides are acquired comprehensively. All guides are maintained in either paper, microform, or online.

Juvenile Literature

Selective books appropriate for birth through young adult are housed in the LRC. Caldecott and Newbery award-winning honor books are also housed in the collection.

Professional Literature

Professional materials that support and enhance professional growth at all levels and subject areas are also collected. The professional literature consist of children's and young adult literature, idea and activity books, books that teach students how to write behavioral objectives and prepare lesson plans, etc.
Professional periodicals are housed with the regular serials collection.
Books about educational research, educational theory, or educational history are not housed in the Center; these materials are housed in the general collection.

Educational Software

A representative collection of exemplary computer software used in preschool through twelfth grade educational settings, and in adult education when appropriate, are acquired as part of the Center's collection. Software may represent utility programs such as desktop publishing programs and computer-assisted instruction for practice and tutorials.

Teaching Units

Sample units are an important part of the Learning Resource Center because they help teach students how to develop their own teaching units. Student-produced units are collected and labeled as such.

Textbooks

Textbooks in all curricular subjects for grades kindergarten through twelve may be found in the LRC. Textbooks that have been adopted by the local schools are acquired comprehensively, while other exemplary texts are selectively collected. The emphasis in the textbook collection is placed on materials that have been published within the last five years.
College level texts are not added to the collection.

Vertical Files

Pictures of animals, information about countries that have been received from embassies and other journal and newspaper articles are examples of materials that are located in vertical files. The vertical files will also contain information about local history and personalities on educational-related topics.

Internet Resources

Please see our Curriculum & Instruction LibGuide for an excellent collection of links to online resources.

Lesson Plans

• CEC Lesson Plans
• Global Schoolhouse
• Lesson Plans (http://lessonplanz.com/)
• Lesson Plans Page (http://www.lessonplanspage.com/)
• NC Standard Course of Study (Specific curriculum below)
• Arts Education
• Computer/Technology Skills
• Early Childhood
• English as a Second Language
• English Language Arts
• Guidance
• Healthful Living
• Information Skills
• Mathematics
• Second Languages
• Science
• Social Studies
• Career Technical Education

• Available for a three-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.
• Upon return of the device, we will confirm all components are present. You are responsible for any lost, missing or stolen components.
• 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.
• We are unable to provide technical support, mediation or training in using the player.

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

• $1.00 per day after the due date (to a maximum of the replacement cost of the device).
• If not returned within 30 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.
• Damaged players or components are subject to full replacement charges.

Replacement Costs

Borrowed materials need to be returned to the originating library directly; see participating libraries' addresses (PDF).

Here are links to the participating libraries' catalogs:

• Alamance Community College
• Bennett College
• Elon University
• Forsyth Technical Community College
• Greensboro College
• Guilford College
• Guilford Technical Community College
• High Point University
• North Carolina A&T State University
• Salem College
• University of North Carolina-Greensboro
• Wake Forest University
• Winston-Salem State University

Before visiting a participating institution, contact your home library to inquire about restrictions and policies. Also, call ahead to verify your eligibility to access what you seek from the library you plan to visit.

Read the entire TALA Agreement (PDF)

Courtesy of Z. Smith Reynolds Library, Wake Forest University.