Policies

Library Rules

While inside the library, there are things you have to remember.

1. When borrowing books

Remember that the most important thing you should always have with you when borrowing books and other materials is your valid UP ID. Without it, you can’t expect to bring Littlejohn home with you.

As mentioned earlier, you need to request the reserve books first and wait for the appropriate time before you can check the books out (see Reserve Books).

For circulation books, you need to look for them by yourself, with the help of OPAC. Once you have the readers with you and want to take them home, be sure to write the borrower’s info (name, college, and student number) on the card on the inside back cover of the book. That done, it’s off to the counter to record transactions and deactivate the security alarm.

2. On the security of belongings

As a standard procedure, you will be asked to deposit your bags at the baggage counter before you enter the library. You will be given a bag tag which you will use later on to claim your belongings.

The CMC Library staff, however, is not liable for any lost articles inside your bags. Be sure you don’t leave behind any valuable article you might regret losing for the rest of your life. Thieves are everywhere nowadays, and the CMC Library isn’t an exception.

3. Warning against would-be thieves

Thinking of sneaking out a few books or so? Banish the thought. The CMC Library is equipped with a security alarm placed on the sole entrance and exit door. Before you even step outside, you’ll hear the bleeps coming from the sensor.

If you still want to try it, be prepared to pay a fine of not less than P300 or 50% of the current cost of the book, whichever is higher, plus you face the risk of suspension or expulsion from UP upon the recommendation of the University Librarian through the Dean.

4. On proper shelving of books

The CMC Library is significantly understaffed, so without human consideration, you may want to help them by not leaving the books you browsed wherever you please. You can place them on the shelf labeled “Books for Shelving,” found in the Circulation Section. We would also like to request you refrain from intentionally misplacing a book (putting it on another shelf) so your classmates won’t be able to borrow it. Your classmates want to read the book as badly as you do, so don’t be selfish.

5. On vandalism

Are you the type who scribbles notes on borrowed books hoping that uncertainty might lead you to your one true love, just like the message in a bottle? Or, do you usually express your anger in writing, unfortunately, on a book you borrowed from the CMC Library? Well, time now to end those nasty habits of yours. The books from the library are not yours, so it is proper not to treat them as if they were. This means to stop yourself from highlighting portions of the book, no matter how badly your hands have been itching to grab that highlighter or from writing on it, much less tearing it into pieces. Others will borrow the book after you, so you should be kind enough not to give them a hard time.

6. Courtesy of the library staff

Being a librarian is no easy job, especially at the CMC Library, where the library is understaffed and library hours have been extended. If you think the librarians are The perfect people to vent your emotions to, whatever they may be, think twice before doing so. Don’t demand service beyond service hours; be a little patient if they can’t attend to you immediately. And don’t mind the look on their face if they may seem a bit bad-tempered or irritated. They might be tired, you know. One effective way to deal with librarians is to smile and be courteous.

7. Proper decorum

A library is a place for studying, reading, and searching for information sources to meet its patrons' learning, teaching, and research needs. Library stakeholders are expected to observe proper etiquette while inside the learning spaces. They should be considerate of other library users’ needs. They should refrain from engaging in disorderly conduct such as drunken behavior, creating disorder, tumult, breach of peace, or serial disturbance, gross and deliberate discourtesy, possession of prohibited drugs, or disruptive behavior such as excessive noise, bad discussions, scandalous acts, or improper conduct such as smoking, eating, and playing cards within the library premises.