Borrowing

All users must present a University ID card, with current year validation, in order to borrow Library materials. All loans are subject to recall by the Librarian at any time. Loan privileges are as follows:

• UWI Undergraduate students may borrow up to twelve (12) books from the General Collection at a time. They are allowed to borrow serials. Undergraduates can borrow (2) two Reserve items at a time either for use in the Library or on overnight loan.

• UWI Postgraduate students may borrow up to fourteen (14) items (including serials).

• UWI Academic and senior administrative staff may borrow up to nineteen (19) items (including serials).

• Total loan entitlements include four (4) Reserve items at any one time. These include two (2) Reserve items at a time either for use in the Library overnight as well as two (2) short loan items for three (3) or seven (7) days.

Postgraduates and members of the Academic and Research staff can borrow periodicals and other serials (excluding certain titles and newspapers which are not for loan) for a period of seven (7) days. These items are NOT renewable. The most recently received issue of a periodical may not be borrowed. In cases of special need, additional items may be loaned at the discretion of the Librarian. Members of Senior Administrative, Academic and Professional Staff are no longer subject to fines. They will however still be automatically blocked for overdue items.

UWI Cave Hill, Mona & Open Campus  
• Undergraduate and postgraduate students may borrow up to eight (8) general loan items for two (2) weeks.

• Loan entitlements do not include reserve loans.  TSR loans-  ‘In Library Use’ for 3 hours are permitted.
  • Academic and senior administrative staff and professional staff may borrow up to nineteen (19) items for one week.
  • Total loan entitlements include four (4) Reserve items at any one time. These include two (2) Reserve items at a time either for use in the Library overnight as well as two (2) short loan items for three (3) or seven (7) days.

Any variation of loan entitlements can be authorised by the Relief or Reference Librarian on duty.

Renewals
Items from the Reserve Collection cannot be renewed but patrons can renew 14 and 28 day loan items from the General Collection for an additional 7 days. However, certain conditions apply:
• items can be renewed once only;
• items cannot be overdue;
• if the item is on request, a renewal is not possible;
Renewals can be done in person or via the phone at 662 2002, Exts. 2132/4030.
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Returning
When the Library is open, all items borrowed from the General Collection must be returned to the Loans Counter. Items borrowed from the Reserve Collection must be returned to the Reserve Counter. When the Library is closed, all items can be returned via the Overnight chute (outside the Main Entrance to the Library). These items are cleared the following working day at 8.30 a.m.
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Fines
Fines are levied upon all late returns of Library materials. The following rates apply:

14 & 28 day Loan items $1.00 per day
Short Loans (3 & 7 days; 3 hours; Overnight) $1.00 per hour
Recalled items $1.00 per day

Users with fines of $1.00 or more are automatically blocked from borrowing. Users with overdue items from either the General or Reserve Collections will also automatically be blocked from borrowing. The maximum fine per item is $500.00. Failure to pay fines may result in loss of borrowing privileges and the placement of holds in the Banner system.

Library overdue notices are distributed only as a courtesy reminder. If users do not receive the notices, they are still responsible for returning all Library materials by the due date and are subject to all fines incurred. Users are responsible for notifying the Library of any address changes in order to receive courtesy notifications. Failure to pay fines promptly may result in loss of borrowing privileges.
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Lost and Stolen Books
Lost/stolen items must be reported at the Circulation or Help Desks immediately to prevent fines accumulating. If a stolen/lost item is not found, patrons are required to cover the cost of its replacement.
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Requests
Requests for items currently on loan can be made at the Loans Counter. When those items are returned, the items requested are held for a maximum of three days. An item request does not change the original due date, but it does prevent the current borrower from renewing it. When a book on loan is requested by another user, it may be recalled after it has been on loan for a minimum of seven days. A new due date is assigned and fines are charged for non-return of the item after the new date.

If an item cannot be located on the shelves, and it is not checked out, a search request for the item can be made at the Loans Counter. A full trace for a missing book may take as long as two weeks, but many of these books are found within one week. Users will be notified of the results of the request.
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Borrowing from Other Libraries (Inter-Library Loans/Document Delivery)

The Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery service supplies Main Library users with access to research materials that are not available in the Main Library's collection. Materials (including books, reports, theses, dissertations, government documents, microfilm or fiche, patents, conference papers, etc) are sourced from libraries nationally, regionally, and internationally. Allied to this service are:
1) A Faculty Copy Service for faculty members; and
2) An Interlibrary Loan Service for current UWI, St Augustine students, faculty and professional/administrative staff.
To request an inter-library loan or copies of articles not available at the Main Library electronically or in print, patrons should contact the Help Desk.

Download Interlibrary Loans/Document Delivery Request Form
Please note: The Interlibrary Loans/Document Delivery Request form is for use only by staff/students of The University of the West Indies.

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Complaints

Complaints regarding Loan related services should be addressed to the Help Desk on the Ground Floor. Forms are available for users to provide all pertinent complaint details. Users are notified on completion of the investigation.

If there is another matter concerning a service provided by the Division, please follow these procedures:

1) Inform a Library staff member
Inform the relevant Library staff member of the issue.

2) Speak to the Reference Librarian
If you feel that the matter has not been dealt with adequately, the Library staff member can summon or put you in contact with a Reference Librarian. After 4:30 p.m. during the Semester, or on Saturdays, you can speak to the Relief Librarian.

3) Contact Head – User Services Division
If matter has not been resolved to your satisfaction, you can communicate with the Head of the User Services Division. In so doing, please supply a valid email address and state the status of your Library membership. A response to your complaint will be provided in a timely fashion.

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Computing Services

The General Reference and Loans Division offers access to a variety of Computing Services to all UWI students, Faculty and staff including:
• Internet resources;
• Specialized databases and electronic journals;
• The online catalogue (OPAC) and exam papers;
• E-mail;
• Productivity applications (Minitab; WebCt; Microsoft Office; SPSS; Endnote; Ref. Manager);
• Wireless networking services;
• “24/7” services;
• Printing (black & white; colour);
• Basic instruction on navigating specialised online resources;


User Access

All members of The UWI community are authorized to access computing services at the Main Library. To obtain access, currently registered Faculty and students from

• Cave Hill
• Mona
• Hugh Wooding Law School
• Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business
• Exchange students (UWI St. Augustine)

must fill out a Computing Services Request Form at the Help Desk. They should have in their possession a current UWI ID.

Non- UWI users (UWI Alumni & External users) must apply for access to the Main Library’s computing services by filling out a Computing Services Request Form at the Help Desk.

The Staff at the General Reference and Loans Division will contact applicants (normally within 24 hours) regarding the outcome of the application.


Frequently Asked Questions

• Accessing the Library's Computing Services
• Making Reservations to use the computers on PHAROS
• Printing

Computer workstations are available in:

STARRS (St. Augustine Research & Reference Services)
Read Rules of Conduct >>
STARRS is located at the northern end of the Main Library, on ground floor. It is equipped with 39 computers, 1 black & white printer and 1 colour printer. Users at STARRS can:
• conduct research, download and print research material using online databases in various disciplines
• explore the Main Library’s Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)
use basic computer word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation graphics software
• explore the world-wide web
• send and receive email
STARRS can be accessed all night and on Sundays along with the Reading Room when the Main Library offers its 24/7 service.

UEC (User Education Centre)
Read Rules of Conduct >>
The User Education Centre (UEC) is located on the southern side of 3rd floor and is equipped with 17 computers and a colour printer. Users here can:
• access training on database use, catalogue use, citing sources, etc. conduct research,
• download and print material using online and CD-ROM databases in various disciplines
• explore the Main Library’s Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)
use basic computer word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation graphics software
• use the world-wide web to conduct research

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Contact Information

For additional information or clarification on the services of this Division, please contact the following:

General Reference and Loans Division
Mrs. Arlene Dolabaille
(868) 662-2002 Ext. 2336

Mrs Floris Fraser
(868) 662-2002 Ext 4026

Help Desk
(868) 662-2002, Ext. 2132, 4030.
You may also send your reference enquiry via fax (868) 662-9238,
or e-mail at refgmail@sta.uwi.edu

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Displays/Exhibits Bookings

Displays promoting educational, informational, or cultural concepts may be scheduled at the General Reference and Loans Division by UWI affiliated groups or organizations. In providing this service, The Main Library adheres strictly to current laws pertaining to libel, copyright, and pornography. In addition, the Library will exercise its right to impose reasonable restrictions on the time, place, and manner of use of its display facilities.
Persons desirous of putting up a display may collect and submit application forms from the Help Desk.

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External User Access

Non-university members are categorised as external users who may be granted free or fee based access. Such persons seeking Library access should direct their request to the Help Desk. They must complete an application and submit all relevant documents (outline of research to be performed; proof of organisational affiliation, etc). Researchers requiring access to the West Indiana and Special Collections Division must indicate this on their application. The completed application form is then forwarded to the Reference Librarian for approval. Once approval is granted, the person is registered and issued with a temporary ID card. No access renewals are allowed for this category of user.

Access to the Main Library for research purposes is granted when an information need cannot be met by other library services in Trinidad and Tobago and is subject to availability of accommodation. During peak examination periods no External User is permitted in the Library except with special permission. External Users are not allowed borrowing privileges. Differential costs and privileges may be applied for subsidized services.

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General Reference Enquiries

The General Reference and Loans Division provides assistance to UWI students, Faculty, staff and visiting researchers in finding appropriate information resources to meet their research needs. Users should visit the Help Desk where a member of the Division’s staff is ready to assist you.

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General Reference Resources

The materials in the General Reference collection are located on the Ground Floor next to the Help Desk. General Reference tools include encyclopedias and dictionaries, handbooks, bibliographies, indexing and abstracting sources, news resources, biographical dictionaries, directories, loose-leaf services, statistical and demographic materials, and atlases. The material in the collection is for reference purposes only and is generally not available for loan.

Though the bulk of these resources are print, an increasing number are available in electronic formats as well. A variety of available online general reference works include XREFERPLUS which contains over 200 e-books; Encyclopedia Britannica Online; the Oxford English Dictionary, etc. These resources are available on Campus via the e-resources link on the Library’s Homepage.

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Help Desk

The Main Library’s Help Desk is staffed throughout opening hours. Members of staff are happy to help with any queries regarding the Library’s services, resources and facilities.

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Reserve Collection

Reserve items are materials (books, excerpts from books; copies of journal articles;
periodicals, etc.) that have been placed in the Reserve Collection upon the request of Faculty.
The items may be owned by the Library or by the faculty member. Generally, these are high-use items with shorter circulation periods to accommodate high demand and there are fines for late returns.

To ensure an equitable circulation of Reserve items, there are strict loan periods and specified conditions of use: All materials in the Reserve Collection can be borrowed for use in the Library; many of the same titles are available for loan out of the Library (overnight or short loan).

A coloured strip across the spine of each Reserve item identifies the conditions of use:

COLOUR CODE	LOAN TYPE	LOAN PERIOD	FINE RATE
	SHL (Short Loan)	7 DAYS	$1:00 per hour or any part thereof
	SHL (Short Loan)	3 DAYS	$1:00 per hour or any part thereof
	RES DAY (Reserve Day)	3 hrs. Library use & Overnight (Day students) Due at 9:00 a.m. the following morning	$1:00 per hour or any part thereof
	RES EVE (Reserve Evening)	3 hrs. Library use & Overnight (Evening Students only) Due at 6:00pm the follow afternoon	$1:00 per hour or any part thereof
	RES NFL (Reserve Not For Loan)	3 hrs. For use in Library only	$1:00 per hour or any part thereof
	T.S.R. (Temporary Special Reserve)	3 hrs. For use in Library only	$1:00 per hour or any part thereof
	LECTURER’S NOTES & PERSONAL COPIES	3 hrs. For use in Library only	$1:00 per hour or any part thereof

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